Arthritis is a common known problem of the joints. Most people know that it leads to pain and decreased mobility. To most, arthritis is considered a sign of old age. However, that is not always true. Arthritis can be caused by injury, infection, or the body itself (immune system, developmental problems).
There are 2 common forms of Arthritis which we see often in veterinary medicine:
1) Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD): progressive deterioration of one or more of a joint’s components (bone, cartilage, ligament) associated with degenerative changes.
2) Osteoarthritis: thinning of joint cartilage, buildup of fluid in the joint, and formation of bony growths in the joint. Osteoarthritis is a type of DJD.
Signs of DJD or Arthritis include:
- Stiffness getting up or moving around
- Trouble getting up and down, walking, climbing steps
- Decreased desire to partake in normal activities (often due to pain)
- Joint swelling
- Grating or popping sound in joints
It is harder to diagnose DJD in cats than it is in dogs. Dogs are typically more active at home in terms of playing outside or going for walks, and this is where owners often notice a problem. Dogs may also develop a limp. Cats do not go for walks or chase the ball or squirrels outside. When a cat stops playing or decides to sleep in a different location, most people attribute that to a cat being picky, although it could actually be the cat saying something hurts. Cats also don’t usually develop a limp.
In the veterinary clinic, dogs are more likely to show signs of discomfort than cats. Cats are usually very tense or scared in the clinic, and as a species, do not care to be handled or have their limbs manipulated. Cats may growl or hiss and this is often taken as a ‘leave me alone’ instead of a ‘that hurts.’ Dogs are more acceptable to orthopedic exams. During an orthopedic exam, the doctor palpates all parts of the leg including the muscle, bones and joints. Then each joint is put through range of motion tests. Dogs are more likely to truthfully tell you what hurts during an exam.
Arthritis or DJD is diagnosed based on your observations of your pet at home, the doctor’s observations and exam in the clinic, and possibly radiographs. Viewing x-rays on a patient with suspected arthritis allows the veterinarian to rule out other disease conditions that could show the same symptoms, such as tumors, soft tissue injuries or bone infections. X-rays also better pinpoint the location and severity of the arthritis. Common areas for arthritis in pets include the elbows, hips, knees and along the spine.
Stay tuned for information on treating our 4-legged companions for arthritis.
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