Is your young dog not as playful as she should be? Is your older guy slowing down? Maybe your cat is having trouble
jumping onto the bed. It's possible your pet is suffering from degenerative joint disease. Also called osteoarthritis,
DJD is a broad term describing chronic joint changes resulting from mechanical or biochemical abnormalities within
the joint. DJD consists of chemical and physical abnormalities in the joint fluid, bone and cartilage, and may also
cause changes in other associated tissues.

DJD affects large and small dogs, cats, and, as many of us know, other species including humans. It is often
associated with aging, but signs may be seen at an early age. Most commonly we see problems with DJD in the hips,
knees and elbows, but it is possible in any joint, as well as the spine. Much canine DJD seems to result from
abnormalities associated with genetics, nutrition, growth and use. You may have seen problems secondary to hip
dysplasia or knee injuries in your pets.

Risk factors for pets include size, breed, age and obesity. In particular, cats and small dogs over 10 years old or
greater than 10 percent overweight are at increased risk, as are all large breed dogs over 6 years, and giant breed
dogs over 4 years. Chondrodysplastic (long backed/short legged) breeds are also at high risk due to abnormal
stresses on their joints. Any dog or cat previously diagnosed with orthopedic problems, such as abnormal joint
conformation, or injuries such as a torn cruciate ligament or dislocated hip, should be closely monitored for
development of DJD. Exercise is joint protective because muscle mass protects and supports joints, and movement
improves joint lubrication. However, athletes may risk injury due to activities involving abnormal, high impact or
repetitive forces.

Arthritis is most often noted at home due to stiffness, limping, or changes in activity. Animals are practical, and
don't like to show weakness. In general, any decrease in activity or function is abnormal, even in an aging pet.
Sometimes mild degenerative changes are not noticed at home, but are picked up on veterinary observation of gait
and posture, or physical exam. Diagnosis is based on historical and clinical signs, palpation and radiographs.

Treatment of osteoarthritis in veterinary patients is often palliative, meaning that we try to decrease the signs and
slow the progression of disease. However, preventative measures are possible for some conditions in animals
determined to be at high risk. An example is fusing the pubic symphysis to improve hip joint coverage in puppies
with specifically diagnosed hip laxity. Definitive treatment is also available for a few conditions. However, to
definitively correct an arthritic joint we must remove or replace it. Examples are removal of the femoral head and
total hip replacement.

The goals of treatment are maintenance of comfort, function, and musculoskeletal and cardiovascular condition.
These four things are interdependent. If the pet is not comfortable, they will not exercise. If they do not exercise,
they will lose condition and gain weight. If they lose condition they will be unable to exercise, and if they are
heavier they will be more painful. This is why recognition and treatment is so important: with proper care we can
slow or even reverse the progression of this common disease. Please see your vet for a diagnosis; there are many
things we can do to help!

Maia Tcheng Broussard's columns appear on the first Sunday of the month. She has worked in the veterinary field in
Durham since 1994. Dr. Broussard is a general practitioner at Westside Animal Hospital, a certified canine
rehabilitation practitioner, and has a special interest in behavior medicine.

Contact her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .