Degenerative Joint Disease

Degenerative joint disease in dogs

Overview

As a natural part of aging, wear and tear can take its toll on your dog's body - especially on the bones and muscles that make his body work. Cartilage is extremely important for the proper function of joints.  It normally provides a smooth, low-friction surface between bones and joints. In some dogs, however, cartilage may become eroded or develop fissures, causing pain and inflammation.  When joint inflammation occurs over an extended period of time, a condition known as degenerative joint disease develops. 

Degenerative joint disease in cats

Overview

You may not think of cats when you think of degenerative joint disease; however, cats can be as severely affected as dogs.  Just as in people and dogs, wear and tear on the joints can take its toll on aging cats, especially if they are overweight.  Cartilage is extremely important for the proper function of joints.  It normally provides a smooth, low-friction surface between bones and joints.

Degenerative joint disease in cats

Overview

You may not think of cats when you think of degenerative joint disease; however, cats can be as severely affected as dogs.  Just as in people and dogs, wear and tear on the joints can take its toll on aging cats, especially if they are overweight.  Cartilage is extremely important for the proper function of joints.  It normally provides a smooth, low-friction surface between bones and joints.

Degenerative joint disease in dogs

Overview

As a natural part of aging, wear and tear can take its toll on your dog's body - especially on the bones and muscles that make his body work. Cartilage is extremely important for the proper function of joints.  It normally provides a smooth, low-friction surface between bones and joints. In some dogs, however, cartilage may become eroded or develop fissures, causing pain and inflammation.  When joint inflammation occurs over an extended period of time, a condition known as degenerative joint disease develops.