Osteoarthritis, also known as a degenerative joint disease (DJD), is a progressive condition that causes deterioration of the joints. Unlike arthritis, which is the medical name for inflammation, osteoarthritis refers to a form of chronic joint inflammation that is directly caused by degeneration of joint cartilage. The condition affects both cats and dogs and is most often seen in senior animals.
Causes of Osteoarthritis
There is no known primary cause of osteoarthritis, but there are many secondary causes that can contribute to the condition. These include trauma to the joints, congenital defects such as hip dysplasia, long-term wear and tear on the joints, abnormal joint development, and obesity.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
The symptoms of osteoarthritis can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Please schedule an appointment with your veterinarian if you notice any of the following signs and symptoms.
- Exercise intolerance
- Immobility
- Painful, swollen joints
- Lameness
- Depression or irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Weight gain
- Difficult getting up or lying down
- Abnormal gait
- Stiffness
Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis
To diagnose osteoarthritis, your veterinarian will look at your pet’s medical history and ask you some questions to determine the severity of your pet’s symptoms. They will then perform a thorough physical examination of your pet to identify which joints are affected. This will usually be enough to reach a diagnosis of osteoarthritis.
Additionally, your veterinarian may recommend other diagnostic tests including blood work and urinalysis to check for infection and inflammation. X-rays are also a useful tool for identifying osteoarthritis and assessing the severity of your pet’s symptoms.
Advanced imaging tools such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) may also be used to help your veterinarian visualize changes and damage to the joints.
Treatment of Osteoarthritis
Since there is no known cure for osteoarthritis, treatment is designed to relieve pain, improve joint function, and slow the progression of the condition. Non-medical treatments include physical therapy, weight control, dietary modification, and the use of natural supplements to ease your pet’s symptoms.
Your veterinarian may also prescribe medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. For pets with severe osteoarthritis, surgical treatment options may be recommended. These include arthroscopy, a technique used to repair joint damage or total joint replacement surgery.
Prevention of Osteoarthritis
Since there are many underlying causes of osteoarthritis, prevention is not always possible. The best way to protect your pet is to minimize the risk of secondary causes such as obesity and trauma to the joints.
Make sure to feed your pet a healthy, balanced diet and provide sufficient exercise to control their weight. You can also prevent trauma to the joints by preventing your pet from engaging in high-impact activities and providing soft, comfortable bedding that cushions the joints.
If your pet has existing joint problems, your veterinarian can give you advice about using supplements or other treatment methods to prevent further damage to the joints.
