Diagnosing arthritis in dogs typically involves a combination of a thorough physical examination, a review of the dog’s medical history, and diagnostic tests. Here are the common steps involved in diagnosing arthritis in dogs:
Your veterinarian will conduct a comprehensive physical examination of your dog, evaluating their gait, joint mobility, and any signs of pain or discomfort. They will also discuss your dog’s medical history and any observed symptoms.
X-rays are commonly used to assess the condition of the joints and identify any abnormalities, such as joint damage, narrowing of joint spaces, or the presence of bone spurs. X-rays can help confirm the presence of arthritis and determine its severity.
In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend joint aspiration, which involves extracting a small amount of joint fluid for analysis. This can help identify inflammation, rule out other joint diseases, or detect underlying infections.
While there is no specific blood test to diagnose arthritis, blood tests can be helpful in ruling out other potential causes of joint pain and inflammation, such as infections or autoimmune disorders.
In some instances, additional imaging techniques such as ultrasound or MRI may be recommended to provide a more detailed assessment of joint structures, particularly in complex cases or to evaluate soft tissue damage.