Does Your Dog have Arthritis

[Sarah]

I received this in my email from Dr Andrew Jones, a Vet and thought I would share.

Wondering IF your pet has arthritis?

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Some of the MORE common signs include:
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General 'slowing ' down

Reluctance to walk, climb stairs, jump, or play

unwilling to jump up

Limping or obvious lameness, especially after excercise

Difficulty getting up after laying down- this is especially obvious first thing in the morning.

Yelping in pain when certain joints are touched



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A diagnosis
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If you suspect this, by all means have your veterinarian examine your dog or cat. They can at least give you a tentative diagnosis. From there you can discuss the treatment options. You DON'T need to accept the conventional meds IF they are prescribed.

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Conventional Medications
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Your veterinarian may suggest the use of Acetominophen or Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatories
(NSAID's)

Acetominophen ONLY relieves pain - it is not an anti-inflammatory.

Acetominophen ( ie Tylenol) is TOXIC to cats ( never use this in cats), and IF the dose is too high it can damage your pet's liver.

Some of the common NSAIDS include oved the counter Aspirin, plus prescription meds such as Metacam and Rimadyl. They can be effective pain relievers, as well as providing joint relief by lowering swelling.

Never use of the over the counter meds on cats.

AVOID Ibuprofen- it carries a very high risk of side effects in dogs.

The NSAIDs though being effective, have a host of side effects- especially being used long term.

Most common include vomiting/diarrhea, but also gastric ulcers, liver disease, kidney disease, and in rare cases death.

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Supplements
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There are a number of supplements that have been advocated for arthritis.

The most common ones include Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM and the Essential Fatty Acids, be it in the form of Flax oil or Fish oil.

Antioxidants in the forms of Vitamin E and Selenium may help in protecting the damaged joints.

Colostrum has shown to be beneficial to human athletes- it may be beneficial to your pet.

There are a NUMBER of arthritis supplements- just ensure that your supplement contains most of these ingredients.

[DRG0933]

I lost my beloved 11 1/2 year old cocker spaniel, lilu premier, on june 3, 2011 to severe arthritis. She had a tough last few years as the arthritis progressed and by her final two (2) days she couldn't stand up without crying, she stopped using her stairs, all she wanted to do is lie either in the bathroom or behind her favorite couch in the living room. She ate the first part of her last week, but refused food and medicine the final three (3) days. She took rimadyl for 3 years and the first 2 1/2 years it was wonderful. When arthritis progressed she was taking rimadyl three (3) times a day at 62.5 mg at 12:00 am & 12 pm, andn 100 mg at 6:00 pm. When in last few weeks her vet also had to give her weekly shots which became less and less effective. She also had epilepsy since age 5, and was deaf from bones in ears calcified but she handled that beautifully along with full blown cataracts which left her with little sight. Had the arthrits not taken her, both her vet and I felt she could go on for a year or even a few as her nose guided her and until the end loved walking, and was good about letting me guide her. I agree with dr jones that if you use glucosomione and chondroiin and the rimadyl that every dog will get along well and the arthritic pain should be supressed so your beloved dog will live in relative comfort.

[mia]

Hi Sarah,

I get emails from Dr. Andrew Jones too. I asked my Vet about supplements and since I am feeding a high quality food and they are all young he didn't advise them for now. As they get older and I notice anything I will deal with it then.

DRG I am so sorry about you losing your little sweetie Lilu. It is so hard, I have gone through that several times and it stays with you forever. Try to hang in there and God bless you.

Mia

[Sarah]

DRG I'm sorry for your loss, but she is free now, and returned to optimal health [that's what I believe] Have you gotten another dog yet DRG?

Mia, I reviewed the ingredients in the supplements, and I disagree with colostrom. Colostrom is used to help build muscles if you are an athlete, and if you aren't then all you do is get fat or fatter. I wrote him and told him so, and for that reason alone I won't buy his supplements. When animals get older, just like humans, we all quit supplying our body with the necessary amino acids, and digestive enzymes that we so desperately need. It is important [at least to me] that they receive the supplements that they need and that food cannot supply them or us.

just my 6 cents.

[mia]

Thanks Sarah, I never really checked the ingredients because I wasn't ready to order it. That is great to know. I am so picky about what my dogs get.

I will take your 6 cents opinion................LOL