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Arthritis in Dogs
Types of arthritis in dogs - osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, knee dysplasia, knee stifle joint, osteochondrosis, hypertrophic arthritis, shoulder degeneration, wrist arthritis carpi, and kneecap dislocation. Types of Arthritis in dogs, OsteoarthritisisOsteoarthritis is a disease of the joints causing pain, gradual loss of cartilage and lameness. This type of arthritis in dogs is a slow, chronic progressing condition.Osteoarthritis can be the result of bony structures rubbing against one another causing arthritis pain and discomfort. Osteoarthritis may also occur as a result of another condition being present, such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. Any dog with a developmental or congenital joint problem, like dysplasia or patella luxation, is going to be more prone to developing osteoarthritis. Dogs who have had injury to a joint such as a fracture involving the joint, or a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in the knee will also be more likely to develop degenerative joint disease. Types of Arthritis in dogs, Degenerative Joint DiseaseDegenerative 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. Degenerative joint disease arthritis is a noninfectious progressive disorder of the weightbearing joints. The normal articular joint cartilage is smooth, white, and translucent. The majority of degenerative joint disease is the result of mechanical instabilities or aging changes within the joint. This includes old age degenerative arthritis and may be the result of injuries, bruises, abnormal joint configuration (i.e. hip dysplasia), or mechanical wear from anterior cruciate ligament rupture, or patellar luxation. Types of Arthritis in dogs, Hip DysplasiaHip dysplasia is an abnormal development and growth of the hip joint.Both hips are usually affected, but only one side may show symptoms. The symptoms of hip dysplasia may not occur on both sides at the same time. Hip dysplasia is manifested by varying degrees of laxity of the muscles and ligaments around the hip joint with instability and malformation of the joint components. Dog arthritis is the long term consequence of undetected or untreated hip dysplasia. Hip Dysplasia is characterized by a malformed ball and socket joint. This causes a series of complications such as chronic inflammation, muscle pain while tissue in the surrounding areas begin to break down. Types of Arthritis in dogs, Elbow DysplasiaElbow Dysplasia is a 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.Types of Arthritis in dogs, Knee DysplasiaKnee 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.Types of Arthritis in dogs, Knee Stifle JointA knee stifle joint typically involves torn ligaments which cause instability in the joint.There are two groups of muscles in the dog stifle - those that extend the joint and those that flex it. 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. Types of Arthritis in dogs, OsteochondrosisOsteochondrosis is a common, painful disease in dogs. It is characterized by an abnormality in the cartilage-to-bone transformation.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. Osteochondrosis is characterized by cartilage deterioration and tissue is generally both inflamed and painful. Areas most commonly affected by osteochondrosis include the shoulder, elbow, and stifle in young dogs. Osteochondritis conditions likely involve the forelimbs, shoulder, and elbow. Osteochondrosis affecting the hind limbs is less common. Osteochondrosis is commonly not referred to as a type of arthritis, but it does frequently lead to degenerative joint disease. Types of Arthritis in dogs, Hypertrophic ArthritisHypertrophic arthritis involves excessive bone growth and/or "spurs" on the joints themselves. In such situations, the pet is typically experiencing a lot of arthritis pain.Bone spurs are very painful because the joint is not smoothly moving along but instead is being poked by growths. Bones spurs generally occur as a result of trauma or osteoarthritis. Types of Arthritis in dogs, Shoulder DegenerationShoulder 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. Osteochondrosis or injury to the joint may be contributing factors. It generally affects the gait of the animal and slows them down. Types of Arthritis in dogs, Wrist arthritis CarpiWrist arthritis carpi is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome.Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms include pain, tingling, and weakness in the muscles caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist area. A painful condition that occurs when the tendons in the wrist are inflamed after being aggravated by repetitive movements. This usually affects really active pets. Types of Arthritis in dogs, Kneecap DislocationKneecap dislocation is usually caused by poorly formed leg bones which allows the kneecap to move or "pop" out of its normal position.Dislocation of the kneecap is painful and results in lameness. Pet Meds to BHRT-Resource Home
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