The cat is limping. The cat is limping on its hind leg with no visible injuries. Reasons why a cat may limp

In the article I will talk about the reasons and what to do if the cat is limping in the front or hind paw. I will list the main diseases that cause this symptom. I will describe the signs of common injuries and methods of providing assistance for bruises and fractures.

Reasons why a cat may limp

There are many reasons for a pet's sudden lameness. If a kitten or cat was healthy and suddenly suddenly began to limp, then most likely a limb injury occurred.

It can be:

a thorn in the paw;
a bite of an insect;
ligament damage;
crack in bone tissue;
injury;
subluxation;
fracture

Another invisible cause of a pet's sudden lameness may be an exacerbation of a serious musculoskeletal disease, which can manifest itself as lameness in the front and hind limbs.

On the front paw

It is usually diagnosed at the age of two years.

If your cat is limping on his front leg, he may have ulnar dysplasia. Pedigree cats are susceptible to this disease. The pathology, as a rule, develops on one forelimb and is hereditary.

The changes can vary in severity from mild lameness to complete inability to move with the affected paw.

Treatment in most cases is only possible through surgery. Drug therapy is prescribed only in mild forms in the form of anti-inflammatory and painkillers.

To the back

Lameness in the hind limb occurs when the kneecap is dislocated. Rarely seen. Affects the hind legs. In this case, lameness appears suddenly.

It looks like this: the cat falls on its back leg, meowing loudly with each step in pain, the paw takes on an unnatural shape.

Dislocations have a genetic predisposition and are often associated with serious trauma to the limb. In mild stages, it is treated with anti-inflammatory corticosteroids; in complex cases, surgery cannot be avoided.

Only an experienced veterinarian can correct a dislocation correctly.

On both limbs

Lameness of the front and hind limbs occurs in the following diseases.

Arthritis or arthrosis

As a rule, it affects old cats. It occurs in the form of monoarthritis (one joint is damaged) or polyarthritis (several joints).

Arthrosis manifests itself in the same form. Severe pain in this disease occurs when moving. There is less pain when at rest. With this disease, the cat quickly weakens and loses appetite. Sometimes body temperature rises.

Arthritis damages not only the joints, but also the internal organs. The main reasons for the development of these diseases are: heredity, sedentary Lifestyle, severe weight gain, unbalanced diet, various untreated infections. The disease is dangerous due to the complete destruction of the joint.

Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis, in which in cats, as well as in humans, the spine is affected and causes lameness. This compresses the nerve endings between the spinal discs.

If the process of cartilage formation is disrupted, the cartilage between the spinal discs quickly wears out and the vertebral processes rub against each other, causing severe pain. The disease is hereditary. On initial stage development of the disease can be treated with corticosteroids.

With pinched nerves and progressive lameness, treatment is only possible through surgery.

Osteomyelitis

The disease affects young cats mainly of Persian breeds. It goes away on its own with age. During an exacerbation, it causes severe pain to the pet.

Therapy includes corticosteroids and medications.

Bone tumors

Upon impact, the fragile, pathologically altered bone may crack.

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system are impossible to diagnose independently and prescribe the correct treatment. In such cases, the cat needs professional help.

How to recognize a fracture or bruise

An injury to the paw always becomes immediately noticeable.

The cat holds the injured limb suspended, cannot step on it, and does not allow anyone to touch the sore spot.

A common type of injury in active cats is bruises. Distinctive signs of such damage are:

paw swelling at the site of injury;
hematoma, which can be seen under the fur;
absence of wounds on the sore paw;
the structure of the paw is not damaged;
joints are mobile;
at the site of injury temperature rise is felt skin;
cat constantly licks the sore spot.

A fracture is a more serious injury. Its signs are more pronounced and noticeable:

violation of form damaged paw;
bone instability can be determined by touch;
swelling all over the paw.

First aid for a cat

If your cat hurts its paw, self-treatment at home is possible. You can help your cat in the following ways:

if possible calm down(if the pet does not show aggression, pick it up, caress it, pat it on the back);
to the place of injury apply cold for 1 minute, then, after a 30 second break, apply again for 1 minute, etc. Repeat the manipulation for 15 minutes.

In case of a fracture, it is necessary to immobilize the paw and, if possible, fix it. It is advisable to transport your pet to the veterinary clinic while still, so as not to further damage the limb.

