Osteoarthrosis can be used interchangeably with arthritis and degenerative joint disease. This is characterized when there is a loss of smooth cartilage that covers and protects the movable joints found in the end of the bones. Cartilage has no nerves, so if it touches another bone, no pain can be felt. Over time, the cartilages wear out exposing the bone. Since the bones have nerves, it results in pain and inflammation when they touch each other. This is a signal that there is arthritis present. In this disease you can find small bony projections which are called osteophytes. It forms in the bones close to the joints. This can add to the pain and worsen as it progresses.
There are many causes of Osteoarthrosis. One is the result of wear and tear on the normal joints. This occurs no matter what the age of the dog. This is referred to as primary degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthrosis can also be a result of another condition that affects the joint called hip or elbow dysplasia. This is also known as secondary degenerative joint disease. You may ask which dogs are prone to this problem. Any dog that suffers from congenital joint problems like dysplasia or patella luxation is prone to have Osteoarthrosis. If the dog also had injury to the joint or knee, it would likely to develop arthritis.
The symptoms of this disease may vary depending on the joints that are involved. Age of the dog and severity of the disease are also considered to be a factor. The primary symptoms may involve altered gait. The dog will tend to put much weight on its unaffected limbs. Because the dog is not using it or trying to put little weight on it, there could be muscle atrophy. An example is when a dog is suffering from hip dyplasia that involves hind limbs. The muscles of the hind limbs are thin but the ones in the chest and shoulders may increase because it is used often. The dog may have difficulty lying down or standing up. It may appear to be stiff. If you notice that your pet is having a difficult time to get up and down the stairs then he or she might have this problem. There are times when the dog doesn't have their normal appetite or their behavior is off. The joints may be swollen and the dog can't vocalize the pain. The dog might lick or bite the painful area. Some may look for warm and soft places to sleep.
If you think that your dog is suffering from Osteoathrosis, take him or her to the vet. X-rays and lab test can be performed to find out more about the affected joints. There is treatment for this problem through medicine and even surgical procedures.
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