Types Of Pet Arthritis

Just like arthritis in humans, there are different types of arthritis in pets. Usually, when the pet suffered trauma to its joints a resulting type of pet arthritis described as Acute Traumatic can occur. It manifests quickly with a swollen joint and lameness in the affected limb. A pet with Acute Traumatic arthritis may have to undergo surgery immediately to prevent permanent osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis in pets, also known as Auto Immune Arthritis, occurs when the immune system of the pet starts to attack its joints causing inflammation of the synovial membranes, which in turn reduces the pet's mobility. Unfortunately, there is generally no known cause of this type of pet arthritis.

A common type of pet arthritis is osteoarthritis. This disease slowly progresses due to cartilage destruction. As cartilage continues to break down, the bones loses its ability to absorb impact so they start grinding against each other causing the pet pain. The bones will also become inflamed. Osteoarthritis, in both pets and humans, reduces flexibility and mobility.

Another common pet arthritis is degenerative joint disease in pets, which is very similar to osteoarthritis. Pets with this disease suffer from the breakdown of parts of its joint, typically concentrated on the cartilage. The pet may also experience periodic inflammation.

When pet arthritis targets the hip joints of the pet, the condition is known as Hip Dysplasia, which can be caused either by a severe injury, infectious agents or normal wearing away of the joint. While hip dysplasia mainly affects the hip joint it can also affect other joints if it worsens.

A type of pet arthritis than can be a result of osteoarthritis is Hypertrophic Arthritis, which involves the formation of bone spurs. When the pet has bone spurs, it means there are bony lumps on its normal bones or along the joints causing severe pain when moving.
Bone spurs can also develop after a trauma.

Infectious Pet Arthritis is characterized by soreness in the joints and lameness caused by an underlying infection in the joint or, sometimes, trauma. Pets with infectious arthritis are given antibiotics for treatment.

There are several other types of pet arthritis. If you notice discomfort in your pets when they are moving or if their mobility has lessened, bring them to the vet immediately for proper diagnosis. The vet will also inform you about your options to relieve pain or ease discomfort in your pets as well as the treatment options relevant to your pet's specific type of arthritis.