{"id":168,"date":"2021-10-20T19:41:08","date_gmt":"2021-10-20T19:41:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.globalvetspecialists.org\/blog\/?p=168"},"modified":"2021-10-20T19:41:08","modified_gmt":"2021-10-20T19:41:08","slug":"ask-the-veterinary-surgeon-what-is-secondary-osteoarthritis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.globalvetspecialists.org\/blog\/ask-the-veterinary-surgeon-what-is-secondary-osteoarthritis\/","title":{"rendered":"Ask the Veterinary Surgeon: What is Secondary Osteoarthritis?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Osteoarthritis<\/span><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>(OA), also referred to as Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), is defined as the progressive deterioration of the cartilage surrounding the joints. The American College of Veterinary Surgeons characterizes it as a loss of joint cartilage, thickening of the joint capsule, and the development of bone spurs (osteophytes). That can result in inflammation, discomfort, and decreased mobility.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, in the United States, about 20% of dogs over one year of age have been diagnosed with OA. If you think your dog is suffering from osteoarthritis, whether primary or secondary, you should schedule an appointment with a\u00a0<\/span>veterinary surgeon<\/span><\/strong><\/a> like Global Veterinary Specialists’ Dr. William Liska.<\/span><\/p>\n

Contributing factors include age, breed, exercise, and weight. In terms of weight, obesity is most concerning, as increased body weight adds more stress to the joints. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, a dog is considered overweight when they are ten to 20 percent heavier than their ideal weight, which may predispose them to a significant number of conditions like osteoarthritis (McReynolds, 2020).<\/span><\/p>\n

As with any joint problem, the body\u2019s response attempts to stabilize laxity if it is present. When hip dysplasia<\/strong><\/a> is present, the degree of laxity varies from one dog to another, and there are times when one side is affected more than the other side. The laxity eventually results in secondary osteoarthritis (OA) at some point in life. <\/span> Other causes include osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), a dislocated patella, elbow dysplasia, and cranial cruciate ligament disease.<\/span><\/p>\n

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis<\/span><\/h2>\n

Your dog cannot communicate their feelings of discomfort and may even try to mask them, making it challenging to identify the\u00a0<\/span>symptoms of hip dysplasia<\/span><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0and, ultimately, secondary osteoarthritis. It is often not until the orthopedic disease has progressed that pet owners report noticeable differences in their dog\u2019s activity, behavior, or gait. A dog diagnosed with hip dysplasia, regardless of the severity, should be continuously monitored for the following common symptoms:<\/span><\/p>\n