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Arthritis (Osteoarthritis) in Dogs and Cats

Senior dog lying down
Arthritis refers to the inflammation of one or more joints. The most common type of arthritis in dogs and cats is osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD). In pets with osteoarthritis, the cartilage lining at the end of the bone deteriorates and the surrounding fluid thins, causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness where the bones rub together. The bone can wear down, develop bone spurs or even chip as osteoarthritis progresses.