Pathological conditions: Arthritis

Question 1

What is arthritis?

Answer 1

Arthritis is inflammation of a joint causing pain, swelling and stiffness. This inflammation can cause changes in the cartilage, joint fluid and bones.

Question 2

When does arthritis often occur?

Answer 2

Arthritis often occurs after years of stress, but it can also be seen earlier in life due to poor conformation (structure & appearance).

Question 3

What causes arthritis?

Answer 3

aging, injury, obesity, genetics, poor bone development
- Trauma: when there is trauma in the joint like a break/tear/sprain/inflammation/infection etc., tissues in the joint, e.g. articular cartilage (關節軟骨) can be damaged, causing arthritis

Question 4

What is the most common form of arthritis and the commonly affected joints?

Answer 4

Osteochondritis 剝脫性骨軟骨炎 OCD - chronic, degenerative joint disease that affects the soft tissue and bone within the joint. Commonly affected joints include stifle, elbow, hip, and intervertebral spaces in the spine.

Question 5

What makes a healthy joint?

Answer 5

A healthy joint includes smooth bones, cartilage and synovial fluid that provides lubrication for smooth movement.

Question 6

How does arthritis cause change in the bone?

Answer 6

In an arthritic joint, inflammation has caused white blood cells to enter the joint capsule and release free radicals.
These free radicals degenerate the cartilage and joint fluid, resulting in progressive damage to the joint and eventually causing changes to the bone itself.

Question 7

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Answer 7

Different dogs may have different symptoms, but common signs include:

ISSBLC

• stiff
• lame
• chew/lick the affected area
• inactive
• slow to stand up
• behavioural changes