Hypothesis 3: Possible trauma to TitanŐs right leg when she fell off the bed one year ago causes the joint to undergo degenerative changes. Trauma to the joint capsule, or ligaments within the joint, leads to an inflammatory response and ultimately to joint osteoarthritis. Changes seen with osteoarthritis of the stifle joint include; increased joint effusion, periarticular osteophyte formation, subchondral bone sclerosis, narrowing of the medial and/or later joint space, and flattening of the articular surfaces. Once the damage to the articular cartilage has occurred this results in a decreased ability to distribute the force of ambulation over the bone surface. Therefore, the subchondral bone experiences more stress and responds by becoming thicker and less compliant. This perpetuates further stress on the bone and eventually bone remodeling occurs. Radiographs, including oblique and flexed lateral views or the stifle, should be taken to assess possible joint degeneration and bone remodeling changes within the joint.