Arthritis is probably the most common serious condition affecting dogs (about one in four or five) and one of the most difficult to treat. Unfortunately, there is currently no known cure for arthritis - in dogs or humans! Numerous tests and clinical trials have been carried out but with no cure at present. So, beware anyone who claims to have a "Cure".
However, there are various remedies available which can give some relief, to a greater or lesser extent .. as can be seen by the large number of products on offer. There is a problem in that many of the remedies available carry some sort of disadvantage, particularly regarding some of the anti-inflammatory drugs currently in use.
These are some of the Dangers:
Look at any forum or message board on this subject and Rimadyl and Carprofen are mentioned frequently, in a negative context. Serious side effects are worryingly frequent and in some cases can be fatal.
The website of The US Food and Drug Administration states...
"Today, a new generation of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is bringing relief to millions of dogs with joint problems or with pain after surgery.
"NSAIDs are extremely effective for controlling pain and inflammation in dogs," says Stephen F. Sundlof, D.V.M., Ph.D., director of the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM). "These are very valuable drugs that help many pets live to a ripe old age."
But like any drugs, NSAIDs carry a risk of side effects, or adverse reactions. Most adverse reactions are mild, but some may be serious, especially if the drugs are not used according to labeled directions. Some reactions result in permanent damage or even death.
"It's important for pet owners to be aware of the risks and benefits of all drugs, including NSAIDs, so that they can make informed decisions about their pets' health care," says Sundlof. "Owners who give their dog NSAIDs need to know the side effects to watch for that indicate their pet needs medical attention."
"The most common side effects from NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) include vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, lethargy, and diarrhoea. Serious side effects include gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, perforations, kidney damage, and liver problems."
"The side effects of NSAIDs are very well known and very well documented," says Michele Sharkey, D.V.M., in the CVM's Office of New Animal Drug Evaluation. But this information is not always getting to the pet owner, she says. "If the pet owner can recognize a possible reaction, stop the medication, and get veterinary help, it could mean the difference between a good outcome and a disaster."
There is some evidence that not all vets are aware of the potential problems with these drugs and are not able to recognize the symptoms of adverse reactions and side effects.
Treatments such as oils and creams, applied externally, which are sometimes effective with humans are much more difficult to apply to dogs, especially if the coat is thick. Various other alternatives to anti-inflammatory drugs are on the market, including drinks and "natural" ingredients.
Glucosamine is a very popular ingredient, sometimes included with chondroitin. I know many aged golfers who swear by it!
A company called Maxavita claims that its product, called Pernamax, which comes in the form of caplets or gel, is 200 times stronger than glucosamine. It includes the powdered extract of the New Zealand Green Lipped mussel.
None of these remedies are cheap and all involve a continuing cost, which over a year can be very substantial, especially if there is a need for the vet's involvement.
Magnotherapy can be a simple and effective alternative. It has had continuing success with humans and animals and in the UK alone, over 2 million people have had relief, ranging from the mild to the "miraculous".
In some quarters, this treatment is derided as being "all in the mind", possibly because people cannot believe that something as simple and easy as a special magnetic collar or sleeping pad can bring such relief to animals.
However, there is considerable scientific proof that the beneficial effects of this Magnetic Therapy are not just due to a placebo effect.
among the healthiest activities that a person can engage in, with multiple benefits for the overall physical well-being of
the average person. It also has some effects on a person's state of mind, evidenced by the release of endorphins into the
bloodstream during exercise. However, according to some fairly recent findings, exercise may be useful for more than just
physical fitness and mood-lifting. If the data is correct, getting enough exercise may also help someone achieve pain relief
without relying on pharmaceutical products.
For many years, rest and relaxation was often prescribed as a way to combat pain. However, the findings of a research team at
the Sports Medicine Center at the Mayo Clinic have found out that the opposite may be the case. Apparently, resting can
result in the body slowly losing its conditioning, which can contribute a great deal to making the pain worse. So the Mayo
Clinic and various medical experts are suggesting that, instead of taking a long rest, people who suffer from chronic pain
should continue to engage in physical activity. Aside from being effective pain relief, exercise can also help fight off the
anxiety and stress that sometimes accompany being in pain.
Experts have also noted that people in need of pain relief might find a number of benefits to physical activity, enough to
counterbalance the problem of exercising while in pain. The release of endorphins is among the primary benefits, according to
some experts. This is because, aside from lifting moods and promoting a general ?happy? mood, endorphins also act as natural
pain killers. Endorphins are effective in blocking pain signals, preventing them from reaching the brain. While they cannot
block all the signals, they can reduce a significant amount of them, thereby reducing the amount of pain a person feels while
exercising.
Quite a bit of pain, experts believe, stems from the excess pressure placed upon a person's skeletal system, in comparison to
a person's muscles. The weaker or less toned the muscles, the more pressure is exerted on the skeleton to support the body.
By exercising, the muscles are increased in strength, thereby relieving the strain on the skeletal system. This has the
effect of reducing the pain felt because of that strain. Exercise can also help by protecting the heart and blood vessels,
which improve circulation to the various areas of the body. The improved circulation, along with the weight lost because of
exercise, not only provides pain relief, but also helps build physical endurance.
However, engaging in just any random exercise program or activity can be just as dangerous as forgoing it completely. Be sure
that you consult your doctor before engaging in any sort of exercise program, so that you can be informed of whether or not
that program is for you. An exercise program that puts too much pressure on the body is just as bad as not getting adequate
Both Ken Charles & Harvey D. Ong are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Ken Charles has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pets, How to Train a Puppy and Pets. For more information, Click on now. Ken Charles runs. Ken Charles's top article generates over 165000 views. to your Favourites.
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