Canine Arthritis: Get Relief For Your Dog

Title: Canine Arthritis: Get Relief For Your Dog
Author: Ken Charles

Canine Arthritis: Get Relief For Your Dog
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.

About the Author:

For more information, Click on
http://allabout-dogs.co.uk/magnotherapy-for-animals now
Ken Charles runs http://allabout-dogs.co.uk covering all
aspects of dog ownership, including dog health, dog
training, dog breeds, dog supplies and dog food.

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