Your dog has been limping for a week. You have been searching "arthritis in dogs" and reading about joint stiffness. But what if the problem in that joint has nothing to do with arthritis at all?

This is more common than you think. Arthritis is one cause of joint pain but the joint is a complex structure made of cartilage, ligaments, tendons, bones, fluid, and a protective lining called the synovial membrane. Any one of these parts can go wrong in its own way. Some of these conditions affect young puppies. Some hit large breeds during their fastest growth phase. Some are caused by infection, by the dog's own immune system turning against itself, or even by cancer.

Getting the right diagnosis not just assuming "arthritis" is the difference between treatment that works and treatment that misses the point entirely.

Key Takeaways

• Joint disorders in dogs go far beyond arthritis there are at least 8 distinct conditions that cause limping, swelling, and joint pain.
• Some of these conditions, like Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease and patellar luxation, are hereditary and affect specific breeds.
• Osteochondrosis and elbow dysplasia are developmental conditions that typically appear during the rapid growth phase in large-breed puppies.
• Septic arthritis and immune-mediated arthritis require entirely different treatments infection needs antibiotics, immune conditions need immunosuppressants.
• Cruciate ligament tears are the single most common joint injury in dogs and can be mistaken for everyday lameness.
• Most of these conditions are diagnosable with X-rays, joint fluid analysis, and physical examination a vet visit is essential before starting any treatment.

What Are Joint Disorders in Dogs?

A joint is where two or more bones meet. In a healthy joint, everything works together smoothly cartilage cushions the bone ends, fluid lubricates the movement, and ligaments keep the whole structure stable.

Joint disorders are any conditions that disrupt this system. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, joint disorders may be:

• Congenital — present at birth due to abnormal development
• Degenerative — caused by deterioration over time
• Traumatic — caused by injury
• Immune-related — triggered by the dog's own immune system
• Infectious — caused by bacteria or other pathogens
• Cancerous — caused by tumours growing in or around the joint

Arthritis (degenerative joint disease) is the most well-known of these, but it is often a result of other underlying conditions not the condition itself.

Think of it this way: when a roof leaks, the water stain on the ceiling is visible. But the actual problem could be damaged tiles, a cracked gutter, or poor insulation. Arthritis is often the stain. These eight conditions are the actual damage you need to find.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease: When the Hip Bone Loses Blood Supply

What is it?

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (also called aseptic necrosis of the femoral head) is a condition where the top of the femur the ball part of the hip joint loses its blood supply and begins to deteriorate.

The femoral head, as it is called, is the rounded top of the thigh bone. It normally sits snugly inside the hip socket. When blood stops flowing to it properly, the bone tissue begins to die and collapse. The hip joint cannot function normally after that.

Who gets it?

This is primarily a condition of young, small-breed dogs — Miniature Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, Chihuahuas, Pugs, and similar toy breeds. It typically appears between 5 and 12 months of age. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that the exact cause is unknown, though it may be hereditary in Manchester Terriers.

The condition can affect both hips at the same time.

What does it look like?

• Hindlimb lameness — your dog favours one or both back legs
• Thigh muscle wasting — the muscle on the affected leg becomes visibly thinner
• Pain on movement — your dog reacts when you move the hip joint
• Over time, signs of degenerative joint disease appear

How is it treated?

X-rays can confirm the diagnosis by showing characteristic changes to the femoral head. Treatment involves surgical removal of the femoral head and neck, followed by physical therapy to encourage the dog to use the limb again. Most dogs recover very well after this procedure.

If your small-breed puppy is limping and seems to be in hip pain, do not assume it is a sprain. Legg-Calvé-Perthes is a real and treatable diagnosis but only if you get an X-ray done.

Patellar Luxation: When the Kneecap Slips Out of Place

What is it?

The patella is the kneecap the small bone that sits in a groove at the front of the knee joint and helps the leg straighten properly. In patellar luxation, the kneecap slips out of this groove. The technical word "luxation" simply means dislocation.

This is a hereditary condition caused by abnormal development of the kneecap and the groove it sits in. It is also associated with other hindlimb deformities the hip joint, thigh bone, and shin bone may all be slightly affected.

Who gets it?

Patellar luxation is extremely common in small-breed dogs especially Pomeranians, Pugs, Chihuahuas, Spitz dogs, and Toy Poodles. It can, however, occur in dogs of any size and any age.

What does it look like?

The signs depend heavily on how severe the displacement is. The Merck Veterinary Manual classifies this in four grades:

A skipping gait where the dog hops on three legs for a few steps and then resumes normal walking is the classic sign of mild patellar luxation.

How is it treated?

X-rays confirm the severity. Treatment ranges from minor surgical procedures for Grade 2 to full bone surgeries for Grades 3 and 4. Mild to moderately affected dogs generally recover fully with the right surgery.

Osteochondrosis: When Cartilage Fails to Form Properly

What is it?

During growth, the ends of bones are originally made of cartilage, which slowly converts into hard bone. Osteochondrosis is a disruption in this process the cartilage does not convert properly, cracks under stress, and can even detach from the underlying bone.

When a piece of cartilage separates and floats inside the joint, it is called OCD (Osteochondritis Dissecans). These fragments are sometimes called "joint mice" because they drift around inside the joint space.

The loose cartilage triggers joint inflammation, which left untreated leads to permanent arthritis and severely limits joint movement.

Who gets it?

This is a condition of medium and large dogs that grow quickly Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Great Danes are particularly prone. Diet plays a role: high-calorie, high-growth diets and rapid weight gain increase the risk. Heredity and trauma may also contribute.

In India, where many large-breed dogs are fed homemade food (roti, dal, rice, or boiled chicken without proper calcium-phosphorus balance), developmental bone and cartilage conditions can appear earlier than expected.

What joints does it affect?

• Shoulder joint (most common)
• Inside of the elbow joint
• Stifle (knee) joint
• Hock (ankle) ridges

What does it look like?

• Lameness — typically starting between 4 and 8 months
• Fluid in the joint — visible swelling
• Stiffness, especially after rest

How is it treated?

Your vet may use X-rays, CT scans, or arthroscopy (camera inside the joint) to assess the damage. Treatment involves surgical removal of the cartilage flaps or loose fragments. The outlook is excellent for shoulder OCD, good for the stifle, and fair for elbow and hock joints.

To read about how excess calcium supplementation in puppies can accelerate osteochondrosis and other developmental joint conditions, see Giving Calcium to Your Puppy? You Might Be Causing the Problem.

Elbow Dysplasia: A Common but Often Missed Cause of Front Leg Lameness

What is it?

Elbow dysplasia is an umbrella term for several developmental abnormalities of the elbow joint in young, rapidly growing large-breed dogs. It involves problems with bone growth, cartilage development, or the way joint forces are distributed. The Merck Veterinary Manual describes it as one of the most common causes of elbow osteoarthritis in dogs.

Who gets it?

Elbow dysplasia is most common in large breeds Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and German Shepherds. It often develops between 4 and 8 months of age, but some cases are not diagnosed until the dog is over a year old.

What does it look like?

• Front leg lameness that develops slowly
• The joint may appear stiff or unable to move freely
• In advanced cases: osteoarthritis, joint fluid buildup, and a grating crackling sound
• Both elbows should always be checked the condition often develops in both simultaneously

Many Indian pet parents see their Labrador or German Shepherd pup limping in the front legs around 5–7 months and assume it is an injury. Elbow dysplasia looks exactly like a soft tissue injury. An X-ray is the only way to know for certain.

How is it treated?

Surgery before degenerative changes set in gives the best outcome. Post-operatively, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, prescribed by your vet) help manage pain. Joint fluid modifiers can also support recovery.

Septic Arthritis: When a Joint Gets Infected

What is it?

Septic arthritis (also called infectious arthritis) occurs when bacteria reach the inside of a joint either through the bloodstream, through a puncture wound, or following surgery. Other infectious agents can also cause this, including:

• Rickettsia — the bacteria behind tick-borne diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever and ehrlichiosis
• Borrelia burgdorferi — the spirochete behind Lyme disease

This is why tick control matters so much, especially in India where tick exposure is common year-round.

