Osteoarthritis or Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) is a progressive condition in



which the cartilage in the joint is slowly broken down, and bony changes occur.

Any dog with a developmental or congenital joint problem, like dysplasia or

patella luxation, is more prone to developing osteoarthritis. Dogs who have had

injury to a joint such as a fracture involving the joint or a ruptured anterior

cruciate ligament in the knee will be also more likely to develop DJD.

The signs of osteoarthritis can vary depending up on the joints involved, the

age and size of the dog, and the severity of the disease. In general, the first

signs may be an altered gait, since the dog will try to put more of its weight

on the unaffected limbs. Many times the dog may find it difficult to get up

after lying down or would be unable to jump up into the car or may have

difficulty to go up or down stairs. Depending upon the amount of pain the dog is

experiencing, there may be changes in appetite and behavior. Some dogs will lick

or bite at the area that is painful. Some will seek out warmth or soft places to

sleep.

Some forms of degenerative joint disease can be treated with surgery. For

example, hip replacements in dogs with hip dysplasia are becoming more common.

Other procedures can also be performed, but their success rests upon how many

bony changes have occurred in and around the joint.

Caring for a dog with osteoarthritis requires combating it on many fronts.

These include:

· Weight control and exercise

· Physical therapy

· Prescription anti-inflammatories or non-prescription medication for treatment

of pain and inflammation.

· Other supplements to reduce inflammation, including fatty acid supplements

containing high levels of omega-3 fatty acids.

Beyond these actions, owners of osteoarthritic dogs can make their dogs more

comfortable by providing ramps for steep, and soft but supportive orthopedic

dog bed. For dogs with arthritis in the back or neck,

dog sweaters or dog jackets may help, especially in colder climates. These

dogs can also benefit from elevated feeders. Making day-to-day activities less

painful for your pet dog will help you feel good, too.