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Animal Health > The Types of Arthritis Found in Pets
Osteoarthritis 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. More information on hip
dysplasia.
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 inflammed
and painful.
Hypertrophic arthritis 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 arthritis (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.
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