The veterinarian at the clinic will take an x-ray and all the necessary manipulations to help the cat.

No matter how much pain a cat may feel due to an injury, it is strictly forbidden to give painkillers from a human first aid kit yourself.

These medications are not intended for use on animals and may cause irreparable harm to health.

When is it time to go to the vet?

In case of bruise, the paw will recover on its own within 5-7 days.

Special treatment will only be required if the pet does not stop limping within the specified period.

If there is evidence of a fracture or dislocation on the face, you must immediately contact a veterinary clinic for professional help.

In the case where no signs of injury are visible, but the animal is limping and shows through its behavior that it is in pain, you should not delay visiting a specialist. This symptom may indicate a serious disease of the cat's musculoskeletal system and requires professional treatment.

In the article I talked about lameness that can suddenly occur in a cat. She listed the main reasons for this condition. She described signs of injuries such as bruises and fractures. I wrote about providing first aid to a cat.

Cats are particularly mobile. This may also result in some injuries. If a cat is limping on its front leg, the owner should definitely find out the cause of the problem and provide quality treatment to the animal. Without this, there is a high risk that the damage will not go away on its own, and the pet’s condition will continue to worsen. The owner can determine on his own the reason why the front paw is lame only if there are external signs violation of the integrity of the limb. In other cases, only a veterinarian can make the correct diagnosis.

Causes

There is one non-pathological reason when a cat's front (or back) paw is lame. It occurs if the animal has an artistic streak and a touchy character. Such a cat, if the owner even slightly stepped on his limb or slightly pinched it with the door, and everything happened without injury or damage, immediately uttering a very loud cry, begins to limp on the injured paw, demonstrating with all his appearance that he is a victim.

After examining the limping paw, the owner does not detect any pain or signs of damage. The animal will demonstrate an abnormal gait for another 2-3 hours, after which it will stop the performance. The main thing at this moment is not to feed the cat treats, as otherwise it will get used to this method of extortion.

In other cases, the cat's front paw is lame pathological reasons that require treatment. The following several diseases and injury are the main factors causing front paw lameness:.

Injury. The most common reason why a cat limps on his front leg if he walks freely on the street. Lameness does not necessarily occur due to a severe injury, such as a fracture or dislocation. Impaired movement of the front paw can also occur due to bruises, cuts, splinters and sprains. During an external examination, you can detect a wound or swelling that causes the front paw to limp.
If a cat suddenly limps, then in 99% of cases there is an injury. If it is simple, then nothing needs to be done, and it goes away in 2-3 days. The most serious damage occurs to a kitten if it is attacked by a dog. If the animal begins to limp gradually, there is no talk of injury.
Osteochondrosis may also be the cause of a cat's lameness. The disease occurs in older cats. In pathology, pinching of the spinal cord roots occurs. If this pinching affects the cervical region, then the cat has one front paw or both paws lame. It is very difficult for him to stand on them. It is impossible to completely cure the pathology, and therapy is exclusively supportive in nature. The older the pet, the more severe osteochondrosis will manifest itself, causing more and more pronounced lameness. Often this is the answer to the question why a cat is limping.
Elbow dysplasia. The disorder occurs infrequently and mainly in especially purebred cats, the external appearance of which has much higher value than health. This disorder begins to manifest itself in young cats and only intensifies over the years. Such individuals should not be bred, since the pathology is hereditary and is passed on from parents to offspring. The left or right paw is lame, or both at once. The pathology begins to manifest itself most clearly when the cat is two or three years old.
Arthritis or arthrosis. Diseases that occur in older cats and lead to inflammation of the joints. The pathology affects the fore and hind limbs equally. Lameness increases gradually. Treatment for this disease is predominantly supportive. Possible periods complete elimination symptoms and their subsequent reappearance. The cat's lameness does not disappear completely. If therapeutic measures are not taken, the pet’s condition will only worsen and it may completely lose the ability to move normally.
Osteomyelitis. Occurs in cats less than 2 years old. In pathology, partial destruction of the paw bones occurs with the development of a purulent-inflammatory process. The cat has a limp front leg, both legs, or the back legs too. The disease is especially common in representatives of the Persian breed and animals bred on their basis. The main assumption regarding the causes of the disease is genetic predisposition.

