How is Arthritis Diagnosed in Dogs?

The first step in diagnosing arthritis is your dog’s vet giving them a physical examination. The vet will do a palpation too (examining your dog by touch to locate pain and assess its intensity).

It’s quite likely that your vet will then recommend further imaging, starting with X-Rays, CT or MRI Scans. An arthroscopy might also be suggested. This is investigative keyhole surgery, but should the surgeon see any chips of bone, or cartilage, that can be removed during the procedure, then it’ll be taken out.  

Blood and urine tests can sometimes also be done, as a way of eliminating other conditions as the cause of symptoms. And if your dog’s found to be suffering any comorbidities, that may impact the medication your dog’s taking for the arthritis. So having an accurate and complete picture of your dog’s health at this point is really essential. Blood and urine tests can help build this picture.

Samples may also be taken of the joint fluid for further diagnostics.

Once a diagnosis is made you and your vet can decide upon a treatment plan.

Read more about Arthritis in your dog - Causes, Prevention and How to Help here

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