By Dr. Rhyannon Moore-Foster and Dr. Luisa De La Cuadra
Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Livestock

Arthritis comes from the Greek word arthros for joint and the suffix -itis that indicates inflammation. This term is used ultimately to describe pathologies present in the joint, another term used to characterize this disease is degenerative joint disease (DJD) or osteoarthritis (OA).

This is a disease that typically progresses slowly, and we can find destruction of many structures within the joint itself. This can include the articular cartilage, changes in the subchondral bone, and soft tissues (ligaments, synovium, joint capsule) in different forms ranging from mild to severe.

So, how can we tell when our friend is in pain? We may notice a variety of signs including, but not limited to; increased time laying down, not eating or drinking adequately, lameness, abnormal conformation of a joint like dropped fetlock, deviation of a joint from its normal angle or it may look bigger when compared to the equal joint in the other leg. Other signs of pain may be more weather dependent. You may notice a refusal to move around, especially when the weather is cold or there’s mud.

Arthritis is commonly diagnosed in dogs and other small animals, however it is also frequently diagnosed in livestock species including small ruminants, cattle, and pigs. Yet it is not very common in camelids from what is reported in the literature. Usually, this disease is related to systemic infections in crias. This can occur when bacteria enters the body via the bloodstream and travels to the joints. This can create joints to become infected, or what we refer to as a “septic joint.” The damage that is caused due to this inflammation and infection within the joint can cause degenerative changes to the soft tissues within the joint and become septic arthritis.

Overall, this disease, although not common in camelids, can be highly present in crias who undergo other issues early in life, such as systemic infections. Arthritis can also be present as in any other species in older animals or when traumas happen directly to the joint.

Diagnosing this disease normally needs more than a single test, from radiographies, cytology, bacterial culture, ultrasonography to computerized tomography (CT scan) depending on the severity and how the animal presents. Only by running these diagnostics can it be understood what is happening and choose how to fight our battle.

Then, depending on what is diagnosed, the treatment becomes the real challenge. Camelids are not that different from other species. Treatment goals for septic arthritis will include a direct attack to bacteria, reduction of inflammation and therefore reduction of pain. These treatments could take different forms depending on severity, response to treatment and the type of microorganism involved.

When we start to talk about arthritis related to ageing and chronic arthritis, the situation is far more complicated. Our goal in this kind of situation is usually to provide comfort, quality of life and more years of relief if possible. These treatments may include pain management, joint injections, supplements, and acupuncture.

Some precautions can be taken from a younger age, and this includes starting with a conformationally sound animal. We will be looking for an animal with good leg conformation, avoiding “posty” legs and good body condition, and trying to avoid animals who are underweight or who are obese, which will predispose to arthritis. And last but not least, regular health checks with your veterinarian is highly recommended so indicators of the disease can be caught early, and treatment recommendations can be made to prolong your animal’s comfort and lifestyle.

About the authors

Dr. Rhyannon Moore-Foster is currently an Assistant Professor at Colorado State University in the ambulatory Livestock Field Service. She graduated from Michigan State University’s veterinary school in 2013, then completed a PhD there in 2018 with an emphasis in mastitis and employee education. She has spent time also in private practice working with a variety of species including livestock, small animals and exotics. Her interests include reproduction, herd health as they relate to production medicine.

Dr. Luisa De La Cuadra is an intern at the Livestock hospital at the Colorado State University. Originally from Colombia where she finished her studies, then she headed to Canada and finished her rotating internship in large animal internal medicine and surgery at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. Her goal is to become a specialist in large animal internal medicine and help and spread the knowledge as much as she can.

© Fall 2023 RMLA Journal

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