Risks and predispositions for canine osteoarthritis
Researchers evaluated sixty-two papers reporting risk factors for canine osteoarthritis.
The results of this review suggest six key risk factors associated with canine joint diseases.
Genetics
Genetics is seemingly the most influential risk factor, with 21 papers discussing genetics having a significant relationship with specific joint diseases.
Conformation
Ten studies highlighted that joint disease is affected by conformation, particularly relating to body and leg size, and joint angles required by breed standards.
Traits such as low pelvic muscle mass were reported to increase risk of hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis, whilst tibial tuberosity width and angle were associated with increased risk for cruciate ligament disease.
Breeding to reach desired breed conformational appearances and possible inadvertent co-selection of undesirable musculoskeletal conformations can have detrimental effects.
Breed
Breed was a consistent finding as a common risk factor for joint disease, reported as a risk factor by 17 papers. Certain breeds are discussed as having particular predisposition and risk of joint diseases as a result of both conformation related to breed standards and genetic/heritability components, increasing the likelihood of the development of joint disease.
Breeds including Rottweiler, Golden Retriever, and Labrador Retriever were found to have increased risk of cruciate ligament rupture with smaller breeds generally having decreased risk.
Higher hip and elbow dysplasia prevalence was apparent in larger breeds such as Mastiffs, Boxers, Italian Corso dog, German Shepherds, Golden and Labrador Retrievers, and Bernese Mountain dogs.
Smaller breeds such as Pomeranians, Chihuahua, Yorkshire terrier, and French Bulldog had higher odds of developing patellar luxation compared to crossbreeds.
Body Weight
Body weight was another important risk factor associated with joint disease development identified here. Overweight dogs were significantly more likely to develop cruciate ligament disorders, with obesity almost quadrupling the risk. Having higher body weight related to size or body condition increased the risk of developing elbow arthrosis.
No significant association between type of diet and elbow and hip diseases was found; however high fat intake was positively associated with hip and elbow disease.
Non-restricted feeding during growth and development has also been identified as a risk for developing both hip dysplasia and secondary hip osteoarthritis potentially a result of increased mechanical load in weight bearing joints.
Sex and Neuter Status
Neutered individuals were significantly more likely to have a joint disease compared to intact animals in all studies.
Age
The incidence may not be higher in older dogs but the prevalence would be expected to be higher in older dogs. Although osteoarthritis may begin at any age, it may not be until it is clinically fulminant and reaches a more advanced stage that it is recognized.
Other Factors
Other notable risk factors reported by the literature include month of birth and early life factors such exercise levels and type. Those born in months that offer more favorable weather for exercise opportunities had increased risk of joint disease development. This is further supported through findings that identify exercise levels and types (such as chasing balls/toys and regularly playing with other dogs), throughout life but particularly when young, are risk factors for joint disease development, due to over-use of and damage to (developing) joints
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