15.07.2025 – Munich / Buenos Aires
More than 6,000 X-rays of dogs over eight years of age were evaluated with the aim of determining the actual prevalence of osteoarthritis in major joints such as the shoulder, hip, knee, and elbow. The initial hypothesis: the majority of older dogs automatically show arthritic changes.
The result: only 40.3% of the examined dogs displayed such changes – significantly fewer than expected.
Age-independent – but breed- and weight-dependent
Interestingly, no increase in the frequency of osteoarthritis was observed with advancing age. Likewise, the severity did not automatically progress with age. In contrast, breed and weight proved to be much more relevant factors:
- Large breeds such as German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers were significantly more frequently affected than smaller or mixed-breed dogs.
- Body weight also showed a clear correlation with the extent of joint changes.
- Sex and neuter status, on the other hand, had no influence.
Context from International Research
The findings align with studies from the USA, such as those conducted at the Comparative Pain Research Center (NCSU), where a similarly high osteoarthritis prevalence (around 40%) was identified even in young dogs under four years of age. There, developmental disorders such as hip or elbow dysplasia – rather than age – are considered the main causes.
Interpretation
The study makes an important contribution to a more differentiated approach in diagnostics. It demonstrates that osteoarthritis in older dogs should not simply be dismissed as “age-appropriate.” Breed-specific predisposition, developmental disorders, and body weight – not merely the year of birth – are decisive factors in assessment. This is relevant not only for diagnosis, but also for therapy and prevention.
→ Click here to access the original study
Editor’s note: A key factor not mentioned here is the extent of physical activity or strain, which has been proven to affect the development of osteoarthritis. Additionally, the spine was not included in the studies, as they focused only on the larger joints. It would be interesting to explore whether the results can also be applied to smaller joints.
Pic: Pixaby
