| Osteoarthritis or Degenerative Joint Disease | | | | becoming more common. Other procedures can |
| (DJD) is a progressive condition in which the | | | | also be performed, but their success rests |
| cartilage in the joint is slowly broken down, | | | | upon how many bony changes have occurred in |
| and bony changes occur. Any dog with a | | | | and around the joint. |
| developmental or congenital joint problem, | | | | |
| like dysplasia or patella luxation, is more | | | | Caring for a dog with osteoarthritis requires |
| prone to developing osteoarthritis. Dogs who | | | | combating it on many fronts. These include: |
| have had injury to a joint such as a fracture | | | | |
| involving the joint or a ruptured anterior | | | | · Weight control and exercise |
| cruciate ligament in the knee will be also | | | | |
| more likely to develop DJD. | | | | · Physical therapy |
| | | | |
| The signs of osteoarthritis can vary | | | | · Prescription anti-inflammatories or |
| depending up on the joints involved, the age | | | | non-prescription medication for treatment of |
| and size of the dog, and the severity of the | | | | pain and inflammation. |
| disease. In general, the first signs may be | | | | |
| an altered gait, since the dog will try to | | | | · Other supplements to reduce |
| put more of its weight on the unaffected | | | | inflammation, including fatty acid |
| limbs. Many times the dog may find it | | | | supplements containing high levels of omega-3 |
| difficult to get up after lying down or would | | | | fatty acids. |
| be unable to jump up into the car or may have | | | | |
| difficulty to go up or down stairs. Depending | | | | Beyond these actions, owners of |
| upon the amount of pain the dog is | | | | osteoarthritic dogs can make their dogs more |
| experiencing, there may be changes in | | | | comfortable by providing ramps for steep, and |
| appetite and behavior. Some dogs will lick or | | | | soft but supportive orthopedic dog bed. For |
| bite at the area that is painful. Some will | | | | dogs with arthritis in the back or neck, dog |
| seek out warmth or soft places to sleep. | | | | sweaters or dog jackets may help, especially |
| | | | in colder climates. These dogs can also |
| Some forms of degenerative joint disease can | | | | benefit from elevated feeders. Making |
| be treated with surgery. For example, hip | | | | day-to-day activities less painful for your |
| replacements in dogs with hip dysplasia are | | | | pet dog will help you feel good, too. |