The Local Origin of Joint Disease varies in different cases. It may first commence in the synovial membrane, or in the bone or the cartilage. It does not, however, always confine itself to the structure in which it originates, but frequently extends from one to another until all are more or less involved. Sometimes the connecting ligaments will also become affected and suffer with the rest in the morbid action.

Disease most commonly commences in the synovial membrane, and next in the bones, but seldom in the articular cartilage and connecting ligaments.

This greater susceptibility to become primarily affected is no doubt due to the greater vascularity of the two tissues referred to, and their higher functional activity.

Symptoms

The general symptoms of joint disease are such as result from an attack of inflammation in one or all of the structures entering into the formation of the articulation.

Lameness is more or less severe, according to the structure involved and the stage of progress of the disease. Swelling of the part, with more or less heat and pain under pressure, will also be observed.