Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) or osteoarthritis is the leading chronic pet disease of cats and dogs, mainly aged animals. DJD involves progressive degeneration of cartilage in joints, joint architectural change, immobility, and painful ambulation. DJD cannot be cured, but with early diagnosis and a properly designed treatment course, a pet can achieve a high-grade degree of well-being to a considerable extent.
Whether your pet is getting older and not quite as spry, recovering from a trauma involving their joints, or if your veterinarian has spoken of “DJD” or “CCL injuries in dogs,” being exactly sure what this disease is can be the beginning of excellent care.
What Is Degenerative Joint Disease in Pets?
Degenerative Joint Disease happens when cartilage that cushions a joint starts to deteriorate. When the cartilage disappears, the bones rub against one another, and the inflamed or stiffened joint results. Over time, the surrounding muscles and ligaments may also weaken due to disuse or compensatory movement.
DJD may affect any joint but is often found in hips, knees, elbows, and the spine. The etiology is primarily aging, although DJD may be due to trauma (such as dog CCL injury), developmental abnormality, or repeated joint use through training or weight.
Identifying the Signs of DJD
Animals are extremely competent at masking pain, particularly in the initial stages of joint destruction. They will therefore become subtle early warning signs before it is possible for them to develop the disease in its entirety. Some of the most common signs are:
- Reduced activity or evasive play
- Failure to rise from recumbency
- Stiffness, particularly on rising
- Abnormal behavior (irritability, withdrawal)
- Avoidance of jumping, stair climbing, or walking
In dogs, CCL injury (cranial cruciate ligament tear) most frequently leads to DJD. The disruption of the ligament can stabilize the stifle joint, lead to uneven cartilage wear, and cause chronic disease of the joint.
Risk Factors for DJD in Companion Animals
There are a number of risk factors for DJD that can predispose one’s pet to the disease.
- Age: Advanced age places one at increased risk for cartilage wear.
- Breed: Joint issues are more likely in larger breeds (e.g., German Shepherd, Labrador, Golden Retriever) based on genetics.
- Injuries: Dislocations, fractures, or sprains of ligaments may change the congruity of joints.
- Obesity: Obesity causes extra stress on joints.
- Joint deformity: Dysplasia of the hip or elbow may be the underlying cause.
Early identification of risk factors and collaboration with a veterinarian to maintain the health of the joints will be capable of controlling the onset of DJD.
Management of DJD: A Multi-Modal Approach
Even though it is a chronic disease, a number of management measures can maintain quality of life and mobility in the afflicted animals. Management is typically veterinary, mechanical stabilization, and nutrition.
Routine Low-Impact Exercise
Restrictive movement immobilizes the joints and muscles. Swimming, leash walking, and low-impact play can condition animals without stressing joints beyond their limit.
Weight Control
Optimum weight is the optimal solution to maintaining joint health. Overweight places extra mechanical stress on already diseased joints, speeding up wear on the cartilage.
Supportive Living Environment
Ramps, orthopedic mattresses, and nonslip mats are modifications that can allow access to a home for mobility-impaired pets. They reduce stress and minimize injury.
Veterinary monitoring
Periodic visits can offer a chance for early intervention if joint changes worsen. Your veterinarian will suggest imaging examinations to assess joint status or suggest treatment therapy such as physiotherapy or acupuncture.
Nutritional Support
Diet plays a fundamental role in joint health. A healthy diet with the addition of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and amino acids supports the body’s natural repair and healing mechanisms.For pet owners looking to make joint support easy and effective, Mighty Munch offers a science-backed dog joint supplement that’s trusted by thousands of vets and delivers results you can see
The Role of Pet Joint Supplements
Pet owners of all types want to contribute actively to their pet’s health. Supplements would usually have ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, omega-3s, and collagen most closely linked to joint health.
While not a drug, supplements may offer precursors the body utilizes to maintain joint fluid, cartilage, and connective tissue well-being. Type II collagen supplements are particularly becoming popular as they may be able to stimulate structural tissues that somehow contribute to joint function.
Consult your veterinarian prior to administering a joint supplement to your pet, particularly if your pet has other underlying medical conditions.
The Association between CCL Injury and DJD
Dogs’ CCL injury is among the most prevalent orthopedic diseases. In the human body, the ACL is the CCL stabilizing the knee. When the CCL tears due to trauma or degenerative processes, the joint is destabilized and prone to cartilage loss and inflammation, resulting in DJD.
Even with fixation by surgery, a few of these dogs with CCL damage end up with DJD in the affected joint. It is due to this fact that nutritional support, observation, and care of the joint are particularly beneficial for rehabilitation in dogs with ligament damage.
Final thoughts
Degenerative Joint Disease is a chronic disease, but by taking control, the animal can lead an active and painless life throughout its life. A lifestyle change program, preventative veterinary care, weight regulation, and dietary control give owners a solid base on which to establish joint well-being.
A quality pet joint supplement can be a valuable addition to just such a regimen, like one containing nutrients like collagen. OptiWize Collagen Plus, for instance, includes a collagen source that supports connective tissue health consumed each day as part of a holistic joint health regimen.
Finally, caring for a pet with DJD is all about active, proactive care— ensuring that their golden years are active, engaging, and filled with quality time alongside those they love.