Arthritis in Animals

Posted by Brookby Herbs, 23 Dec, 2010

Horse Health, Vitamins/Supplements

Arthritis is thought to affect one in every five dogs and around the same number in horses. Arthritis in dogs is one of the most common health problems seen by vets and unfortunately is rarely noticed in the early stages because these animals tend to ignore soreness and discomfort until the arthritic changes in the joints have progressed significantly.

What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is caused by abnormalities of the joints in the body and where significant structural changes have occurred. Some of the more common causes of arthritis, which is basically inflammation of a joint, are misalignment of joint structures, poor diet and nutrition, accident or infection to the joints, torn ligaments and tendons, genetic malformation of the bone structure, plus overweight puppies during the growth stages and also auto-immune problems.

Arthritis can ultimately result in joints that simply don't work properly. Since there are no blood vessels or sensory nerves in joint cartilage, damage to cartilage can be quite advanced before the surrounding supportive tissues become inflamed and sore.

Symptoms:
These include stiffness, reluctance to move, limping, difficulty in getting comfortable shown by repeatedly circling before lying down, sensitive to touch, difficulty going up or down stairs.

Treatment:
Unfortunately, since we cannot remodel the joint without surgical intervention, treatment is aimed at reducing the inflammation at the nerve endings so that the dog is at least comfortable even if the range of motion may be compromised. Because there is no "cure" for arthritis, management is the key to treating this condition. The time to address potential abnormal joint changes is before these stresses impact the joint conformation.

There are effective medications such as the steroids Prednisone, Dexamethasone, and other corticosteroids which will markedly reduce swelling and inflammation to affected joints, but the downside to using steroids long term is that they can actually contribute to additional joint damage and breakdown plus there are definite side effects with many of these drugs.

For an interesting but rather frightening article on the side effects of the drug Rimadyl, which is being advertised here on New Zealand TV go to
Most Arthritic Dogs Do Very Well On This Pill, Except Ones That Die
(By Chris Adams, Staff Reporter of The Wall Street Journal, March 13, 2000)

Recent widespread availability of nutraceuticals and herbal products such as Devil's Claw, Meadowsweet, White willow bark, Omega Fatty Acids, Vitamin E, and Selenium which all assist in decreasing inflammation, have proven to be significant contributors to easing the discomfort of arthritis in animals. Although supplements will not reverse structural changes in a joint, such as torn cartilage, calcium deposits and advanced scar tissue, they can reduce pain and inflammation of the joints, and help improve the health of surrounding soft tissue.

Herbs not only contain natural pain relieving properties but assist by cleansing the toxins from the body. Devils Claw has proven to be highly effective in German studies for its anti-inflammatory nature and White Willow bark and Meadowsweet are both considered natural aspirin providing general pain relief.

With arthritis it is also important to reduce the acidity in the body. This can be helped with Meadowsweet, which is said to neutralise the acid in the stomach. Brookby Herbs' organically certified Nature's Free Mover for dogs contains Devil's Claw, White Willow bark, Meadowsweet, Nettles, Rosehips, Kelp, and Hawthorn. It comes in an organic cider vinegar base and is easily administered to your dog via his food or water. It is given at a rate of 1/2ml for small dogs, 1ml for large dogs, twice a day. CAUTION: Do not use on pregnant bitches or where gastric ulcers are present.

So as a final comment for animals who may be getting on in years, please remember that they suffer just the same way that we do and that effective treatment is available and without any harsh side effects. If you suspect your dog may be suffering from arthritis then please see your vet and remember to ask for any natural alternative treatments they have available.

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