What does it look like?

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the signs are:

• Lameness — usually sudden and affecting one joint
• Swelling and pain in the affected joint
• Fever — your dog may feel warm to the touch
• Listlessness and loss of appetite
• Stiffness

How is it diagnosed?

Joint fluid is removed (a procedure called arthrocentesis or joint tap) and analysed for bacteria and inflammatory cells.

How is it treated?

Treatment requires antibiotics given orally or intravenously depending on severity. The joint cavity may also be flushed. In severe cases, surgical debridement (removal of dead or infected tissue) is necessary.

Septic arthritis is a medical emergency. If your dog develops sudden severe joint pain and fever, especially after a bite wound, a surgery, or significant tick exposure, get to a vet the same day. This condition can permanently destroy a joint if not treated immediately.

For dog owners in areas with heavy tick exposure rural Maharashtra, coastal regions, forested suburbs — tick prevention is directly connected to joint health. See our guide on tick and mosquito-borne blood parasites in dogs to understand which infections to watch for.

Immune-Mediated Arthritis: When the Body Attacks Its Own Joints

What is it?

In immune-mediated arthritis, the dog's own immune system mistakenly attacks the joint tissue. This is an autoimmune condition the same general mechanism as rheumatoid arthritis in humans.

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, there are two main types:

Erosive immune-mediated arthritis destroys joint cartilage and the bone beneath it. Examples include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Greyhound polyarthritis

Non-erosive immune-mediated arthritis causes inflammation and joint fluid buildup without destroying the joint structure. The most common form is immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA), which is often idiopathic (the cause is unknown). Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is also a non-erosive form.

Who gets it?

Immune-mediated polyarthritis is more common in certain breeds. Chinese Shar-Pei, Akita, Doberman, Samoyeds, and Spaniels are known to be more prone. However, any breed can develop it.

What does it look like?

• Lameness, pain, and swelling in multiple joints simultaneously — this is key. Arthritis usually starts in one joint. Immune-mediated conditions typically affect several joints at once.
• Shifting lameness — the limb that appears most affected may change from day to day
• Fever, generalised illness, and loss of appetite
• Signs that come and go — some weeks better, some weeks worse

How is it diagnosed and treated?

X-rays, blood tests, joint fluid analysis, and sometimes a joint tissue biopsy are used together to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment involves anti-inflammatory medications and immunosuppressive agents (medications that calm down the immune system). The outlook is variable. Relapses are relatively common.

Never assume that a dog limping on multiple legs is just "tired from too much play." Shifting lameness across multiple joints especially with fever warrants a vet visit immediately.

Cancerous Arthritis: A Rare but Serious Cause of Joint Swelling

What is it?

Joint swelling can occasionally be caused by cancer specifically a tumour called a synovial cell sarcoma. This tumour grows from the synovial membrane, which is the lining inside joints.

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, by the time of diagnosis, cancer has already spread to the lungs in approximately 25% of cases. This underlines why unexplained, persistent joint swelling that doesn't respond to treatment must be investigated thoroughly.

What does it look like?

• Lameness — gradual and progressive
• Joint swelling that does not resolve with rest or medication
• X-rays show soft-tissue swelling and a reaction around the bone

How is it treated?

A biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment typically involves amputation of the limb. The prognosis depends heavily on whether the cancer has spread.

This is a rare condition, but it's why persistent joint swelling that does not respond to standard treatment must always be taken seriously. If your vet is treating a swollen joint as arthritis and it is not getting better, request a biopsy or specialist referral.

Joint Trauma: Torn Ligaments, Dislocations, and Fractures

Not all joint problems come from within. Trauma impacts, falls, collisions, missteps can damage the structural components of a joint in several ways. Here are the most common types.

Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Tear

The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is the dog's equivalent of the ACL in humans. It sits inside the knee (stifle) joint and prevents the shin bone from sliding forward under the thigh bone. When it tears, the knee becomes unstable.

