Arthritis
This is a common orthopedic ailment caused by the degeneration of cartilage and fluid surrounding the joints thus causing inflammation. It can also be caused by the formation of a new bone around the joint surfaces.

Hip Dysplasia
This is a degenerative and painful condition where the hip joints have developed abnormally. When hip dysplasia occurs, the head of the thigh bone (femur) and hip socket (acetabulum) do not fit perfectly. These joints then, become malformed and unstable. His dysplasia is usually a congenital defect.

Hydrotherapy
Derived from the Greek words hydro (water) and therapeia (healing), hydrotherapy is the medical use of water in the treatment of various physical injuries.

Orthopedic
General term that involves the treatment of disorders related to the skeletal system or other motor organs (legs, arms).

Therapist
Title given to someone who is trained and is authorized to conduct treatments for certain illnesses or disabilities.

Therapy
Term used to describe the treatment of illness or disability. The word, “therapy” is often used in combination (physical therapy, psychotherapy, hydrotherapy, etc).

Veterinarian
Title given to one who is trained, licensed and authorized to treat animals.