What is degenerative joint disease (DJD)?
Degenerative joint disease is more commonly called arthritis or osteoarthritis. DJD is a progressive disease in which the cartilage between the joints gradually deteriorates over time. The cartilage becomes brittle and, in severe cases, breaks away, wearing away the bone, leading to decreased blood supply, bone spurs and even joint instability.
In most cases, DJD in dogs is genetic. Although other factors such as the dog’s diet and joint conformation can also contribute. An overweight dog will carry extra weight and put extra strain on their joints, which can put them at high risk for joint pain and discomfort.
Signs and symptoms of degenerative joint disease
![Adjustable rear barrel brace for dogs](https://www.handicappedpets.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/10/Sam_Walkin-Fit-Splint.jpg)
Obese dogs are at greatest risk of developing DJD; Weight and diet management of overweight dogs is recommended to reduce the risk of developing DJD. Signs of degenerative joint disease usually appear in middle-aged and elderly animals. Signs include:
- Reluctance to take walks or walk at a slower pace
- Lethargy and sleeping more frequently
- Joint stiffness
- Take more time to get up
- Difficulty getting into the car
- Sitting, hind legs outstretched
In more advanced cases, the dog may refuse to walk on the affected leg, leading to further mobility problems.
Treating canine osteoarthritis and DJD
The damage caused by DJD is irreversible, although there are many steps you can take to relieve your dog’s joint pain and improve his quality of life.
NSAIDs and medications
Joint inflammation due to DJD can be managed medically using NSAIDs, pain relievers, and daily joint supplements. Your veterinarian will develop the appropriate treatment for your pet.
Laser therapy for joint pain
Laser therapy is a painless, non-invasive treatment option for reducing joint inflammation and pain in pets with DJD. In most cases, laser therapy is only one part of a pet’s treatment plan. And for the best result, laser therapy must be associated with other forms of canine rehabilitation.
Hip support
![Labradoodle Hip-EEZ](https://www.handicappedpets.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/08/Labradoodle-Hip-EEZ.jpg)
Canine hip braces are beneficial for pets suffering from pain and inflammation in the hip joints.
A hip support system combines compression and lifting of the joint to make movements less painful while supporting the hip joint. Hip orthoses for dogs are essential for keeping animals with hip problems ambulatory and walking.
Canine Joint Support
Dogs with degenerative joint disease in the lower legs may need reinforcement for the joint. Wear one leg splint or brace provides rigid support as well as joint stabilization.
Although DJD is not usually a disease that causes a lot of inflammation, an arthritic joint can swell. An animal with swollen carpal or hock joints will need an adjustable splint. A adjustable splint allows you to increase or decrease the width of the splint to accommodate any swelling. A neoprene wrap or hug protects the joint for lighter leg support.
Spinal Support
For pets suffering from spinal arthritis or other degenerative spinal disease, a dog back brace can help support the spine and relieve back pain. THE spinal back orthosis features multi-level support including memory foam support layers and removable metal support spines for optimal support.
Wheelchairs keep pets active
![dog in wheelchair playing](https://www.handicappedpets.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/02/harley.jpg)
A dog wheelchair is ideal for the most severe cases of degenerative joint disease where carrying weight on the hind legs becomes impossible or too painful for a pet.
The wheelchair provides a dog or cat with the support they need to maintain their active lifestyle without supporting all of their weight on their back legs. If a pet is suffering from joint pain in all four legs, a full support quad wheelchair will keep them fully supported.
![Hip-EEZ dog hip orthosis buy now](https://www.handicappedpets.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/08/Hip-Brace-CTA.jpg)
Related Articles:
Have we answered all your questions about “DJD in Dogs”?