Arthritis

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                      General Information



Arthritis is inflammation of a joint.  It can occur in any joint,

including the spine and jaw.  Signs of arthritis include painful

or stiff joint movement, joint swelling and a grating sensation

during joint movement.  Arthritis can also cause fever and

redness of the skin over the joint.  Polyarthritis is

inflammation of several joints at the same time.  It is often

associated with complex internal diseases.  Causes of arthritis

include degeneration from aging, inherited arthritis,

infection, injury, blood diseases, allergic or immune-mediated

disease and cancer.



                 Important Points in Treatment



1.  Radiographs (x-rays) and laboratory tests are necessary to

    determine the type and extent of the arthritis.  Follow-up

    examinations during treatment are necessary to evaluate the

    response to therapy.



2.  Arthritis is usually a controllable rather than a curable

    disease.  Therapy is designed to minimize discomfort and

    delay or prevent progression of disease.



3.  Give all medication as directed.  Call the doctor if you

    cannot give the medication.



4.  Exercise:  Follow the instructions checked.



    ____Allow normal exercise.



    ____Restrict exercise as follows:





5.  Diet:  Follow the instructions checked.



    ____Feed the normal diet.



    ____A special diet is necessary.  Feed as follows:





6.  Special instructions:



        Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * Your pet's discomfort or lameness increases.



    * Your pet develops new signs.



    * Your pet is reluctant to eat or seems unusually thirsty.



    * There is swelling or drainage from a joint.