| Dogs can suffer from different kinds of arthritis, which | | | | is typically hereditary in nature. In elbow dysplasia the |
| literally means inflammation of the joints. The most | | | | bones become misshapen causing chipping with use |
| common form of arthritis in dogs is osteoarthritis or | | | | resulting in discomfort and pain. An animal suffering |
| canine arthritis. Dogs are more prone to arthritis than in | | | | from this condition will display lameness in the affected |
| cats or horses and can usually take one of the | | | | leg. |
| several forms: | | | | Knee Dysplasia - This malformation of the joints can |
| Osteoarthritis - A slow, progressive disintegration of | | | | also be found in the knees. Knee dysplasia also has |
| cartilage in your dog joints is called osteoarthritis and is | | | | the same "bone chips" which cause pain and lameness |
| a chronic degenerative joint disease. When the | | | | as it progresses. |
| cartilage of a joint is worn away the adjoining bones | | | | Stifle Knee - A common problem with the stifle joint |
| begin to rub against one another causing muscle | | | | (knee) involves torn ligaments which creates instability |
| discomfort and joint pain. | | | | of the joint. Joint dislocation is a common complication |
| Hip Dysplasia - A malformation of the hip sockets is | | | | of the stifle knee. The stifle joint is placed under |
| called hip dysplasia. The irregular malformation of the | | | | tremendous use and strain making inflammation at this |
| "ball and socket" allows excessive movement in the | | | | location common. Poor or irresponsible breeding |
| joint causing muscle pain, chronic inflammation leading | | | | practices are the greatest reason for these issues. |
| to tissue deterioration and occasional calcium deposits. | | | | Osteochondrosis - Inflammation of the cartilage or |
| Hip dysplasia is most common among larger breeds of | | | | osteochondrosis is directly linked to poor breeding. |
| dogs. | | | | Inadequate nutrition can also exacerbate this condition. |
| Elbow Dysplasia - Another form of dysplasia is found | | | | The symptoms of osteochondrosis include pain and |
| in the elbows usually of large breed dogs. This disorder | | | | inflammation, and is coupled with cartilage disintegration. |