Immune-mediated polyarthritis in Dogs

Category: Bone & Joint
Breeds documented: 17
Published sources: 9

Overview

The immune system can trigger inflammation in the lining of several joints, making them painful and swollen. This is called immune-mediated polyarthritis. The inflammation is not caused by an infection inside the joints, although illness elsewhere in the body can trigger the immune response. Some dogs also have fever, low energy or poor appetite. In many cases, no underlying trigger is identified.

Signs to watch for

Limping that shifts between different legs.
Swollen or painful joints.
Reluctance to get up or move around.
Low energy and a reduced appetite.

It commonly affects young to middle-aged adults.

When to get help Book a vet visit promptly if you notice swollen joints or shifting leg lameness.

Diagnosis and tests

The vet collects fluid from several joints for examination under a microscope. Samples are also checked for infection, because infected joints can cause similar signs. Blood tests, urine tests and imaging may help look for an underlying illness. X-rays can show whether there is damage to joint surfaces.

Breeds with documented risk

17 breeds

By breed size

1 Toy
7 Small
3 Medium
5 Large
1 Giant

All 17 breeds, A to Z

Bernese Mountain Dog Source pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cairn Terrier Source arfcv.fr

Dachshund Source pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

English Cocker Spaniel

German Shepherd Sources onlinelibrary.wiley.com pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Golden Retriever Source pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Irish Setter Source pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Labrador Retriever Source pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mini Cockapoo Source arfcv.fr
Miniature Schnauzer Source arfcv.fr

Rottweiler Source pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Shetland Sheepdog Source pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Shih Tzu Sources onlinelibrary.wiley.com pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Standard Cockapoo Source arfcv.fr

Toy Cockapoo Source arfcv.fr

Vizsla Source arfcv.fr

Whippet Sources onlinelibrary.wiley.com pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov arfcv.fr

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.