This glossary provides the definitions of terms used in Firstline’s September 2009 article “Creature Comfort.”
hip dysplasia: A developmental malformation of the hip joint that damages the cartilage, resulting in osteoarthritis, severe pain, lameness, and eventually debilitation. Both genetic and environmental factors play a role.
osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown and eventual loss of joint cartilage.
passive range of motion exercises: A veterinarian or team member assists pets in completing these movements designed to help joints regain full range of motion, usually measured by flexing or extending the joint.
proprioception: The ability to sense stimuli arising within the body. For example, even if you’re blindfolded, you know through proprioception if your arm is above your head or hanging by your side.
therapeutic exercises: A broad range of activities designed to restore or improve function in the muscles and skeleton, heart and lungs, the nervous system, or all of these. Examples of therapeutic exercises for pets include slowly walking up a ramp or hill and completing three-legged stands.
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