ARTHRITIS IN DOGS

by

Dr. Deborah Baker - 2010

For most people, their dogs are a valued member of the family. So to see their dog in pain, as occurs with arthritis in dogs is more than they can stand.

Although the causes of a dog limping are multitudinous, the most frequent is dog arthritis. It's particularly common in the larger breeds, especially the purebred animals. The theory here is that specific breeding enhances desired

genetics such as coat colour, stature, disposition, etc., but at the expense of heartier genetics such as joint structure or overall vital strength.

I'm not a dog breeder, but I can certainly attest to the fact that in over 32 years of practise and helping people with their pets, I rarely see this in the good ol' fashioned 'mutt'. A thought to ponder....

Dog Arthritis:

Just what is arthritis? "Arth" comes from joint and "itis" comes from inflammation..and that's exactly what it is. It is due to acute or chronic inflammation of a joint, often accompanied by pain and structural changes and having diverse causes, as infection, crystal deposition, obesity, genetic predisposition (hip dysplasia) or injury.

Healthy joints are lined with cartilage which acts as a shock absorber..just like your car has. There is also a substance called synovial fluid which bathes the cartilage and joints with nutrients and takes away irritating waste materials - by-products of cellular dynamics or metabolism.

Dog joint pain increases as the joints continue to degenerate over time, if not treated properly. And I do NOT mean simply giving the poor animal a bunch of pain killers. That solves nothing. As a matter of fact, NEVER give your pet ibruprofen or acetaminophen..both are very toxic to most animals. I am going to list here safe remedies and changes of diet..the most effective and safest way to treat this problem and give your dog the best life.

Here is an xray of a degenerated hip in a person..and you can see the lack of space between the head of the hip and the pelvis..also the scrunched, messy surface of the bones. (There is a normal dog hip xray below on this page.) Consider the pain of the bone on bone scraping and the associated inflammation and dog's pain with hips that would look just like this in advanced cases.

Dogs in pain show us something is wrong as obviously they can't tell us. Look for signs such as:

* Favouring a limb
*Appearing to have problems sitting/laying or getting up
* Fatigue and sleeps more
* Seeming to have stiff or sore joints
* Hesitancy to jump, run or climb stairs
* Weight gain
* Decreased activity or less interest in play
* Attitude or behavior changes-can even be aggression at being touched
* Being less alert

Ideally one wants to maximize the function of joints, the surrounding tendons and muscluar attachments to maintain good health and movement for your pets. (This applies to cats, horses,or any animal).

So as an owner...what should you be doing?

First and foremost is your pet's diet. Mike Adams over at NaturalNews has a very good report you can read here on what is in pet food and what you NEED to avoid.

There are a number of very good solutions one of my favourites being Sojo's:

Visit Sojourner Farms, and learn more about their fresh foods program for dogs and cats, and how you can make all-natural, homemade pet food in minutes.

They also offer lots of information in their "Articles" section, as well as pet treats and supplements.

A very worthwhile visit....click on the banner above...you won't be sorry.

Dog Pain Relief:

Another alternative for those who are willing to make their dog's food is this exceptional book by a vet who "saw the light" about natural care for dogs when he lost his own.

Dr. Andrew Jones lost his dog, Hoochie and he has the guts to admit that he unknowling..but he did..contribute to Hoochie passing from a bleeding tumour.

Dr. Jones puts this down to three main problems:

1) Routine Vaccinations every year...

2) Using commercial..even 'Veterinary Approved' dog food.

3) Using pharmaceuticals on Hoochie.

Read his story HERE..and see that now in the second edition of his book "Veterinary Secrets Revealed"..a huge 477 page manual of how to care for your pets, naturally so they can live the best and most healthy life they possibly can.

When treating any chronic,degnerative disease such as arthritis in dogs, this information is vital. Natural, chemical free food for our pets is probably the MAIN factor to their well-being and long life.

I've reviewed a few books like this..and can honestly say this one of Dr. Jone's is jam-packed with information on almost any situation...how to handle it naturally and when it's time to call the Vet.

Of course, the diet and feeding section is invaluable. Any dog owner should have this on hand...it's life changing for you and your pet.

Dog Joint Supplements:

Firstly, I'd like to tell you about the best glucosamine for dogs in a formula to enhance the development and to maintain healthy joints and muscles. This can be used as a preventive in dogs with a tendancy to arthritic problems (i.e. hip dysplasia) or when you know there is a problem.

Follow the dosing instructions as per the weight of your dog (or cat).

It's a combination of Devils's Claw (amazing herb for dog arthritic pain relief), Spirulina for trace nutrients, Homeopathics Nat Phos, Calc Fluor, Nat Sulph..again for dog joint pain relief, Lecithin and Glucosamine...a very well designed formula for treatment and prevention of arthritis in dogs.

In cases where arthritis is causing symptoms, Inflammago is a superb homeopathic remedy to reduce the inflammation and decrease pain.

Inflammation causes swelling...and Swelling inside a joint will likely cause pain, stiffness, and may produce a clicking sound as the tendons snap over one another after having been pushed into a new position from the swelling.

This homeopathic formula contains: Arnica, Dlucamara, Bryonia, Berberis and Rhus Tox ..a complete, natural and effective answer as an anti-inflammatory for dogs..and other pets.

Questions???

Email Dr. Deb..Anytime