OSTEOARTHRITIS

WHAT IS A JOINT?

The joint is the area where two bones meet. Each bone end is covered with cartilage, a resistant, elastic, very smooth and slippery substance that allows for smooth and effortless movement. To facilitate sliding, the joint is lubricated by synovial fluid, made by a membrane that lines the inside of the entire joint (the synovial membrane).

OSTEOARTHRITIS

Osteoarthritis is a very common rheumatic disease, characterized by the progressive destruction of articular cartilage. As a result of a series of mechanical and biological phenomena, an imbalance appears between the production and destruction of cartilage: the thickness of the latter decreases, gradually disappears and the joint is permanently altered.

The bones rub against each other, causing significant pain, the animal will then avoid moving its diseased joint, bone growths form and interfere with movement. This disease particularly affects the joints of your pet’s limbs (elbow, knee, hip) and spine.