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What Is Pet Arthritis?

Signs which may indicate your pet has arthritis include:

• stiffness
• unwilling to lie down or get up
• difficulty climbing steps or getting into the car
• going off food
• aggressiveness or tetchiness
• reluctance to go for long walks
• enthusiastically goes for a walk, but very quiet afterwards (even the next day)
•  limping
• restless when standing still (paddling or shuffling)
• inflammation in the affected joint(s)
• swelling
• heat
• pain on movement, or anticipation of pain
• crepitus - 'crunchines' of the joint when moved
• range of movement restricted.

Arthritis means literally 'inflammation of the joint', but this term covers many different types of degenerative joint disease.

The structure of the joint is made up cartilage which covers the bone to form a smooth surface for the joint to move (or articulate), joint fluid - which further lubricates the joint, and collateral ligaments which stabilise the joint.

Degenerative joint disease results from damage caused to the smooth cartilage layer that covers the bone in the joints. The cartilage is eroded away. The joint reacts by trying to lay down more cartilage (of the 'wrong' type); new 'inappropriate' bone is laid down around the joint, and the collateral ligaments may thicken in an attempt to reduce the movement of the joint. More joint fluid is also produced in an attempt to increase the lubrication in the joint.

Notice:
Chris is not, and does not claim to be, an expert or specialist in the field of arthritis. He is a practising veterinary surgeon with an interest in alternative therapies. These articles are not intended to be definitive discussions on arthritis. While he is pleased to answer any general queries you may have about arthritis and joint diseases, it may be difficult to answer any specific questions about your pet or horse. Remember, the first port of call for assesment and diagnosis of any joint problems should be your own veterinary surgeon.

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