Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)

What is degenerative joint disease?

DJD is more commonly known as arthritis. This is a progressive, non-infectious condition of the weight-bearing joints. Normal, healthy joint cartilage is smooth, white and translucent. It consists of cartilage cells, protein, water, and collagen that forms a sponge-like middle. In the early stages of arthritis, the cartilage becomes yellow, opaque, and softens to create a rough joint surface. As the disease progresses, the soft areas become worn and expose the hard bone underneath, causing remodeling. This progression leads to osteophytes (bone spurs) in the joint and a decreased blood supply that inhibits cartilage repair. DJD can be caused by aging changes in a joint or by a mechanical instability. Mechanical instabilities are most often the result of joint abnormalities (such as hip or elbow dysplasia), trauma, or wear from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, luxating patella, or osteochondritis dissecans (OCD).

What are the symptoms of DJD?

Most often the clinical signs of DJD appear in middle-aged and geriatric patients. They can include stiffness, reluctance to go on walks, and trouble with stairs. As the condition progresses, these symptoms become more severe, sometimes to the extent that the animal will not use the affected limb. Symptoms of DJD are excerbated by cold, damp weather.


How is DJD diagnosed?

DJD is diagnosed through physical examination and radiographs (x-rays). Early DJD may only show a decreased joint space, as cartilage is not radio-opaque. Mid-stage or severe DJD can be seen in the formation of osteophytes and changes in the bone under the cartilage.



How is DJD treated?

Treatment of DJD is limited to medicinal and physical therapy to reduce the amount of pain in the surrounding ligaments and joint capsule. After routine bloodwork is performed, the patient may be placed on an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory), and in the case of obese dogs, on a prescription weight-loss diet. Corticosteroids may be used in severe cases that do not respond to NSAIDs. The ideal physical therapy for dogs is swimming or the use of an underwater treadmill. Other physical therapy includes short walks and passive flexion and extension of the affected joint. Other treatments include the use of supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, acupuncture, and the electrical pulse therapy.


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