K9 Carts Glossary

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints.  Pets may present with shifting leg lameness and/or swollen/painful joints.  X-rays may shown characteristic lesions in the bones that will make your vet suspect RA.  A blood test for rheumatoid factor is often also performed.  Pets are treated with immunosuppressive druge, but cannot be cured of the disease.