Types of Arthritis in Pets
Osteo
arthritis is a chronic, slowly progressing condition that is caused by the
breakdown and destruction of your pet's cartilage. As that occurs, the
bony structures begin to rub against one another causing pain and
discomfort.
Degenerative
Joint Disease involves some kind of a breakdown or destruction in
portions of the joint, usually cartilage. Just as in the case of
osteoarthritis, this condition does not necessarily mean that your pet
is experiencing any inflammation.
Hip
Dysplasia is characterized by a malformed "ball and joint"
socket in your animal. As you might expect, this ill-fitting combination
causes a series of complications. Here, chronic inflammation is common;
calcium build-ups occur; there is muscle pain; and the tissue in the
surrounding areas begin to break down.
Elbow
Dysplasia is a like condition that is typically hereditary and most
generally found in larger breeds of dogs. Bones become malformed and
usually results in "bone chips" that are very painful.
Typically, your pet will exhibit some lameness when suffering from this
condition.
Knee
(dysplasia) is also characterized by malformed bones and bone
"chips." It is painful and often obviates itself since the pet
is lame and/or limping as the condition progresses.
Knee
(stifle) joint typically involves torn ligaments which cause
instability in the joint. Dislocation of the (knee) joint is also a
problem. Inflammation is common since this is a joint that is subjected
to a lot of stress and strain. In most cases it is a result of poor
breeding.
Osteochondrosis is a condition where you are contending with a medical condition that
results from poor breeding. Improper or inadequate diet can also cause
this condition (both factors may be at play). It is characterized by
cartilage deterioration and tissue is generally both inflamed and
painful.
Hypertrophic involves excessive bone growth and/or "spurs" on
the joints themselves. In such situations, the pet is typically
experiencing a lot of pain.
Shoulder
(degeneration) is usually a
multi-factorial situation making a clear-cut cause difficult to isolate.
An unstable joint, osteochondrosis or even trauma may be the cause.
(Or, a combination of factors).
Wrist
(carpi) might be compared to "carpal tunnel
syndrome" seen in humans. Usually, this area of the pet's body is
affected more frequently with pets who are very active.
Kneecap
(dislocation) is usually caused by poorly formed leg bones which
secondarily, allows the kneecap to move or "pop" out of its
normal position. Usually, this is either an inherited condition or
results from poor breeding. |