Diagnosis: Arthritis

Mojo is on bedrest for the next week.

A couple of months ago the vet told us that Mojo was getting a little chunky, that he needed to lose weight. We decided that he could get more exercise if we started going to the dog park more. But lately, every time we go to the dog park, he comes home limping.

The first time it was both front legs. He was just really stiff. He'd feel better if he walked around and in a few days he was walking normally. This happens every time we go to the dog park. He'd limp on his right front leg. Maybe it's a muscle thing? That he just needs to stretch. That he overworked himself.

Yesterday he went to the dog park and he was limping when he came home. He couldn't put any weight on his right paw. He'd yelp if you touched it. I was sad just to watch the dog was in so much pain and could barely walk anywhere.

This morning we took him to the vet. It had been going on too long for us to ignore it, to think it would go away. His walking was improved so were were almost worried the vet would laugh at us as over concerned parents, but something was obviously wrong.

Mojo hates putting on his harness. We have to angle his paws in. So this morning, he tried to run from getting the harness put on. At the vet, the vet came in and checked him paws. He said he noticed some carpal flexion issues. We told him Mojo wouldn't like his right paw to be flexed like he just did on his left. So the vet flexed Mojo's paw, the same as we do for the harness and Mojo let out the most blood curdling yelp.

The vet had seen Mojo trot on over to the scale (he lost three pounds since his last visit) so he knew it wasn't a mobility issue, but when Mojo yelped the vet knew something was wrong. So it was time for x-rays.

The vet gave us a CD of his Xrays. I thought that was pretty cool.

The vet showed us the X-rays. And to our relief, there was nothing really wrong: no stress fractures, popped tendons, etc.

But the bad news is Mojo has osteoarthritis and some bone spurs in his front limbs.

He's only three years old.

The fast stops at the dog parks put stress on his joints and aggravate the condition. So from now on, less dog park (at least until he's healed) and more walks.

He also needs to lose about 10 pounds. That should keep his condition from flaring up. To lose this weight, Mojo can't have any more cookies, just carrots, apples and green beans for treats. (He likes carrots and apples. We've never given him green beans.) We also need to either switch hin to a diet food or feed him 25% less food.

He's on anti-inflammatories and rest for the next 7-10 days. Poor guy.

Here's some info on canine osteoarthritis from Arthritis M.D.com

Mojo has all of the symptoms. He's stiff after the dog park, always asks for help getting into cars, he even sometimes sits down on walks when he doesn't want to go any further.

Symptoms of Canine Osteoarthritis:

At a young age, the signs of OA are acute joint pain and lameness. This acute phase of OA is often ignored and OA is generally diagnosed later in life when its chronic signs become more significant. Many owners first notice that their dog seems stiff after vigorous activity or when the dog first gets up after resting for a period of time (for example, upon waking up in the morning).  The dog will often warm out of stiffness when beginning an activity, but may refuse to perform strenuous activities altogether.  Dogs may be reluctant to jump into the car or go down stairs, and may lag behind on walks, or may appear slow to rise.  They may also seek warmth and soft, comfortable surfaces, and may lick or chew at the affected joint.  Dogs do not normally cry when in pain, so it is important to recognize other signs of OA pain.

Weight:  It is important that the dog maintain a normal weight; obese dogs should be put on a strict diet.  Lower weight leads to less stress on the joints, and this can help reduce the dose or frequency of drug administration, which, in turn, can reduce side effects. 

Exercise modification: A controlled, moderate exercise program performed consistently is best.  Moderate exercise can help maintain range of motion of the joint, maintain muscle mass, and promote cartilage health.  Exercise also helps with weight reduction.  The exercise level should be modified according to the needs of the individual dog.  If the dog seems stiff following a certain amount of exercise, it should be slightly reduced during the next activity period.