If a cat or cat is limping on its front leg, urgent measures must be taken to eliminate the problem. The longer a visit to the veterinarian is delayed, the more money will need to be spent on treating an already advanced disease. The veterinarian will take an x-ray of the front paws and, after identifying the cause of the pathology, prescribe necessary treatment. The front paw of cats is especially functional, and therefore when it is lame, the pet experiences serious difficulties and cannot continue to live a full life.

VETERINARIAN CONSULTATION REQUIRED. INFORMATION FOR INFORMATION ONLY. Administration

A domestic cat, especially if it is a young animal, personifies not only peace and comfort, but is also associated with an active lifestyle. Fluffy pets play with pleasure, jump from heights, run, and frolic.

If a cat is lame on its paw, the owner will immediately notice the problem. The reasons can be very diverse - from minor injury to serious problems with the musculoskeletal system.

Lameness is a violation of the motor function of an animal, in which there is incomplete contact of one of the limbs with the ground. In this case, the body weight is transferred to healthy paws. The owner may notice stiffness of movement, uneven, slow gait. The animal refuses to perform usual movements (jumping on the sofa, jumping from a height). The cat does not allow the affected limb to be stroked and constantly licks it.

Veterinary experts note many reasons why a cat stops lean on one of the limbs and begins to limp:

Long claws. Untimely cat claws result in excessively long claws interfering with the normal support of the limbs when the animal moves.

In addition, the claw can grow into the soft tissue of the paw, causing pain and leading to lameness.

A common reason for a cat to be lame on its paw is splinter. Fluffy fidgets love to climb trees. Such fun often leads to sharp wooden splinters getting stuck in the delicate tissues of the cat's paw. Sticking into an animal's paw, the splinter causes pain and discomfort when moving, changing gait.
The causes of sudden lameness in a pet are most often injuries such as bruises, dislocations, sprains and ligament tears. The activity of an animal often plays a cruel joke on it. Jumping from heights is a common cause of sprains and tears of the cruciate ligament. Limb injuries are observed in free-ranging cats.

Running away from dogs, participating in fights with relatives, climbing trees and hills, furry pets are often exposed to bruises and problems with the ligamentous apparatus. The most common traumatic dislocations are observed in the hip, elbow and wrist joints.

A more serious cause of severe lameness is limb fracture. In this case, the owner can observe not only the presence of lameness in the animal, but also the dragging of the injured paw. As a rule, the animal tries not to step on the broken limb due to severe pain and holds it suspended.

The owner often observes how the cat is limping after an injection. This phenomenon is temporary and is due to the fact that during the injection the needle was inserted too deep into the muscles. After a few hours, the lameness caused by the intramuscular injection stops.
A persistent problem in a young animal may be caused by a genetic disorder - dysplasia hip joint . This pathology of the musculoskeletal system occurs in many breeds of domestic cats and is a negative sign that breeders should get rid of. With dysplasia in cats, the owner may observe that the cat is limping on its hind leg.

As a rule, strong changes in a pet's gait can be observed at the moment when the animal begins to move after sleep or rest. As you walk, the severity of lameness decreases. Fast-growing cat breeds, such as Maine Coon, British and Bengal cats, are predisposed to this disease.

In the first stages viral disease calcivirosis the owner may observe the so-called lameness syndrome. At the same time, the pet also notices increased joint pain. This is due to the localization of the calcivirosis virus in the connective tissue of the joints.
Osteodystrophy– another reason that occurs when phosphorus-calcium metabolism and vitamin D absorption are impaired. Softening and deformation of bones develop, which leads to gait disturbances and lameness. Breeds such as Scottish Fold and Scottish Straight are susceptible to the disease.
and arthrosis– common causes of lameness in older animals over 7 years of age. In addition to the pronounced symptom, the elderly pet experiences swelling of the joints, increased local temperature, and pain when palpated.
A serious reason why the cat began to limp constantly may be oncological pathology - osteosarcoma. Most often, the disease develops after 6–7 years.

The variety of factors leading to lameness must be taken into account by the owner when detecting this phenomenon in a pet.

What should the owner do?

Having noticed an uncertain, shaky gait in a furry beauty, the owner should take measures to identify the factors leading to lameness. First of all, it is necessary to examine the sore paw for the presence of foreign bodies: splinters, splinters, glass, etc.

