Experts Reveal Some Facts About Degenerative Joint Disease in Dogs

(Newswire.net — June 6, 2017) Orlando, FL — Arthritis doesn’t just affect humans, but also animals such as dogs. There are many things about this condition that pet guardians should know about.

Experts reveal some facts about degenerative joint disease in dogs. There are actually different types of arthritis that affect pets. These types are osteoarthritis, septic arthritis, and immune-mediated polyarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD) in dogs. It is a form of arthritic condition that is characterized by long-term, progressive, and permanent deterioration of the joint cartilage.

Arthritis is also described as the inflammation of the joints. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, pertains to chronic joint inflammation that results from joint cartilage deterioration.

It has not been known what causes primary degenerative joint disease. However, in cases of secondary DJD, there are many known factors such as abnormal wear and tear on the joint cartilage, trauma, and genetic defects at birth like hip dysplasia.

There are other factors believed to contribute to the development of secondary DJD, such as kneecap dislocation and abnormal development of the elbow or hip.

Osteoarthritis causes a variety of symptoms, such as occasional lameness, reduced activity level, and a stiff gait.

Veterinarians often take into account the history of symptoms in diagnosing osteoarthritis. They also perform a physical exam in evaluating the range of motion as well as the gait of a pet. Vets also check for pain or swelling in the joints as well as for joint deformity.

There are treatments available that are formulated to alleviate symptoms since a cure for arthritis has not been discovered yet. Surgery may also be an excellent option to relieve symptoms as well as delay the progression of joint deterioration. Some of the surgical procedures are joint replacement, reconstructive procedures, and the surgical removal of cartilage fragments.

Pet parents may also resort to physical therapy to help their furry family member deal with DJD symptoms. This option is believed to help maintain and increase muscle tone, joint strength, and range of motion.

Swimming, massage, and therapeutic exercises are some of the options for pets with osteoarthritis.

Other pain management methods are acupuncture and cold and heat therapy. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are also one of the pain management options. While these medications may be helpful, their use has been linked with side effects.

Many individuals with arthritis prefer to turn to potentially safer alternatives than NSAIDs. One of these alternatives is glucosamine, which is an all-natural ingredient. Glucosamine supplements are often utilized in place of certain pain medications.

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