|
Current conventional therapies include surgery, steroid treatment and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug treatments (NSAIDS). Some popular NSAIDs include Rimadyl and EtoGesic. However, there is rising concern that these prescription drugs can cause side effects, especially to the liver, kidneys and gastric system. For further information on these two drugs, please refer to the information that was published on the following two web pages: http://www.srdogs.com/Pages/rimadylfr.html and http://www.srdogs.com/Pages/etogesic.html.
|
Alternative Veterinary Therapies
This field has expanded to many modalities over the years. It includes acupuncture, chiropractic techniques, massage therapy, swimming therapy, homeopathy and gold bead implants. For more information on these types of therapies and to locate a veterinarian near you that practices them, you can search the directory of Holistic Veterinarians.
|
|
For more information on arthritis and these different joint conditions, you can refer to my newsletter "Arthritis & Joint Problems — Traditional & Alternative Solutions."
|
Diet and Nutrition
Feeding proper foods to your dog is probably the most important contribution you can make toward reducing inflammation and easing the pain caused from the different joint conditions. Many foods can actually increase inflammation. These foods include grains, starches and vegetables from the nightshade family. Included in the grain and starch categories are any and all grains, rice, wheat, oatmeal, pasta, corn, potatoes (white and sweet), parsnips, winter squash, pumpkin and carrots. Included in the night shade family are peppers and sweet peppers, eggplant, and tomatoes.
|
|
A major problem in feeding commercial dry dog foods is they are all high in grain. There is no commercial dry dog food that offers a low value in grains and starches. Because of this, I suggest preparing a homemade diet, preferably raw, but cooked is still better than the high grain commercial diets. The diet I suggest is high in animal proteins such as meat, eggs, fish and fat. I also add low sugar vegetables that are either pulped or steamed. Vegetables that are low in sugar include celery, dark leafy greens, broccoli, summer squash, bok choy, cabbage, cauliflower and collards.
|
|
Don't forget, the cartilage in raw meaty bones contains chondroitin sulfate, which also helps reduce arthritis and joint pain. Some of the meaty bones that are especially high in cartilage include chicken necks, and pork and beef neck bones. Only feed raw meaty bones. Never feed cooked bones.
|
|
If you are unable to feed a raw or cooked homemade diet, I suggest adding more animal protein and fat to the commercial kibble you are feeding. To see additional recipes for a raw diet and adding more good foods to kibble, please refer to my recipe page.
|
Nutritional Supplements
In addition to diet, conventional and alternative therapies, there are several nutritional supplements that add further value and benefit to joint and arthritis problems.
|
|
Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate and manganese is an effective blend that works together to lubricate and repair. Glucosamine aids in lubricating the joints and the chondroitin sulfate helps repair damaged cartilage. The manganese has two benefits. It is a mild muscle relaxant and it helps get the first two ingredients to the affected joints. This blend can take from a few days to four weeks to produce the best results. It is best to give doses one 1˜2 hour before or after meals for best absorption. B-Naturals carries a good blend called Berte’s Flexile-Plus. Each capsule contains 500 mg Glucosamine, 400 mg Chondroitin and also 15 mg Manganese, and 100 mg each of Bromelain and Boswellia.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yucca Intensive is a liquid form of yucca that contains saponins, which are a precursor for steroids. Yucca helps with inflammation of the joints and is also helpful for digestive problems such as IBD and colitis. The liquid form is more effective than the powder forms as the active ingredient in yucca is found in the juice in the leaves. It is given twice a day, at one drop per ten pounds of body weight. Relief is usually seen in two to three days. Be sure to take Yucca with meals.
|
|
Willow Bark is an herb that comes from the bark of the willow tree. It contains salicin, which is the main ingredient in aspirin. However, this product contains the whole herb and is much less irritating on the stomach and digestive tract. It can be given when pain is most severe, such as with seasonal discomfort, over-activity and injury. Tasha's Willow Bark (see Botanic Chioce Willow Bark is a liquid in a dropper top bottle for easy administration. Be sure to take Willow Bark with food.
|
|
Vitamin C helps rebuild collagen and can help with pain when given in high doses.
|
|
Vitamin E helps with healing and blood flow.
|
|
Salmon Oil and Flax Seed Oil contain Omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and regulate the immune system.
|
|
Borage Oil contains GLA, which can help with the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and panosititis. It also benefits by helping reduce depression.
|
|
For the pet owner that is looking for safe alternatives to treating arthritis, lameness and joint pain, the nutritional information, alternative therapies and natural supplements discussed in this newsletter provide you with the information you need to safely reduce the pain and provide your dogs a better quality life without the side affects of some of the harsher conventional drug therapies.
|
Contact Me
If you would like to ask me any questions about my products, I would love to hear from you. Please check your return address when you send me email from my web site and try to write me again if you have not heard back from me.
|
To email: lew@k9nutritionwithlew.com
To order call toll free: 1-866-368-2728
To fax an order: 1-763-477-9588
Email orders are also accepted
|
|
© Copyright 2002 Lew Olson, All Rights Reserved
|
|