If a cat is limping on a front paw, it is necessary to examine and feel the soft tissues of the limb to find out if there are ingrown nails that are interfering with the normal movement of the animal. If overgrown claws are detected, trimming them at home will return the pet to a normal gait.

After examining the paw pads, the injured limb should be carefully examined. , open fractures are easy to notice during visual inspection. In the absence of visible damage, you should feel the joints of the affected limb for swelling, swelling, pain, and increased local temperature.

If a cat has a sore paw, is limping and has dragging limbs, viral calcivirus should be ruled out. With this disease, in addition to gait disturbances, nasal discharge, sneezing, and conjunctivitis are observed. You should not diagnose your pet on your own. Only a veterinarian can determine that lameness is caused by a viral infection based on laboratory tests.

If the problem is not related to a splinter, wound, or visible damage, the owner should take the limping cat to a specialized facility. The most reliable method for diagnosing hidden injuries of joints and bones is x-ray examination.

Using an x-ray, a veterinarian will see displacement of bones during a fracture, dislocations, ruptures of ligaments, disruption of the normal configuration in the joint, phenomena of hip dysplasia and other pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. This method is painless and can be performed in some cases without anesthesia, with light sedation of the animal.

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Treatment Options

The owner can help the pet on his own only if he discovers an overgrown nail, a splinter, or a small wound on a limb. If lameness is caused by a wound, the wound surface should be thoroughly cleaned of contamination and treated with a disinfectant solution. Even with minor damage to the skin, the animal should be shown to a veterinarian.

If a dislocation is suspected as the cause of the lameness, under no circumstances should you adjust it yourself. If a cat has a swollen paw or is limping, the pet should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.

This should be done quickly, as swollen tissues make it difficult to diagnose and reduce the dislocation. In a clinical setting, if necessary, the animal will be given anesthesia to relieve pain and relieve muscle spasm, and the dislocated joint will be set back into place. After this manipulation, the cat will be given a fixing bandage or splint. In some cases, for dislocations, surgical treatment is resorted to.

For fractures, veterinary specialists use immobilizing bandages and apply plaster. In the case of an open fracture, bone fragments are removed from the wound and, if necessary, surgical excision of the damaged tissue is performed.

Treatment of hip dysplasia and arthrosis of certain joints at first is conservative in nature and includes the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamins, and chondroprotectors. Massage and physiotherapy provide good results. For exacerbations, painkillers are used.

For lameness caused by antiviral and antibacterial therapy. In case of osteodystrophy, the sick pet is prescribed mineral supplements of calcium and phosphorus, vitamin D. Correction of the animal’s diet and dosed ultraviolet irradiation have a good effect.

Arthritis requires complex treatment, which is based on anti-inflammatory, antibacterial agents and painkillers. An important role in the treatment of inflammatory phenomena in the joint is played by adherence to a special therapeutic diet.

If you notice lameness in your pet, you should not hesitate to visit a veterinarian, and also self-medicate. The phenomenon associated with gait disturbance can be caused by serious reasons (dislocations, fractures, joint dysplasia) that require professional help.

X-rays help make a correct diagnosis of a sick animal. In severe cases, veterinary specialists resort not only to conservative treatment, but also to performing surgery on the joint.

To learn how osteosynthesis is used to treat a tibia fracture in a cat, watch this video:

Based on materials from the website www.icatcare.org

Lameness in cats can develop due to infection with feline calicivirus (FCV). This is one of the main causes of upper respiratory tract infections (colds) in cats.

The classic "cat cold" has a short incubation period (three to five days). It manifests itself mainly in diseases of the upper respiratory tract (sneezing, runny nose, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, discharge from the eyes and mouth). These symptoms may be accompanied by fever and, less commonly, cough and pneumonia.

Already in the early stages of the disease, some cats may experience transient lameness, which can be considered as a clinical sign of FCV infection. It is now believed to be relatively common clinical manifestation calicivirus infection of cats. Transient lameness associated with cat infection with calicivirus is called Lameness syndrome(limping syndrome).

