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 HomeDr.
NooDr.
Noo's Monthly CareTipsAugust
- Aching Joints
History : For several months Rocky had been lame the day
after a long walk. His lameness appeared to be becoming more severe
and more frequent.
Clinical examination : While otherwise well, Rocky had a
very restricted range of movement in both elbows; manipulation of
these joints clearly caused him some pain.
Further investigation : X-rays of both elbows were taken;
these revealed bilateral DJD consistent with severe osteoarthritis
(as seen in the X-ray).
Treatment : A regime of controlled exercise was recommended,
and Rocky has been prescribed anti-inflammatory painkilling medication.
Outcome : Rocky is doing extremely well but cannot manage
long walks; instead he has three 10-minute walks daily. He continues
to have a low dose of medication, which may need to be increased
in the future as his condition worsens.
Fractures that involve joints cause irregularities in the joint
surface and areas of cartilage damage or loss, which predispose
to degenerative joint disease in the same way.
Torn ligaments, which can occur as a result of severe joint sprains,
lead to increased joint laxity and abnormal movements of the joints,
increasing the potential for bone damage.
In a similar way, individuals with poor limb conformation have a
tendency to bear stresses through the joints asymmetrically.
Those breeds (such as Bulldogs and Bull Terriers) with 'Queen Anne'
front legs (that have their elbows deviated outwards) may have very
abnormal stresses in their elbows and thus be predisposed to developing
arthritic changes in these joints.
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