Arthritis

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Arthritis is a condition involving the swelling or inflammation of one or more joints in the dog or cat.

SOURCE & CAUSE(S)

Most arthritis is related to age.  However, an injury or disease of the affected area are also common causes.  There are generally two types of arthritis seen in dogs and cats:

• Rheumatoid arthritis - This is an immune - mediated disease where the immune system attacks the healthy joint tissue and is a progressive disease.  This is very uncommon.


• Osteoarthritis - This is the kind of arthritis most humans and dogs suffer from;it is seen much less in cats.  Osteoarthritis is the result of damage to the cartilage around a joint usually from some type of injury where new bone is formed around the joint causing stiffness and pain.  The normal aging process can be a major factor in this as well.

 SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Pain and stiffness in the joints
• Lameness
• Swelling around joints
• Loss of appetite or depression may show as your pet is in pain.

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

Diagnosis begins with a complete history and a physical exam.  Your veterinarian will most likely do the following:

• CBC/Chemistry Panel - These blood tests will evaluate various internal organ functions, including the heart, liver, kidneys, pancreas, metabolism, and electrolyte balance. The CBC (Complete blood count) is a measure the amount and different kinds of red and white blood cells are present in the body.


• Radiographs - This will show the affected area(s) and help your veterinarian determine where and what type of arthritis your pet has.
  

TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT

Treatment options will depend on the degree of severity at time of diagnosis.  The treatments for arthritis include the following:

• Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs if the arthritis is result of infection. 
• Calorie reducing diet if obesity is a factor.
• Surgical repair of bony tissue to relieve arthritis symptoms.
• A long-term course of steroids and anti-inflammatory agents.
• Dietary supplements added to the diet to encourage new cartilage growth in joint.

PREVENTION & HELPFUL TIPS

There is no proven method to prevent arthritis.

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