RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS IN DOGS .1. CLINICAL EXAMINATIONS

The rheumatoid polyarthritis (cP) is a chronic inflammatory disease wi th unknown etiology. A comparison between human and canine cP is possi ble, especially because of the similar immunologic response (Rheumatoi d factor, cytokine activity and T-cell dependance) and the poor respon se to any therapy. The clinical diagnostic procedure involves serologi cal diagnostics (Rheumatoid factor and antinuclear antibodies) and a d etailed orthopedic examination together with synovial fluid cytology. Radiological examinations can not be used for causal diagnostics but a re very useful to follow up examinations. A tentative diagnosis of cP can be achieved together wit a newly developed rheumatoid factor test.