Arthritis Causes

Some Canine Arthritis Treatment Alternatives

There are two main categories of arthritis - degenerative and inflammatory. The former, often called osteoarthritis, is the most common arthritis found in the domestic dog. This article examines canine arthritis treatment for osteoarthritis. Before discussing the treatment, we will briefly review the causes of arthritis in dogs.

There is no doubt that certain dog breed, such as the labrador and golden retriever, have an inherited predisposition to arthritis. This generic predisposition is known as primary osteoarthritis and presents in conditions such as hip dysplasia. Far more common is secondary osteoarthritis which arises as a result of injury to the joint due to traffic accidents, abnormal stresses or infection.

Now that we understand the causes of arthritis, let us quickly look at how to diagnose it before addressing Canine Arthritis Treatment. Usually a vet will diagnose the condition be eliminating other potential causes of joint disease or joint damage. Informed dog owners can also identify the disease by noticing an unusual lameness, slower movement, and less activity than normal. The most obvious case is where a dog with arthritis hesitates before jumping into a car.

As in the case of treating the disease in humans, Canine Arthritis Treatment can involve both conventional and non-conventional therapy. Conventional therapy uses either medication or surgery. Surgery should be a last resort, only to be used when other treatments are ineffective. The most common medication treatment is non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Carprofen and Rimadyl. Both offer pain relief and will aid in reducing inflammation of the joints, but do have side effects on the stomach. As an alternative, weekly injections of Polysulphated glycosaminoglycans offer similar benefits but without some of the side effects associated with NSAIDs. Unconventional Canine Arthritis Treatment is less invasive and is very affective in that it addresses the causes of arthritis. Some common treatments include magnetic field therapy with the use of magnets in the dog's collar, copper collars, seaweed extracts, devil's claw, and cider vinegar. Then there is Rhus tox which is a homeopathic remedy for alleviating stiffness and Bryonia for reducing pain during exercise. Some natural products such as chondroitin and glucosamine can provide benefit if the arthritis is not too advanced. These products are extracted from animals such as shark fin and cockerel comb.

Finally, the most natural Canine Arthritis Treatment is simple changes in doggy lifestyles. Control your dog's weight and ensure they get regular exercise!