Calicivirus infection has been identified as a cause of lameness in observations of infected kittens. Their limp appeared within 2-3 days along with the usual symptoms - hyperthermia, lethargy, loss of appetite. Within a few hours of developing hyperthermia, the kittens also showed general or localized stiffness. It manifested itself as lameness in some, and almost complete immobility in others. Cats reacted painfully to palpation and manipulation of joints, and general hyperesthesia was observed (pain or increased sensitivity to touch). None of the cats had sneezing or eye discharge. However, about a third of the kittens developed mouth ulcers (one of the classic signs of feline calicivirus upper respiratory tract infection). Clinical signs passed within a period of 48 to 72 hours without residual effects.

The effect of feline calicivirus infection on joints.

Further studies showed that calicivirus proteins could be found in the synovium (the membrane lining the surface of the joint cavity and the ligaments located in the joint) in cats infected with or vaccinated with the live FCV vaccine. Since viral proteins are associated with antibodies, we can talk about the formation of an “immune complex” (a combination of a virus protein and specific antibodies produced against it), which can provoke an inflammatory response. In some cases, it was possible to isolate the entire virus from the joints of cats with signs of calicivirus infection, including lameness. This can be considered evidence that the virus provoked an acute inflammatory reaction.

Therefore, it is obvious that under the influence of calicivirus, at least in some situations, a systemic infection occurs, causing localization of the virus in the tissues of the joint. This may cause an inflammatory response due to local replication at these sites, or possibly due to stimulation of immune-mediated inflammation. Claudication syndrome is a form of virally induced polyarthritis (inflammation affecting multiple joints).

Some strains of FCV appear to be more likely to cause lameness in cats than others.

Vaccination against calicivirus infection and lameness syndrome.

Lameness syndrome associated with feline calicivirus infection most often occurs in kittens. It may develop even after the first vaccination of the kitten. Some vaccines may cause lameness syndrome more often than others. All manufacturers are constantly improving their products to reduce the risk of such complications. In addition, even if lameness occurs after vaccination, in some cases, an acquired infection rather than the vaccine itself causes the syndrome.

The role of feline calicivirus infection in the development of lameness syndrome.

So, calicivirus is undoubtedly capable of causing temporary polyarthritis (inflammation affecting more than one joint) in cats, more often in small kittens. This is a fairly common manifestation of calicivirus infection, and sometimes lameness syndrome is associated with vaccinations (especially live vaccines).

Cats, unlike dogs, are much more flexible and graceful creatures. And therefore, even inattentive owners notice irregularities in their “gait” much faster. Lameness is especially visible in cats. There can be many reasons for this phenomenon. We will try to consider those that occur most often.

This disease is not considered the most typical for cats, but... Yes, in the case of outbred “Murks” everything is exactly like that. They practically do not suffer from this pathology; cases are extremely rare. But only with purebred cats in last years things are much sadder. The problem is selection. More precisely, in poorly carried out selection: many animals end up in breeding that should not have been allowed there, as a result of which the breed acquires many “bad” genes. The characteristics of the pathology are as follows:

How easy it is to understand are affected forelimbs(as a rule, the pathology is well manifested only on one paw).

The disease is hereditary. If you do not know the breeder, and there are no people among your acquaintances who bought kittens from him, it is better not to take risks. Animals must be purchased only from trusted persons who will not allow sick pets into breeding.

Diagnosed "ulnar" dysplasia at the age of two or three years, or even earlier.

The severity of symptoms varies greatly from cat to cat. Your pet may be lucky, and then he will only be bothered by intermittent claudication, or he may be unlucky, and then without surgery he will not be able to fully move.

Therapy (full) – exclusively surgical. Anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers, etc. are prescribed only in mild cases when the body’s compensatory reserves have not yet been exhausted. When the cat already noticeably falls on the sore paw, drug treatment will not give much effect.

Arthritis and arthrosis

Arthrytis () translated from Greek means “joint inflammation.” This is one of the most common pathologies that affects old cats everywhere. Arthritis that affects one joint is called in veterinary medicine monoarthritis, disease of two or three joints - oligoarthritis. If not one or two, but all joints of the limbs suffer, then the name of the diagnosis changes - polyarthritis. What is it? This is the name of an inflammatory-degenerative disease, in general outline characterized by the same pathological changes in the joints.

But its essence does not change. The joints do not hurt so much without movement, without load on them, but more so with load and active games. In this case, the cat becomes very weak, completely or partially refuses to eat, and the body temperature may rise. Arthritis affects not only the joints, but also the internal organs. Among the main reasons leading to the development of the disease, veterinarians identify the following factors:

Heredity, about which we have already written a lot above.

