What dog breeds have knee problems? What to Know

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Dogs who suffer from osteoarthritis will experience varying levels of pain and inflammation around their joints through out their lives. Larger, heavier breeds of dogs in particular are more likely to suffer from this condition. As we see more and more disease of over nutrition, this can be a big problem for larger breed puppies as their bones can grow more quickly that their bodies and they are more likely to participate in more intense physical activity at a early age before there joint shave stopped developing. These are two big factors that influence osteoarthritis development later on in life.

Here are the top ten breeds of dogs (in no particular order) that are most susceptible to joint problems:

Here are the top 10 breeds of dogs (in no particular order) that are most susceptible to this joint problem:

As you can see, just about all of these breeds of dogs are on the larger (to very large) side. The notable exception here is dachshunds. For the dachshund, the primary issue is that its back is so long and its legs are so short that it makes it far more susceptible to both spinal and joint issues. Other dogs that fall into the same general family as dachshunds, are bulldogs and basset hounds, are also predisposed to cartilage and joint problems, as well as elbow incongruity (one leg/elbow bone growing longer or differently than the other).

In general, though, it’s the bigger dogs that have the most to fear in terms of arthritis. While breeding is definitely an issue, the amount of weight the dog carries also plays a major role in the likelihood of developing arthritis. Even healthy dogs of larger breeds have a high likelihood of suffering from joint problems at some point in their lives. Those that become obese are adding even more weight and pressure to their joints. Therefore, it’s important pet owners make sure their dogs are getting the proper nutrition, staying lean and plenty of exercise.

Symptoms: How to Tell if Your Dog is Experiencing Knee Problems

We have all faced the challenge of trying to tell if our pup is in pain and wanted more than anything for a bark or whimper translator. Of course, that could also have its downfalls if all you get is: Squirrel! Park! Treat!

What dog breeds have knee problems?

Fortunately, there are telltale signs and symptoms of dog knee problems including:

  • Intermittent limping
  • Sudden intermittent loss of support in the rear legs
  • Sitting in an abnormal position
  • Not bearing weight on a hind leg
  • Lameness
  • Trouble rising from a sitting position or lying position
  • Suddenly less active
  • Constant licking
  • Swelling or thickening of the knee

    • While some dog knee problems are minor and will heal naturally, watch your pup carefully if he or she exhibits any of the above symptoms. If they last, seek the guidance of a veterinarian to diagnose the problem and discuss treatment options.

    What You Need to Know About Your Dog’s Knee Joints

    Your dog’s knees are located on the back legs between the thigh bone (femur) and the lower leg bones (tibia and fibula).  The dog knee joint is also called the “stifle” joint.

    Between the upper and lower leg bones is a kneecap, commonly called the patella. When the knee functions normally, the patella slides smoothly in a groove called the trochlear groove over the femur. There are strong ligaments in the knee at the top, bottom and on the sides. Ligaments attach thigh muscles to the kneecap on the top end and ligaments attach the patella to the tibia (also called the shin bone) on the lower end. Â There are also ligaments on each side of the knee called the medial and lateral patellar ligaments. The ligaments on the inside and the outside of the knee help keep the patella smoothly riding in the groove.

    Problems can occur when one of the ligaments tear, when a fracture occurs to the bones above, below or to the kneecap itself, or when there are genetic defects in the development of the knee joint such as an abnormal groove where the kneecap rides.

    All dogs have a risk of a knee injury but certain breeds are predisposed to the different genetic problems. Small breed dogs are more predisposed to a luxating patella and larger breeds are predisposed to ligament tears. However, any knee problem can occur to any dog.

    Here are a few breed predispositions:

  • Breeds predisposed to Fractures – Breeds that run free and unrestricted are at higher risk of trauma, such as being hit by a car.
  • Breeds predisposed to Luxating Patella – Patellar luxation is common in Yorkshire Terriers, Dachshunds, Pomeranians, Toy and Miniature Poodles, and BostonBulldogss. It is also seen occasionally in other breeds including Lhasa Apsos, Cocker Spaniels, Chow Chows, Bedlington Terriers, Australian Terriers, Japanese Chin, Shar-Pei, Tibetan Terriers, and Labrador Retrievers.
  • Breeds predisposed to Cruciate Ligament Tears – Cruciate ligament tears can occur in any breed but predisposed breeds include: Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, German shepherds, Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain dogs, Bullmastiffs, Chows, American Bulldogs, Akitas, and rottweilers.  For more information and details on cruciate ligament tears – go to Ruptured Cranial Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tears in Dogs.

    • Signs of knee injuries in dogs can vary. In some dogs, knee problems are identified on routine exams by your veterinarian and others are obvious by lameness.

    Knee problems or injuries are the most common reason a dog will limp or be lame on a rear leg. Lameness can be constant or intermittent. It is common for dogs with a cruciate ligament injury to be persistently lame while some dogs with a luxating patella will have intermittent lameness or even seem to “skip”. Some dogs experience little discomfort and are relatively asymptomatic. In fact, some dogs seem unaffected and are diagnosed because their owners feel the kneecap pop in and out, such as when their dog is on their lap.

    The best way to keep knee joints healthy is to keep your dog at an ideal weight. Obesity puts dogs at risk for injury and subsequent arthritis.  Additionally, if your dog hasn’t exercised for quite a while, don’t let him get extreme exercise. Prolonged inactivity followed by excessive exercise can be associated with knee injuries.  Because patellar luxation is considered a genetic condition, breeding dogs with this condition is not recommended.

    TPLO Chapter 2: Signs your dog may have a knee injury

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    Dog knee problems are common. There are a few different causes. Two of the most common causes are a luxating kneecap, commonly referred to as a luxating patella or patellar luxation, and the other is a cruciate ligament tear, commonly referred to as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. The focus of this article is to understand more about dog knee problems including how the dog knee joint works. We will discuss patellar luxation, treatment options, and costs for treating this disease.

    First, it is important to know about the dog knee joint to better understand the common problems and treatment options.