This is, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the most common joint injury in dogs.

Cruciate tears are more likely when the joint is already weakened by degeneration, immune system problems, or conformation defects (such as dogs with very straight hind legs). Partial tears are common and may present as reduced ability to bend the knee rather than a complete inability to walk.

Signs:

• Sudden lameness in a hind leg sometimes severe, sometimes moderate
• Joint swelling and pain
• A grating sound when the joint is moved
• The joint may feel abnormally loose
• A clicking sound may indicate cartilage damage alongside the ligament tear

Treatment: Physical therapy, weight management, and anti-inflammatory medications help manage pain. For active dogs, surgery to stabilise the knee is the recommended long-term solution. Multiple surgical options exist. Recovery requires post-operative physiotherapy.

Dislocation of the Hip

Hip dislocation occurs when the head of the femur is forcefully pushed out of the hip socket, usually due to trauma (being hit by a vehicle is a common cause in India).

Signs:

• Lameness and severe pain on hip movement
• One hind limb looks shorter than the other
• The dog refuses to bear weight on the affected leg

Treatment: Closed manipulation (moving the joint back into place without surgery) combined with a sling may work in some cases. More complex dislocations need surgical stabilisation using sutures, pins, or even total hip replacement. The outlook for recovery is usually excellent.

Dislocation of the Elbow

Elbow dislocation usually results from a trauma a fall, jump, or collision. The dog will typically hold the affected front leg up and refuse to put any weight on it.

Treatment: Surgery is usually required, but the prognosis for full recovery is excellent.

Ankle (Tarsal) Fractures and Ligament Damage

Injuries to the ankle (tarsus) are common in dogs that have been hit by a vehicle. The dog will hold the leg up and the foot may swing in unusual directions because of loose attachment after the injury.

Treatment: Surgery to repair bones and ligaments. Prognosis is good.

Joint Fractures

The shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle are the joints most commonly involved in fractures. In young dogs, the growth plate the area at the ends of bones where new bone is forming is particularly vulnerable. Injuries to a growth plate can cause limb deformities if not treated properly.

Signs: Lameness, pain, swelling, and in young dogs, potentially visible limb deformity.

Treatment: Pins, wires, or screws to hold the fracture in proper alignment while it heals. The prognosis is good when joint damage is not severe.

Palmar Carpal Ligament Breakdown (Hyperextension of the Wrist)

When a dog falls or jumps and lands heavily, the wrist (carpus) can extend far beyond its normal range this is called hyperextension. This tears the palmar carpal ligaments, causing the joints in the wrist to collapse.

The giveaway sign: Your dog walks with its heel (the back of the wrist) touching the ground a posture not seen in a normal dog.

Treatment: A splint or cast for mild cases. Surgery (joint fusion) for more severe cases. Prognosis is good.

How Are These Conditions Diagnosed?

If your dog is limping or showing any joint pain, do not try to diagnose at home. The vet will use a combination of:

One very important rule: X-rays may look surprisingly normal even in a very painful dog, and may look alarming in a dog with mild symptoms. The physical examination is always as important as the imaging.

Joint Supplements: Do They Help?

Joint supplements can play a genuine supportive role in managing many of these conditions especially when used alongside veterinary treatment. They are not cures, but they can meaningfully reduce pain and slow cartilage breakdown over time.

The key ingredients to look for are:

Glucosamine a natural component of cartilage. Supports joint health and helps manage conditions like osteoarthritis. Works best in cases of mild to moderate cartilage degeneration. Note that glucosamine should not be used as the primary treatment for septic arthritis (infection) or immune-mediated arthritis the underlying cause must be addressed first.

Chondroitin Sulphate works alongside glucosamine. Inhibits the enzymes that break down cartilage and helps maintain cartilage's ability to absorb shock.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) an anti-inflammatory compound that reduces joint pain.

Hyaluronic Acid lubricates the joint fluid.

Boswellia serrata a herbal extract with anti-inflammatory properties. Interestingly, the plant is native to India and has a long history of use in Ayurveda and it turns up in some of the best joint supplements for dogs too.

