Basic Sciences Bldg. 2001 S. Lincoln Ave. But the next day, I usually notice, she pays for all that squirrel chasing with a slight limp in her right forelimb. It doesn't slow her down much, but makes it me wonder if our trips to the dog park should be replaced by a kinder, gentler activity. Dogs show evidence of pain from DJD by limping.
Lameness can occur suddenly, or gradually increase over time.
It can be persistent or intermittent. The first job is to act as a shock absorber, and the second is to provide a slippery surface for joint motion. Instead, an injury leads to inflammation, swelling, and changes in the joint that make cartilage a poor shock absorber and less able to produce joint-lubricating fluid. Dogs generally develop DJD after a primary problem in the joint occurs. Treatment of DJD depends on each dog and the severity of the lameness.