Arthritis is a condition that is characterized by the inflammation of the tissues in joints. There are various causes of arthritis in dogs. The problem is more common in medium to large canine breeds. Their size puts more stress on the weight-supporting joints of their body. The most common cause of arthritis is degenerative joint disease, which is a consequence of years of wear and tear. Other important causes of arthritis include:
- Infection – Bacteria or other pathogens colonize the joint tissues causing inflammation and destruction. Some common infections that cause arthritis in dogs include lyme disease and septic arthritis.
- Injury – This may be caused by fractures involving the bones of the joint; the rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can also be a potential cause. Injury to the joints cause chronic instability that can increase wear and tear on the joint cartilage and other tissues in the joints, result in arthritis.
- Congenital problems affecting the joints – The most common of these are luxating patella, hip dysplasia, and wobbler’s syndrome. These problems are characterized by an abnormality in the development of the joints in your dogs, leading to instability of the affected joints and arthritis later in life.
- Inflammatory joint disease – This is characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis and immune-mediated arthritis. This can occur when the animal’s own immune system recognizes the joint as foreign and attacks it, eventually causing arthritis.
Work closely with your vets Carrollton, GA in managing your pet’s arthritis symptoms.
