Deciphering the complex interplay between body condition, weight, life style factors and severity of joint disease over time in dogs

Diseases in the locomotor apparatus is a welfare problem and one of the three most common causes of mortality in dogs.

Hip (HD) and elbow (ED) dysplasia are complex developmental joint diseases, which can progress into osteoarthritis, a painful chronic condition.

Genetic predisposition and specific life style factors contribute to this development, and overweight seems to be a major contributing factor.

The proposed project aims to elucidate the interplay between genetic constituents, life style factors, metabolic and inflammatory pathways in the development of overweight and its role in the risk of osteoarthritis in dogs with HD and ED.

We will use a combination of analyses of prospectively acquired clinical data and existing large-scale data. 1/ We will quantify associations between body weight (BW), body condition, life style factors, and degree of HD and ED in young adult dogs. 2/ We will determine how changes in body condition, BW and life style factors over time is associated with development and severity of hip and elbow joint disease, and changes in metabolic and inflammatory markers. 3/ We will elucidate the genetic constituent of BW in selected breeds using a database of 115.000 young adult dogs of different breeds.

The project will provide evidence-based mitigating actions directed at dog owners, breeders, veterinarians and major dog organizations – thus promoting improved quality of life and longevity in dogs affected by osteoarthritis.