Arthritis

bulletArthritis, also called osteoathritis (OA) or degenerative joint disease (DJD), is a very common and often debilitating disorder that affects humans and animals alike.  In dogs over one year of age, it is estimated that 1 in 5 suffers from some degree of DJD.  Cats are a little more fortunate, with 1 in 5 over the age of 12 years affected.  Exotic pets can also suffer from the disease.  

 

bullet Although all of the factors which lead to the formation of DJD are not yet fully understood, four of the most common factors which lead to this disorder are normal "wear and tear" and aging, obesity,  prior injury to a joint, or an underlying malformation of the joint or joint cartilage, such as in hip dysplasia or OCD (osteochonditis dessicans).  

 

bulletTo simplify a complex disorder,  abnormal movement of the joint causes a wearing away of the cartilage which lines the inside of the joint, resulting in inflammation, pain, and new bone growth around the joint.  

 

bulletSymptoms include stiffness, lameness, decreased range of motion of the joint, crepitus (a crunching, grinding or popping which can be felt and sometimes heard when the joint is extended or flexed), joint swelling and pain, and, sometimes, joint instability.  Also, a previously friendly and active dog may become grumpy and have decreased interest in play.

 

bulletMany pet owners often attribute these symptoms to a pet's "getting older", but "getting older" is not a disease.  It is important for pet owners to realize that this is a disorder which must be diagnosed and treated.  Left untreated, the disease can progress rapidly and cause a great deal of pain and suffering.

 

bulletDiagnosis is most accurately made by a combination of history, physical examination, and  radiographs.  Sometimes it is necessary to perform blood tests and joint fluid analysis.   Other causes of lameness, such as cancer, immune-mediated arthritis, and infectious arthritis, must be ruled out.

 

bulletTreatments range from weight loss, oral and injectable medications, and, in some cases, surgery.  The sooner the condition is diagnosed and treated, the better the prognosis will be for your pet.