General diseases of the dog's musculoskeletal system

Various diseases can affect the dog's musculoskeletal system. This is all the worse for this dog because it is his legs and his movement that define him as a dog. We would therefore do well to always pay close attention to our dog's musculoskeletal system.

• Arthritis/joint inflammation: It can have different causes, but is very painful and is often accompanied by fever. An acute illness requiring veterinary assistance.
• Osteoarthritis/degenerative disease of the joints: Disease caused by wear and tear, but which goes beyond regular, age-related wear and tear. Various causes are known.
• Hip dysplasia: A hereditary disease that leads to maldevelopment of the joint.
• Elbow dysplasia: Like hip dysplasia only in the elbow. Both diseases can develop into a painful picture.
• Cauda Equina Compressions Syndrome/Lumbosacral Stenosis: A pattern of paralysis that usually builds up over time and goes unnoticed, only to become highly acute with a single, wrong movement. The nerve cords that innervate the animal's hind legs as well as the rectum, bladder and tail are affected.
• Bursitis/bursitis: This often occurs when the dog is overworked. This is often too intensive training at the dog park.
• Disc prolapse/herniated disc: Various dog breeds have an inherited potential for this problem. It can affect dogs of all ages.
• Cruciate ligament rupture: It occurs as a result of acute or slowly developing trauma. The larger the dog, the more attention must be paid to weight in order to avoid cruciate ligament rupture.
• Spondylosis / degenerative spine disease: It occurs due to wear and tear, but also hardening of the elastic elements of the spine. This reduces the elasticity and resilience of the spine, which leads to further problems in the entire musculoskeletal system.
• Tendopathies/tendon diseases: There are various problems that can occur with the tendons over the course of a dog's life. A strain caused by playing with other dogs, a strain with age. Excessive demands during dog sports can also cause damage to the tendons.
• Myopathies/muscle diseases: Muscle problems can also manifest themselves in different ways. In addition, the causes can be found in all areas of life. Especially in winter, when it is cold and wet, high demands are placed on the muscles.

Some of these diseases are breed-related. In some cases, a tendency towards a specific problem of the musculoskeletal system is inherited. It is therefore advisable to always keep an eye on the animal's gait and the dog's reactions. It's best to get used to it so that you can notice even the smallest change and react immediately. Sometimes it's a tight muscle that becomes noticeable. Sometimes it is an acute trauma, so a trip to the vet is unavoidable. It is important that you know how your dog moves when he is well. You can definitely notice the difference quickly if you pay a lot of attention.