What are osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease in pets?
Osteaoarthritis (osteo – bone, arthritis – joint inflammation and pain) and Degenerative Joint Disease are conditions resulting from wear and tear that causes inflammation of the joints, leading to swelling, pain and stiffness. These conditions can affect any dog at any age but are most common in older large-breed dogs. Excessive body weight (obesity) can also greatly exacerbate the issue. Many large and giant breed dogs are genetically predisposed to degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis, especially Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Great Danes, Golden Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, Mastiffs, St. Bernards, and Newfoundlands. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include stiffness in moving joints (hips, knees, elbows, shoulders), favoring a limb, difficulty in rising, a hesitancy to jump, decreased activity level, and general lethargy. Once the conditions begin they cannot be completely cured, but treatments and therapies are available to help mainta
