Doença Articular Degenerativa: Em cães Geriátricos

Degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis, is caused by joint development problems and is very common among small and large dogs of various breeds between 8 and 13 years of age. It is a degenerative condition with no cure, only palliative treatments for pain control and progression. It typically affects one or more joints. The joint inflammation that occurs in both cases leads to increased sensitivity in the affected joint area, increased volume and temperature, loss of range of motion, and difficulty moving, primarily related to pain. Both osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease cause great suffering to the animal, even being grounds for euthanasia in some cases when the bone marrow is compromised and surgical intervention is ineffective, and when the animals are debilitated and unable to move. In this research paper, we will discuss the causes of this disease, the treatment options available on the market, and palliative treatments combined with integrative medicine, which are crucial for pain control and patient stabilization.