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