Ligament & Tendon Degeneration

Dogs may suffer from conditions that cause ligament and tendon degeneration. This can lead to stiffness of the joints and lameness over the course of time. To correctly treat ligament and tendon degeneration, it is important to discover the underlying cause of the condition, and it is likely that you will need the help of a veterinarian.

  1. Identification

    • Ligament and tendon degeneration means that those body parts are slowly becoming dysfunctional. This type of degeneration usually occurs when your dog is advancing in age, and may cause symptoms such as swelling and joint pain.

    Rheumatoid Arthritis

    • Rheumatoid arthritis is a cause of lameness in dogs. This condition is the result of a defective immune system, causing problems in your dog's joints. Erosive rheumatoid arthritis can cause destruction of the joints by targeting the dog's ligaments and tendons. Toy breeds and small-breed dogs are most likely to suffer from this condition. The symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis in dogs may include lameness, joint swelling, lethargy and occasional fevers. These symptoms may lead to deformities of the joints. The treatment for rheumatoid arthritis in dogs is heat therapy, cold therapy, exercises and acupuncture.

    Osteoarthritis

    • Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of ligament and tendon degeneration in dogs. This condition is characterized by the loss of cartilage in the joints. This results in bone wearing on bone, which creates inflammation and pain. The treatments used by most veterinarians for this condition are heat, exercises, acupuncture and cryotherapy.

    Hip Dysplasia

    • Hip dysplasia is a condition that is common in certain breeds of dogs. Hip dysplasia is the most common cause of osteoarthritis in the hip of the dog. Dogs that have hip dysplasia have a mal-formation of the hip joint that causes movement in the joint. Over time, the femoral head becomes deformed and degenerative joint disease develops. This is most common in large breed dogs such as the rottweiler. Treatment options for dogs with hip dysplasia may include surgery, medication, acupuncture, exercises such as swimming, and magnetic therapy.

    Considerations

    • If your dog has symptoms of joint stiffness and lameness, consult a veterinarian. This will ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.