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 HomeDr.
NooDr.
Noo's Monthly CareTipsAugust
- Aching Joints
Arthritis is the term used to describe the inflammatiori (-itis)
of the joint (arthr-) that occurs when a dog suffers from degenerative
joint disease (DJD). Since this inflammation also affects the bones
involved in the joint (osteo-), the condition is more accurately
referred to as osteoarthritis.
The disease involves inflammation of the synovial (joint) capsule,
which leads to changes in the joint fluid. This becomes less viscous
with reduced lubricating ability, resulting in decreased potential
for shock absorption and protection of the joint surfaces.
The smooth hyaline cartilage hat forms the joint surfaces, covering
the bone ends, may become thinner, or even get torn or worn away,
leaving exposed bone within the joint.
This results in pain and inflammation of the bone, which can lead
to a vicious circle where the bone becomes increasingly rough and
bony fragments are deposited around the margins of the joint causing
it to become stifer and more painful and leading to further inflammation
of the joint capsule.
In addition, free fragments of bone within the joint can cause more
damage to the surrounding cartilage and bone, and therefore further
pain.
Cartilage has a very poor healing ability and even if some healing
does occur, damaged cartilage is replaced by fibrous cartilage which
is not as smooth or protective as the original hyaline cartilage.
Once arthritic changes are present within a joint, the pressures
and concussive forces of normal motion continue to cause low-grade
inflammation of the joint surfaces and surrounding joint capsule.
If the joints are moved beyond their normal range, or are subjected
to more excessive strains, inflammation and pain are increased further.
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