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Joint Sprain in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
A joint sprain is overstretching or twisting of a joint beyond its normal range from a jump, fall, or sudden turn, causing pain, swelling, heat, and lameness. Early cold packs and later warmth with anti-inflammatory medication settle the inflammation; chronic sprains can thicken the joint capsule and form bone spurs.
Intervertebral Disc Disease in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Intervertebral disc disease occurs when a degenerating disc bulges or ruptures and presses on the spinal cord, causing pain, numbness, and movement loss. It favors the thoracolumbar (about 85%) and cervical (about 15%) spine in small or chondrodystrophic dogs. Conservative rest and anti-inflammatories help mild cases; severe ones need decompressive surgery.
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary developmental disorder of the hip joint influenced by genetics and environment, common in large breeds such as shepherds and setters. Progressive laxity and deformity cause lameness, reluctance to rise, and a characteristic 'bunny-hopping' gait; management is conservative with weight control and pain relief, and surgery is considered case by case.
Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Elbow dysplasia is a group of inherited developmental elbow joint diseases - ununited anconeal process, fragmented medial coronoid process, and osteochondritis of the medial humeral condyle - driven by genetics and rapid growth. It causes forelimb lameness, a reluctance to walk, and sometimes a crackling joint sound. Weight control, pain relief, and surgery in severe cases are the mainstays.
Patellar Luxation in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Patellar luxation is displacement of the kneecap out of its trochlear groove, common in small breeds such as Toy and Pomeranian dogs and usually from a congenital conformational defect or trauma. It causes a sudden inability to extend the knee and a skipping, hopping gait that may self-correct. Mild cases are managed conservatively; severe ones need surgery.
Hip Dislocation in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Hip dislocation is separation of the femoral head from the hip socket, usually from trauma such as a car accident, a fall, or a forceful pull on the hind limb. It causes a shortened, rotated leg and a hopping or dragging gait; it is corrected by closed or surgical reduction and strict rest, since it tends to recur.
Lumbar Sprain in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
A lumbar sprain is injury to the lower-back muscles, ligaments, and spinal joints from sudden over-contraction or trauma, most common in small breeds and pets with rickets or nutritional deficiency. Signs range from a stiff arched back and weak hind limbs to, in severe cases, paralysis and loss of bowel or bladder control. Prompt rest and veterinary care prevent lasting nerve damage.
Tendon Rupture in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Tendon rupture is a break in the continuity of a tendon, most often a flexor or the Achilles, from sudden overstretching, bone disease, or a cutting wound. It causes a flaccid, painful gap with loss of function - a flexor rupture stops weight-bearing, an Achilles rupture drops the hock. Closed tears are rested; open tears need surgical repair.
Tenosynovitis in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Tenosynovitis is inflammation of the synovial sheath around a tendon, most often in the carpal and digital flexor sheaths from overuse, friction, or injury. It causes a warm, painful, fluid-filled swelling and lameness that can progress to cellulitis or sepsis if untreated. Treatment mirrors tendonitis, with drainage for acute fluid build-up.
Elbow Hygroma in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
An elbow hygroma is a fluid-filled swelling of the bursa over the elbow, caused by repeated pressure and friction on hard surfaces. It starts as a soft, warm lump and can thicken or, if it breaks, drain blood-tinged fluid and become infected. Early cases are managed with rest and cold packs; large or complicated ones need surgery.