Cartilage is the slippery and resilient tissue that cushions the surfaces where two bones meet to form a joint. It is produces and maintained by its own specialised cells and, together with joint fluid, acts as a shock absorber, allowing for flexible and comfortable joint movement.
Scientists have discovered certain enzymes that play a role in the breakdown of cartilage. These enzymes are activated with age, injury or over-activity, and their release by the body can sometimes exceed that required for natural healthy replacement of cartilage, ultimately resulting in degeneration of cartilage and joint fluid, causing pain, inflammation and difficulty walking.
Some examples of joint problems in pets include Arthritis Hip Dysplasia, Osteochondritis Dessicans, and injury caused by over-activity.
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