Osteoarthritis / DJD
Degenerative joint disease (DJD) is characterised by the loss of the smooth cartilage that covers and protects the end of the bones in a movable joint. The cartilage has no nerves so when it touches the cartilage of another bone, there is no pain. When the cartilage wears away, the bone is exposed. The bone does have nerves so when the two bone ends in a joint touch each other it results in pain and inflammation- signals that arthritis is present. In DJD small bony projections form on the bone that is close to the joint, this adds to the pain. This type of arthritis is progressive.

DJD can occur as a result of wear and tear on an otherwise normal joint and occurs as the dog ages. This is called primary DJD. Osteoarthritis may also occur as a result of another condition affecting the joint such as hip dysplasia. This is called secondary DJD.

Dogs with a congenital joint problem, such as dysplasia or patella luxation are going to be more prone to developing DJD. Dogs that have had an injury to a joint such as a fracture involving the joint, or a ruptured cruciate ligament in the knee will be more likely to develop arthritis.

The symptoms of arthritis will vary as to which joints are involved, the age of the dog, and the severity of the disease. In general, the first symptoms may be an altered gait since the dog will try to put more of his weight on the unaffected limbs. There may be muscle atrophy in the affected limb because the dog is using it less, or at least putting less weight on it. For instance, in a dog with hip dysplasia involving both hind limbs, the muscles of the hind limbs may be thin, whereas, the muscles of the chest and shoulders may be increased in size because the dog is putting more weight on the front legs.

Dogs suffering from DJD may find it difficult to get up after lying down and appears stiff. They may be unable to jump up into the car. Many dogs with DJD find it difficult to go up or down stairs.

Depending upon the amount of pain the dog is experiencing, there may be changes in appetite and behaviour (eg the dog may go off by himself more often). The joints are generally not swollen and the pain is the dull aching type, so dogs do not often vocalise or cry out in pain. Some dogs will lick or bite at the area that is painful. Some will seek out warmth or soft places to sleep.

(c) 2009 Theravet

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