Canine Arthritis - Other Types
(Continued article ... page 4 of 5)
| Definition | Osteoarthritis | Other Types of Arthritis |
| Symptoms | Rheumatoid Arthritis | Risk Factors / Diagnosis |
Other Types of Arthritis in Dogs
Aside from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, there are four other types of canine arthritis:
Infective Arthritis
This type of arthritis is caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection in the dog's joints. The infecting organism is carried to the joint via the dog's bloodstream from an infection occurring in another part of the body. In this form of arthritis, the symptoms and effects are the same, but the cause is different. Hence, any infection should be immediately checked by your veterinarian to determine whether the dog has arthritis. Depending on the source of infection and the organism causing the infection, this condition can manifest as either acute lameness or a grumbling sore joint. Prompt and efficient treatment is required, as misdiagnosis or the wrong treatment can lead to permanent incapacitation, with joint degradation and sometimes generalized disease. Infection of the joint can occur by two routes:
- Direct penetration of the joint; a bite, thorn, or road accident.
- Spreading via the blood supply.
The organisms involved are varied and depend on route of infection. Common organisms are B-haemolytic streptococci, Staphylococci, haemolytic E. coli, Erysipelothrix, Corynebacterium, and Lyme's disease (Borrelia burgdorferi). Brucella canis used to be a problem but is rare nowadays. Less commonly, fungal arthritis has been known to develop, and elsewhere in the world ricketsial (Rocky mountain spotted fever) and protozoal (Leishmeniasis) arthritises are well recorded. Interestingly, larger breeds and male dogs appear to be more commonly affected and present with varying degrees of lameness with a hot, swollen joint or joints, with pain on palpation or manipulation. There may be swelling of the limb and generalized signs, such as raised temperature and enlarged lymph nodes and even multi-organ failure. Radiographs should be taken, as much to rule out other causes of joint damage as to provide a diagnosis, and a sterile sample of joint fluid should be taken for bacterial culture, antibiotic sensitivity, and microscopic examination. Blood haematology can sometimes be useful with more generalized disease and specific testing for conditions such as Lyme's disease.
Idiopathic Arthritis
This group encompasses all the inflammatory diseases causing arthritis where no common feature or cause can be found. They can be divided into four groups but have few common denominators. Causative factors can be neoplasia (cancer), gastrointestinal disease, infections elsewhere in the body, and other types of immune complex disease. What this indicates is that if arthritis occurs along with other disease problems, there may be a link between them.
Drug-induced Arthritis
Polyarthritis, lymph node enlargement, and inflammation of blood vessels leading to skin rashes have been reported after the use of several antibiotics, such as the sulfa drugs, cephalosporins, macrolides, and penicillins. Withdrawal of the drugs usually leads to reversion to normal health. There have been reports of polyarthritis after vaccination usually clearing within a few days of the reaction. It must be emphasized that these reactions are rare and are far outweighed by the benefits of treatment or vaccination for the majority.
Acute Traumatic Arthritis
This is a generalized term for changes to a joint resulting from either a single or repetitive trauma to that joint. Examples are a road traffic accident, a torn cruciate ligament in the knee, or, for repetitive trauma, a dog overextending his back when running, resulting in spinal arthritis. Acute trauma to a joint may manifest as a sudden onset lameness with swelling, heat, and pain and warrants early veterinary attention. It is important to differentiate this type of acute joint pain from other conditions, such as septic or infected arthritis. Early assessment and treatment can reduce the long-term damage to the joint. In this condition, there is disruption of the cartilage, bone, synovial membranes, and ligaments supporting the joint. Inflammatory changes lead to increased synovial (joint) fluid production with swelling and associated discomfort.
continued »»