"Recumbent" lifestyle, that is, the pathology very often affects castrates who are prone to low activity and speed dial body weight. If a “well-fed” cat begins to constantly fall on its front paw, it should be taken to the doctor immediately.

Unbalanced diet. This is typical for pets whose owners “don’t bother” with choosing the right, complete diet.

You can also mention our ecology, which has a detrimental effect on the health of not only humans, but also their pets.

Various infections.

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Predisposing factors and how to combat them

Currently, not everything is known about the causes of arthritis. It has many varieties, among which it should be noted: osteoarthritis, gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Each type has its own characteristics, but at the same time there is also much in common between them: pain when moving, severe lameness, inflammatory processes. The latter (in especially advanced cases) can lead to the development of sepsis and complete destruction of the joints.

There is also “occupational” arthritis. This type of pathology is characterized by the fact that pathological changes in the joints occur as a result of many years of repeated stress on the limbs. For example, chronic arthritis can occur (due to the specifics of the “profession”) in circus cats. But this, of course, is truly exotic. Much more often, the causes of arthritis and the lameness it causes are much more commonplace.

Often the disease is provoked colds, severe bruises and bites in the joint area, constant contact with toxic substances. Sometimes an exclusively fish or “dry” (that is, the cat is fed only dry food) diet contributes to joint disease. Rare cases of psychosomatic arthritis appearing in particularly sensitive pets against a background of serious ones (after sterilization, for example) have been described.

How does the disease manifest? The cat begins to limp heavily, every movement causes her severe pain. The joints may become noticeably swollen, and when palpated, it is easy to notice an increase in local body temperature. As a rule, animals react aggressively to attempts to probe them: they meow hoarsely, try to scratch the owner and run away.

Prevention and therapy

Plays an important role in the treatment and prevention of all forms of arthritis. proper nutrition. This pathology, first of all, is the deposition of calcium in cartilage and joints. It happens eventually excessive consumption of canned food, cereals and baked goods. In short, this is another reason to completely reconsider the diet of your “fluffy”. The success of treating and preventing arthritis largely depends on a balanced diet. IN daily diet(especially old cats) it is necessary to include boiled and pureed vegetables, but fatty meat, canned food and “handouts” should be completely excluded from the human table.

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The main emphasis in nutrition should be on reducing the calorie content of the animal’s diet and eliminating excess calcium from it and other elements that can potentially accumulate in the joints in the form of salts. It is better not to prevent a disease than to fight it later. This is clear to all breeders. Let us also remind you that arthritis today is largely considered an inherited pathology - carefully choose where you buy kittens.

Concerning treatment. In mild cases, the cat is prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs. corticosteroids and painkillers drugs. In case of an infectious etiology (at least suspected of it) of the disease, the pet is also prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotics and other antimicrobial drugs. Finally, in the most severe cases they resort to surgical intervention, including complete replacement of the affected joint with a synthetic implant.

If arthritis affects your pet, you should immediately contact your veterinarian for a full medical examination and an accurate diagnosis. For sick cats, massage (but not for all forms of arthritis) and physiotherapy are recommended.

It is advisable to consult a specialist about drawing up the maximum balanced diet for your pet. If all this is done in time, the cat will be able to get rid of this serious illness and live a full, active life, again delighting its owner.

Patella luxation

Let us immediately note that in cats this pathology, leading to severe lameness, quite rare, but still cases are not isolated. The following characteristics of the disease can be given:

It amazes, as you might guess, exclusively hind limbs.

Lameness appears suddenly and spontaneously: the cat begins to fall sharply on its hind paw, meowing and hissing in surprise and pain in fear.

Patella luxation is usually considered a genetically determined disease, but cases have been described in which serious injuries to the extremities contributed to its development.

Unlike dogs, in which small breeds are susceptible to this pathology, among cats, patella is most often diagnosed in “giants”, as well as in cats of ordinary breeds, beyond all measure.

Treatment depends on the stage of the disease (there are four in total). In the first two, you can successfully manage with anti-inflammatory corticosteroids, while in the third and fourth, the animal’s only chance for a full life is professionally performed surgical intervention.