Does my dog have arthritis

Question
Hi Hilary.  I have a big Malamute...about 120lbs...I took him to the beach for a run yesterday and this morning i notice he is yelping when he walks.  I moved his legs around and he's not happy with that, both front and back legs.  If this is arthritis, what can i give him? He is only 4 years old...what test will the vet do to see if he has arthritis?  Does this mean he can't run anymore? Thanks, Alyssia

Answer
Hi Alyssia!  This could be due to arthritis, or he could have torn a ligament in one of his legs, but is painful everywhere because of it.  I would definitely take him to your veterinarian.  Your vet will do an x-ray of your dog to be sure there are no torn ligaments or fractures.  If nothing shows up in the x-ray, he will probably put your dog on a medication called Rimadyll.  This drug is used for arthritic dogs.  After the dosage of this medication, another follow up vet visit will take place.  If your dog is better at this time, this may have been caused by muscle pain.  If he needs more Rimadyll, it very well may be arthritis.  Your dog will be able to run again.  You just need your veterinarian to pinpoint what exactly is going on and correct it.  Please let me know how he does!
Hilary