One of the most common problems diagnosed in dogs —and likely underdiagnosed in cats—is osteoarthritis. Inflammation in a joint can cause healthy cartilage to deteriorate, thereby decreasing its ability to act as a cushion for the joint. Following inflammation and cartilage deterioration comes pain, decreased use of the joint and range of motion, and osteophyte formation. This initial inflammation may be due to joint instability, a primary joint disease, congenital cartilage defects, historical trauma, or repetitive use injury. Osteoarthritis, commonly referred to as OA, can affect any joint in the body. The most commonly seen joints with OA include the stifles, shoulders, and elbows. However, try not to forget those overlooked joints such as toes, vertebral facet joints, and sacroiliac joints.
