Types of Arthritis in Pets
Acute Traumatic Arthritis in pets generally manifests rapidly as a swelling and lameness and is almost always a direct result of trauma to the joints. While this type can never be directly avoided, it is one of the few types of arthritis that may require immediate surgical intervention to prevent onset of permanent osteoarthritis.
Auto Immune Arthritis in pets is also known as rheumatoid arthritis. Your pet's own immune system attacks the joints and typically affects several joints at once. The synovial membranes generally will become inflamed and mobility will lessen. The cause of auto immune arthritis is generally unknown.
Degenerative Joint Disease in pets is generally synonymous with osteoarthritis. Symptoms include a destruction of parts of the joint, generally isolated to the cartilage. Pets with this condition may also experience intermittent inflammation. This condition is one of the most common types of arthritis in pets.
Hip Dysplasia in pets is a type of osteoarthritis that affects the hip joints of your pet. This can sometimes result after an acute injury, but can also occur due to normal wear and tear or infectious agents. This disease causes a number of complications. A common misconception is that hip dysplasia is always an isolated condition. This is not true, it is quite possible for hip dysplasia to spread to other joints as the disease progresses.
Hypertrophic Arthritis in pets has to do with the development of bone spurs. The best analogy to describe a bone spur would be walking on a tack all of the time, because the joint is not smoothly moving along but instead is being poked by growths that are very painful in both humans and animals. This generally occurs as a result of trauma or osteoarthritis.
Infectious Arthritis in pets is characterized by lameness and sore joints. There is always an underlying infectious element to this type of arthritis. This type of arthritis generally occurs as a result of trauma and secondary infection to the joint. Antibiotics should be used for this type of arthritis.
Inflammatory Arthritis in pets is one of the least common forms of arthritic conditions in pets. Generally, osteoarthritic conditions occur much more frequently as they progress over time. Except when infectious agents are present, the causes of most inflammatory arthritis types is unknown.
Knee Stifle in pets means they have one or more torn ligaments around the “knee” of the pet. This destabilizes the joint. In extreme cases, this may result in dislocation. As the knee joint is constantly subjected to a great deal of continual strain and pain in this area is generally incredibly debilitating.
Kneecap Dislocation in pets is usually caused by misshapen or malformed leg bones results in a “loose” kneecap that can move or dislocate out of its natural position. Knee stifle can also contribute to this condition.
Osteoarthritis in pets is a slowly progressing disease that occurs due to the breakdown and destruction of your pet's cartilage. As it gets worse, the bones (now with far less cartilage to provide shock absorption) begin to grind against one another causing pain, reduced flexibility, inflammation, and a reduction in mobility. This is one of the most common types of arthritis in pets and the type that glucosamine is most suited for.
Osteochondrosis in pets is when the cartilage deteriorates and causes an osteoarthritic like condition. Joint tissue becomes both painful and inflamed. It is speculated that there is a genetic component to this disease but poor nutrition may also be a contributing factor.
Shoulder Degeneration in pets is a disease that has multiple causes. Because the shoulder is more of a sliding joint rather than a ball and socket, it is less prone to injury but it may still wear down over time. Infection or injury to the joint may be contributing factors. This type of arthritis generally affects the gait of the animal and slows them down.
Rheumatoid Arthritis in pets is similar to rheumatoid arthritis in humans. This type of arthritis results when the body attacks itself or an infectious agent and becomes confused and attacks one or more joints in your pet's body. The cause of this type of arthritis is generally unknown.
Traumatic Arthritis in pets is a catch all term for arthritis that has manifested as a result of trauma to the joints. This kind of arthritis is generally acute and is a direct result of some form of trauma. Osteoarthritis in the effected joints commonly develops over time as a result of this condition.
