Musculoskeletal Disease

Question 1

What is another name for osteoarthritis?

Answer 1

Degenerative joint disease

Question 2

What species do you find osteoarthritis in?

Answer 2

About 1 in 5 dogs but more so in cats just thought to be under-reported

Question 3

What is OA the most common cause of in dogs and cats?

Answer 3

Lameness

Question 4

What can OA develop as a consequence of?

Answer 4

Underlying deformity or trauma e.g. cruciate rupture, fracture. hip dysplagia, elbow dysplagia, OCD…
Any abnormal wear on the joints.

Question 5

Describe the pathophysiology of OA

Answer 5

characterised by degeneration of articular cartilage (causes abnormal wear of bones rubbing together), the abnormal wearing down of the bone causes formation of new bone at the joint surface

OA can be a primary disease but is most often secondary to abnormal stresses on the joints

Question 6

What are the clinical signs of OA?

Answer 6

Lameness and Stiffness (worse after rest - less common in cats as they hide their symptoms and regulate lifestyle)
Reluctance to jump up/climb (includes getting in the car)
Reduced Range of motion to affected joint
May be swelling
Alteration to gait
Muscle atrophy in affected limbs (due to reduced use)
May affect appetite, behaviour dependant on severity - and does depend on the individual

Question 7

How can OA be diagnosed?

Answer 7

Radiography generally best imaging option for bones and joints
Can also use arthroscopy - look at the inside of the joint and take samples.
CT/MRI are good if there is more than one joint affected.
Synovial fluid analysis - look for underlying cause
History and Clinical Signs - may be enough on its own if older patient isn’t suitable for GA