Omega-3 fatty acids the supplement with the strongest research base for joint support. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine identifies omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil as the supplement with the most scientific support for joint conditions. See our detailed guide on skin supplements for dogs for dosing science on omega-3.

If your dog has been diagnosed with a joint condition, a vet-recommended joint supplement is worth discussing. Products like PET JOINT PLUS (PETCARE, Upto 15% OFF on Animeal) combine glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, hyaluronic acid, and Boswellia in a single tablet formulation. FLEXIRUN TABLET (SKY EC, Upto 15% OFF on Animeal) adds Collagen Type II, which specifically supports cartilage integrity. MEGAFLEX POWDER by Bayer is a powder form that can be mixed into food, making it easier to administer to fussy dogs.

Always confirm with your vet before starting any supplement and remember that supplements are supportive, not substitutes for surgical or medical treatment.

When to See a Vet Immediately

Some of these conditions can cause permanent joint damage or life-threatening complications if not addressed quickly. Go to a vet immediately if your dog shows:

• Sudden severe lameness not bearing any weight on a leg
• Fever combined with joint swelling or pain may indicate septic arthritis or immune-mediated arthritis
• Joint swelling after a bite wound, surgery, or deep puncture risk of septic arthritis
• A limb hanging at an abnormal angle suggests dislocation or fracture
• Heel (back of wrist) touching the ground hyperextension injury
• Swelling in multiple joints at the same time may be immune-mediated
• Persistent lameness that is not improving after 48-72 hours

For conditions that develop more gradually (like osteochondrosis, elbow dysplasia, or patellar luxation), book an appointment within the week rather than waiting months. These conditions are progressive the earlier surgery or intervention happens, the better the long-term outcome.

An Indian Pet Parent's Practical Guide

A few things specific to the Indian context are worth noting here.

Road accidents and joint trauma: Being hit by a vehicle is unfortunately a major cause of joint injuries in India especially hip dislocations, tarsal fractures, and elbow dislocations. If your dog is ever hit by a vehicle or falls from a height, a full physical examination and X-rays are necessary even if the dog appears to be walking, because internal joint damage may not be immediately visible.

Tick exposure and septic arthritis: India has very high tick prevalence, particularly in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. Tick-borne infections like ehrlichiosis and babesiosis can cause joint inflammation directly or weaken the immune system in ways that increase infection risk. Year-round tick prevention is not optional it is joint health protection.

Large-breed diets and developmental conditions: Many Indian pet parents feed their Labrador, German Shepherd, or Great Dane pup a homemade diet usually boiled chicken, rice, and some vegetables. This diet is often low in calcium, very high in phosphorus, and very high in calories. These are exactly the conditions that accelerate osteochondrosis and elbow dysplasia in fast-growing puppies. If you have a large-breed puppy, speak to a vet about breed-appropriate nutrition before these conditions develop.

Avoiding human medicines: When a dog is limping in pain, many Indian households reach for human painkillers like Ibuprofen, Combiflam, or Paracetamol. These are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure, gastric ulcers, or liver damage. Do not give any human NSAID to a dog. A vet-prescribed canine NSAID is the only appropriate pain relief. For more on this, see Is It Safe to Give Human Medicines to Dogs and Cats?

Weight management: Overweight dogs experience far more severe joint symptoms than lean dogs. This is true for every condition on this list. Whether your dog has a CCL tear, hip dislocation recovery, or immune-mediated arthritis, maintaining a lean healthy weight is the single most controllable factor in their long-term comfort and mobility.

FAQ Section

How do I know if my dog's limping is arthritis or something else?
You cannot tell from the limp alone. Arthritis, patellar luxation, a cruciate tear, and even early cancer can all look like regular limping. The difference is in what the vet finds on physical examination, X-rays, and joint fluid analysis. If your dog's limp lasts more than 48-72 hours, a vet visit is necessary to get the right diagnosis.
Several conditions produce limping that looks identical on the surface but require completely different treatments. Arthritis may be managed with NSAIDs and supplements. Septic arthritis needs antibiotics. Immune-mediated arthritis needs immunosuppressants. A cruciate tear may require surgery. Getting a diagnosis before starting any treatment is essential.

