Watching your older dog slow down, struggle to rise, or avoid play can be heartbreaking. You might wonder: Are these normal signs of arthritis in dogs, or could something else be going on?
The truth is, while arthritis is a common culprit, a more serious neurological condition known as IVDD can cause many of the same changes in senior dogs.
Because arthritis and IVDD can present similarly, it isn’t always easy to tell them apart. Let’s take a look at these conditions side by side to help you recognize when your dog may need specialized care.
Arthritis is chronic inflammation and the progressive breakdown of joint cartilage, often affecting the hips, knees, elbows, or shoulders. As joints deteriorate, signs of arthritis in dogs - such as pain, difficulty walking, or visible swelling - become apparent.
Arthritis is extremely common in senior dogs, especially large breeds, and worsens gradually over time.
There are two main types of IVDD in dogs. Hansen Type I is linked to body shape, particularly dogs with long backs and short legs, and typically presents suddenly and dramatically in younger dogs.
Hansen Type II, on the other hand, is a chronic, age-related degeneration of intervertebral discs. As these discs naturally lose moisture and elasticity over time, they can flatten and bulge into the spinal canal, compressing the spinal cord, causing pain and difficulty walking.
Similar to arthritis, Type II IVDD commonly affects older, larger dogs. However, IVDD can lead to irreversible damage if left untreated.
While both conditions can make your senior dog slow down or seem uncomfortable, there are subtle differences between the signs of arthritis in dogs and the neurological changes typical of IVDD.
Signs Common to Both
What Are Signs of Arthritis in Dogs?
What Are Clues Suggesting IVDD?
But sometimes, it’s not one or the other. Arthritis and IVDD can occur together, and symptoms can overlap.
When your senior dog shows signs of pain and mobility issues, your veterinarian will begin with a thorough examination and may recommend referral to an orthopedic specialist or board-certified neurologist for advanced testing.
Physical Examinations
An orthopedic exam will look for signs of arthritis in dogs by assessing joint movement, range of motion, pain during manipulation, swelling, and crepitus - the crackling, popping, or grinding sensation that can occur when affected joints move.
A neurological exam will look for signs of neurological dysfunction by evaluating gait, spinal reflexes, proprioception, limb strength, and spinal pain. This exam can detect subtle indicators of spinal cord involvement, even when your dog’s symptoms are mild.
Diagnostic Imaging
X-rays are useful for identifying arthritis, which often appears as narrowed joint spaces or small bony growths called osteophytes, or bone spurs, along the edges of joints. While X-rays can sometimes hint at disc degeneration, they can’t show spinal cord compression, the crux of IVDD.
To see what’s going on with the spinal cord, advanced imaging is necessary. MRI is considered the gold standard because it allows veterinary neurologists to visualize both the spinal cord and intervertebral discs in detail.
Both conditions share the same goal in treatment: keeping senior dogs comfortable, mobile, and happy. But because arthritis involves the joints and IVDD involves the spine, their management differs in some key ways.
When arthritis is the main issue, treatment focuses on easing joint inflammation and stiffness, protecting cartilage, and maintaining strength and mobility.
When IVDD is part of the problem, treatment depends on the severity and duration of spinal cord compression and neurological signs.
For some older dogs, arthritis and IVDD go hand in hand. Degeneration of joints and spinal discs can happen side by side, creating overlapping sources of pain and mobility issues. Managing these blended cases requires an approach that supports both joint and spinal health to address your dog’s quality of life.
Certain changes in senior dogs can suggest spinal cord compromise and require urgent attention. Even a gradual onset of symptoms can escalate quickly, and delaying care can reduce your dog’s chances of recovery.
Contact your veterinarian right away if you notice:
If left untreated, it is possible for IVDD to cause permanent damage, including paralysis.
Arthritis and Type II IVDD can look very similar in senior dogs, yet their causes and treatments differ. By understanding how they overlap, you can keep your senior dog comfortable and enjoy more good days together.
Southeast Veterinary Neurology (SEVN) specializes in diagnosing and treating neurological conditions like IVDD. If you think what you’re seeing might be more than just signs of arthritis in dogs, reach out to SEVN today.
With Florida hospitals in Miami, Boynton Beach, and Jupiter, plus a Virginia hospital in Virginia Beach, our team is here to find the answers you need - and bring comfort and joy back to every step.