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Veterinary Manual

Find information on animal health topics, written for the veterinary professional.

Polyarthritis in Small Animals

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Polyarthritis in Small Animals

By Joseph Harari, MS, DVM, DACVS, Veterinary Surgeon, Veterinary Surgical Specialists, Spokane, WA

Polyarthritis involves inflammation of multiple joints and is classified as infectious (septic arthritis, see Septic Arthritis in Small Animals) or noninfectious (erosive or nonerosive [immune-mediated]). Nonerosive can be idiopathic or breed (Akita) associated, while erosive is characteristic of feline progressive arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Clinical signs of a polyarthritis include fever, lameness, swollen joints, lethargy, and inappetence. Diagnosis is by radiography (joint effusion, possible erosive bone destruction) and abnormal (increased cell counts) joint fluid analyses. Treatments involve longterm glucocorticoid therapy or other immunosuppressive medications such as azathioprine or cyclophosphamide. Prognosis in most cases is guarded or poor, with relapses common.

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In all animals, the motor unit of skeletal muscle consists of the motor neuron, the neuromuscular junction, and muscle fibers. Muscle dysfunction—such as ataxia, paresis, or paralysis—most commonly originates in which of the following locations?