Degenerative joint disease is the loss of smooth cartilage that covers the end of a bone in a movable joint. When the cartilage is worn away the bone is exposed. The nerves in the exposed bone joint touch each other during routine movement and cause pain and inflammation. Radiographs may show bony projections (osteophytes) that form on the bone causing further pain.

DJD can be caused by normal wear and tear of a normal joint as dog’s age. DJD may also occur affecting the joint such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. Dogs with congenital joint problems such as hip and elbow dysplaisa are going to be more prone to DJD. Dogs that have had injury, patella luxation or ruptured anterior cruciate ligament tears are going to be more likely to develop DJD as well.

The symptoms will vary. Most likely the first signs will be limping. The dog will be trying to put more weight on the unaffected limbs. You may then begin to see atrophy in the affected limb because the dog is using that limb less. When the rear legs are affected the dog may begin to gain muscle mass in the chest or shoulders. This is because the dog is putting more weight on the front legs. Getting up from a laying position, stairs and getting in and out of the car may become difficult. Some dogs will eat less due to the amount of pain they are in; they also may lick or bite at the painful area.

To accurately diagnose DJD our veterinarians will give your dog a complete examination, radiograph that limb and if needed run blood work. DJD can be treated medically and surgically. In some cases dogs with hip dysplaisa can have hip replacement surgery, and have very good recovery. Others may be able to lead comfortable lives with the help of anti-inflammatories.

Degenerative joint disease is progressive; it will continue to get worse. Most dogs respond well to treatment and can lead comfortable lives.