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!
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