Can patellar luxation in dogs heal on its own?
Mild Grade 1 patellar luxation often causes few or no symptoms and may not require intervention. However, the underlying structural abnormality does not correct itself — the kneecap will still be prone to slipping. Grade 2 and above typically worsen with time and lead to cartilage damage and arthritis if not treated surgically. Catching it early and monitoring with a vet is the right approach.
Surgical correction for Grade 2-4 patellar luxation is generally very successful. Dogs typically return to normal activity within a few months of recovery. Leaving moderate to severe cases untreated usually results in permanent joint damage.

Is elbow dysplasia common in Labrador Retrievers in India?
Yes Labradors are one of the highest-risk breeds for both elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia worldwide. In India, this risk is compounded by the fact that Labrador puppies are frequently fed high-calorie, calcium-unbalanced homemade diets that accelerate growth and disrupt normal cartilage development. If you have a Labrador puppy that develops a front-leg limp between 4 and 10 months, elbow dysplasia should be one of the first possibilities your vet evaluates.
Both elbows should always be X-rayed even if only one appears symptomatic because the condition commonly develops in both joints simultaneously.

What is immune-mediated polyarthritis in dogs and is it curable?
Immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) is a condition where the dog's immune system attacks its own joint linings, causing inflammation in multiple joints simultaneously. It is not a one-joint problem multiple joints swell, often with fever and reduced appetite alongside the lameness.
It is not curable in the sense that it can be fully eliminated, but it is manageable. Most dogs respond to immunosuppressive medications. The challenge is that relapses are common, and the condition may need long-term management. Finding and treating any underlying trigger (infection, medication reaction, cancer) significantly improves the prognosis.

Can a dog recover from a cruciate ligament tear without surgery?
For inactive or small dogs, a combination of rest, physiotherapy, weight management, and pain medication can help manage a cruciate tear without surgery. Some dogs do improve significantly with conservative management.
However, for active, larger, or heavier dogs, surgery is the recommended path. Without surgical stabilisation, the knee remains unstable and that instability continues to damage the cartilage, eventually leading to severe arthritis regardless of how much rest and medication you provide. Your vet can advise on whether your dog is a candidate for conservative or surgical management based on their size, age, activity level, and the severity of the tear.

Should I give my dog a joint supplement if they have been diagnosed with a joint condition?
Joint supplements particularly those containing glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and omega-3 fatty acids are widely recommended as supportive therapy for many joint conditions, including osteoarthritis secondary to most of the conditions on this list. They are not a replacement for surgical or medical treatment, but they can help maintain cartilage health and reduce inflammation over time.
They should not be used as primary treatment for septic arthritis (infection) or immune-mediated arthritis, as these conditions require specific medical intervention. Always discuss with your vet before starting any supplement.

References

1. Joseph Harari, MS, DVM, DACVS. Other Joint Disorders in Dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual (Dog Owners Version). Modified April 2026. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/bone-joint-and-muscle-disorders-of-dogs/other-joint-disorders-in-dogs
2. Patrick Carney, DVM, PhD, DACVIM. Joint Disorders in Animals. Merck Veterinary Manual (Professional Version). https://www.merckvetmanual.com/musculoskeletal-system/musculoskeletal-system-introduction/joint-disorders-in-animals
3. Pilar Lafuente, DVM, PhD, DACVS-SA. Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis in Dogs and Cats. Merck Veterinary Manual. Modified December 2025. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/musculoskeletal-system/arthropathies-and-related-disorders-in-small-animals/immune-mediated-arthritis-in-dogs-and-cats
4. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center. How Joint Supplements Can Help with Orthopedic Conditions. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-topics/how-joint-supplements-can-help-orthopedic-conditions
5. VCA Animal Hospitals. Glucosamine Chondroitin Combination. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/glucosamine