orthopedic diseases in dogs can be developmental, hereditary, traumatic, or degenerative. because of the active nature of dogs, injuries happen frequently. one of the most common of these is an anterior cruciate ligament injury, a condition which often requires surgery. bone fractures are a frequent occurrence in outdoor dogs due to trauma from being hit by cars. degenerative joint disease is common in older dogs and is one of the most likely reasons for prescription of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.