http://www.care2.com/greenliving/holistic-treatement-for-dog-osteoarthritis.html
Holistic Treatment for Dog Osteoarthritis
By By Victoria L. Freeman, PhD, Natural Solutions
Osteoarthritis (degeneration of joint cartilage resulting in pain and loss of mobility) is so common in pets, dogs especially, that you would think it’s an inevitable, natural part of aging. It isn’t. To preserve the cartilage cushion between bones, a well-balanced, wholesome diet is the first line of defense. “And don’t forget the importance of proper weight control, massage [to enhance circulation], and regular exercise,” says holistic veterinarian Susan Wynn, DVM. “But if these bases are covered and your companion animal still has trouble climbing stairs, jumping up on the sofa, or arising from or getting into a resting position, it’s time to consider supplements,” explains Wynn, who is executive director of the Veterinary Botanical Medical Association and vice president of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association.
The earlier in the condition you begin treatment the better your pet’s chance of reaping the benefits of two powerhouse nutrients–glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate–that together maintain cartilage structure and prevent damage. Other supplements Wynn suggests include antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, the mineral selenium, fish-oil–derived omega-3 fatty acids (for their anti-inflammatory activity)–and proteolytic enzymes (to reduce inflammation and support cartilage repair by enhancing protein digestion and absorption). Anti-inflammatory herbs such as meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) or ginger (Zingiber officinale) may also offer relief. “Combining several ingredients with different mechanisms of action maximizes potential synergistic effects,” Wynn notes, “but even so, benefits may not show up for a couple of weeks, so be patient.” Start with suggested label dosages, but check with an experienced veterinarian to ensure the proper amounts for your pet.
A note of caution: Herbs and nutraceuticals may have side effects, and because the science in that area is still emerging, Wynn says it’s a good idea to monitor blood work every six to 12 months when animals are on any chronic medication–even supplements.
Merchandise bearing the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) seal is manufactured by companies screened by the NASC, and you can find NASC supplier members by visiting NASC or calling 760.751.3360. Consult a holistic veterinarian for questions about specific products, though, because the animal supplement industry is still young and even products that don’t yet carry the NASC seal may be effective.
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9 comments
add your comment »I rescued a Lab/Greyhound mix, who probably never got Mommie's milk. Her hind legs are real skinny and her xrays show arthritis. She's only 14 months and she shows lethargic and unsteady motions.
I had heard of a liquid that does miracles. I bought it!
This product works and I'm an engineer who likes facts, not hype. It's called ARTHRO-IONX.
To each his own, but I'm one who has to see the results. Try one bottle and you will see results in a few days, I'm sure. My dog is 63# and takes a teaspoonful a day. For this, I am so happy to see my dog having a life, without harmful coverup drugs. I would recommend this product to anyone with dogs, cats and horses. It's truly amazing and I don't work for these people. Thank you.
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Hey Sharon
I forgot to mention. I agree with you about a natural dog diet, wholeheartedly but I just am not very sucessful at it so I have to find a happy median with good choices I can be sucessful at.
Unfortunately, I have to do the same with myself and children also.
Anyway the supplements that my family, including pets, take are mostly encapsulated food and herbs not pills. One of my favorite supplement is a combination of Alfafa, kelp and dandelion. It is good for dogs and pregnant women! And of course pregnant dogs...
Anyway I admire your ability to feed all natural raw diet but I do what I can and know it is better than not.:)
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I have had 2 large German Shepherd girls who were/are 12+. The one is very stiff some days and I have been slacking on her supplements due to money restriction (single mom w/ 2 kids).
I buy good grain free food and minimal supplements; I can tell she isn't getting enough. This article and comments will help put me back on track for some improvements!
By the way, my dog sit for her vitamins because they are a treat for her. I usually use human quality vitamins adjusted for weight dipped in peanut butter, one at a time- hand fed is special! At the end she gets to lick the extra off the spoon. I am sure to put plenty on in the beginning so there is no doubling dipping. When I had 2 they would sit and wait for their alternating turns for the vitamin and the spoon licks in the end.
I do best when I pull her vitamins weekly like my own. Just get another weeks worth daily divider.
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Why not just feed a dog a natural diet of what it's supposed to eat? Raw meat, a few berries, raw bones. They'll never get arthritis to start with. If they have an injury that turns into arthritis, get them a magnetic pad to sleep on. Dogs are not supposed to be pill poppers! Neither are humans for that matter. How far from nature do we need to get before people wake up? Don't buy into the kibble myth.
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I looked up Neprinol and how it works to counteract fibrin. Interesting. I'll have to look into this further. Thanks for posting.
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My English Springer Spaniel had cruciate ligament surgery, his miniscus removed and was diagonsed with severe arthritis. A year after the operation, he still hadn't recovered, limping or hopping several times a day. During this year he had lots of message and water therapy, was on mega doses of glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, DLPA, Boswelia, Yucca, CoQ10, ginger, raw meat diet, lots of veges, Mobility 2, etc. Finally,I found out about a product called Neprofin. There is a human version called Neprinol. Neprofin is marketed for horses but is just as safe and effective for dogs. It is difficult to find, so I located the manufacturer on line which is arthurandrewmedical.com. I called them up and spoke to Danny who gave me all the information I needed. After 5 weeks my dog was a puppy again. He has been on this product for almost two years with no side effects and full recovery. The product is basically systemic enzymes which make it very safe as well as miraculously effective.
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We have been treating our 13 year old terrier/collie cross with glucosamine/chonroitin chew sticks(one per day) and a large spoonful of malt&codliver oil every night for the last 6 months and this has really eased her stiffnes. Before she was getting very stiff, especially after sleeping and somedays had difficulty walking any distance at all. The chew sticks are quite expensive, but a large bottle of the malt can be got for only a couple of pounds & 1 should last at least a month.(unless being shared by your partner!!!)
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My German Shepherd, Tara, lived to 14.5 with twice daily walks despite being diagnosed with Osteoarthritis at age 5. Our supplements included Missing Link Plus, Dualactin, wild salmon fish oil and brewers yeast. We also tried accupunture, water treadmill therapy and messages with hope that any holistic approach would be beneficial, too. Keeping her thin, active and feeding her a grain free diet was the best remedy for reducing inflammation and pain. She is very missed.
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I've had my dogs on glucosamine/chondroitin, multi vitamins, and flaxseed for years. It really seems like it's helping. One dog is 13, and is still fairly spry.
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