When we think about osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs, our minds often jump straight to the hips and elbows, and with good reason. These are the most commonly affected joints, particularly in breeds predisposed to hip or elbow dysplasia. But OA doesn’t always follow the “classic” patterns. In fact, it can show up in far less obvious places, quietly affecting a dog’s comfort, mobility, and quality of life in ways that are easy to miss if we’re not looking for them.
Let’s take a closer look at the less-talked-about joints, the carpus, hock, digits, and even the spine, and explore how these atypical presentations can subtly change a dog’s movement, behavior, and day-to-day function.
Why Atypical OA Matters
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterised by cartilage breakdown, synovial inflammation, osteophyte formation, and changes in subchondral bone [1]. While large, weight-bearing joints are most often discussed, any synovial joint in the body can be affected. Atypical sites are often overlooked in general practice, especially when signs are mild or masked by compensation.
Carpal OA: The Silent Stiffness
The carpus is vital for shock absorption and flexion during locomotion. Arthritis in this joint may not cause overt lameness early on, but signs may include:
- Reluctance to jump or go downstairs
- Reduced range of motion in flexion
- Stiffness after rest
- Flattening or "pancaking" of the paw during stance
Radiographic evidence of carpal OA is relatively uncommon compared to hips or elbows, but it does occur, particularly in working dogs or those with a history of repetitive strain or trauma [2].
Hock OA: A Subtle Hind-End Saboteur
The tarsus (hock) is another joint that gets little attention until something goes wrong. Dogs with hock OA may show:
- Abnormal limb carriage (e.g., toe-touching or inward rotation)
- Difficulty navigating uneven terrain
- Decreased propulsion when running or climbing
- Overdevelopment of compensatory muscles in the lumbar or gluteal region
Hock OA can result from chronic instability, as seen in shelties or collies with tarsal injuries, or post-traumatic arthritis in active breeds [3].
Digits: When the Toes Take the Hit
The interphalangeal joints are small, but they bear significant force with each step. Toe OA often flies under the radar because:
- Dogs may simply appear “off” without clear lameness
- Owners may report vague signs like “slowing down”
- It’s often dismissed as age-related stiffness
Toe OA is particularly common in large breeds, senior dogs, or those with past ligamentous injuries. One study found interphalangeal OA in 13% of dogs undergoing full-body radiographs for unrelated conditions [4].
Axial Joints: Spine and Sacroiliac Involvement
Though technically distinct from appendicular OA, degenerative changes in the spine, including spondylosis deformans and facet joint OA, are increasingly recognised in ageing dogs. These changes can:
- Mimic hip OA symptoms
- Cause reluctance to jump or twist
- Lead to compensatory overload in thoracic limbs
Advanced imaging (CT/MRI) is often required to accurately assess these changes, but clinical suspicion should be high in dogs with back pain, hindlimb weakness, or poor response to traditional OA therapies [5].
Clinical Relevance: What to Watch For
In atypical OA, behavioral and functional changes are often more telling than overt lameness. Watch for:
- Shifting weight or frequent postural changes
- Persistent licking or chewing at a limb
- Avoidance of certain movements (e.g., digging, sharp turns)
- Reduced performance in working or sporting dogs
Gait analysis, palpation, and range-of-motion testing are essential to pick up subtle deficits. Diagnostic imaging can confirm, but shouldn’t replace clinical insight.
A Multimodal Mindset
Management of atypical OA is similar to classic OA but may require more targeted strategies:
- Manual therapies (osteopathy, physio, massage) can improve joint mobility and reduce compensatory strain.
- Low-impact exercise like underwater treadmill therapy helps maintain function without overload.
- NSAIDs, gabapentin, and disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs) are often used pharmacologically.
- Weight management remains critical, especially for distal limb and spinal OA [6].
Final Thoughts
Osteoarthritis in dogs is not always where you expect it, and that’s exactly why we need to stay curious. By widening our clinical lens beyond the hips and elbows, we can catch the quieter forms of OA early and intervene with strategies that truly make a difference.
References
- Johnston, S. A. (1997). Osteoarthritis. Joint anatomy, physiology, pathobiology, and basic treatment principles. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 27(4), 699–723. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0195-5616(97)50075-3
- Paster, E. R., & Bristol, D. G. (2003). Carpal and Tarsal Joint Disease in Dogs. Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian, 25(2), 110–122.
- Kapatkin, A. S., et al. (2002). Tarsal osteoarthritis: A retrospective study. Veterinary Surgery, 31(2), 127–132. https://doi.org/10.1053/jvet.2002.31763
- Morgan, J. P., et al. (1968). Skeletal dysplasias and arthropathies in the dog. Veterinary Radiology, 9(4), 122–131.
- Dewey, C. W., & da Costa, R. C. (2015). Practical Guide to Canine and Feline Neurology. Wiley-Blackwell.
- Moreau, M., et al. (2010). Clinical evaluation of a nutraceutical, carprofen and meloxicam for the treatment of dogs with osteoarthritis. Veterinary Record, 166(3), 72–77. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.b4713
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