Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that effects the joints in the body.  In a healthy joint, the cartilage around the area acts as a shock absorber and lubrication around the joint helps to prevent the bones from contacting.

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Over time the lubrication around the joint begins to dry out and the area becomes inflamed. The cartilage that once acted as cushioning for the joint wears down and the two bones eventually meet and being to grate against each other. This leads to further inflammation and the development of osteophytes, small boney spurs, which remodel the bone, making it uneven in shape and inhibits normal joint movement causing pain, discomfort, swelling and further stress on supporting muscles. 

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Osteoarthritis is more common in ageing and senior dogs but can also be a secondary condition in younger dogs who suffer with other orthopaedic conditions such as Hip Dysplasia and Luxating Patella.