Arthritis

• This condition generally affects dogs in their middle to senior years. Affected dogs have trouble climbing stairs, getting up from laying down, and have pain while walking and a general reluctance to move around.
  
  

Hip Displaysia

• This is a hereditary disorder where the ball and socket part of the joints in the rear legs do not fit snugly. This condition often causes a typical ''bunny hop'' gait, pain, general reluctance to move about and often requires corrective surgery (depending on its level of severity).
  
  

Elbow Displasia

• This condition affects the joints in the the dog's front legs when the top of the dog's ulna is not fused to the rear point of the elbow as it is supposed to be. Affected dogs develop lameness and pain when their elbow joint is extended.
  
  

Osteochondrosis Dissecans

• This joint disease is caused by a defect in the structure of the cartilage's surface found on the elbow, knee, hocks and stifle joints. Treatment consists of surgically removing the defective cartilage.
  
  

Luxating Patella

• This condition occurs mostly in small dogs and takes place when the knee cap moves out of place. When this occurs, the dog will yelp and keep the affected leg lifted until the knee cap slips back in place.