what is pannus

Pannus is a type of extra growth in the joints that can cause pain, swelling, and damage to bones, cartilage, and other tissue. It most often results from rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory disease that affects the joints, though other inflammatory diseases are also sometimes to blame. Pannus can also refer to chronic superficial keratitis, an immune-mediated condition affecting the cornea or clear part of the eye, which occurs primarily in middle-aged German shepherd dogs or German shepherd mixes, and Belgian Tervurens, but other breeds may also be affected. Treatment for pannus depends on the underlying cause and may involve medication, surgery, or other interventions.