Arthritis is problem that is becoming more and more common in the Australian dog population. Did you know that there are natural and conventional treatments that can often assist greatly?
There are 2 main types of Arthritis. There are Osteoarthritis, which is chronic degenerative joint disease which is the cumulative effect of long term wear and tear on the joint structures. The other is Rheumatoid arthritis which is an autoimmune disease, where the body produces antibodies that attack the joint structures and results in long term inflammatory joint disease.
The end result can be painful, stiff, swollen joints and these symptoms can occur at difference stages of their life, but once advanced, arthritic pain can become more constant and debilitating.
Here is a summary of the main causes.
- • Age – gets worse with age
- • Size – larger breeds are affected more than smaller breeds
- • Weight – obesity hastens the onset of arthritis
- • Diet – poor nutrition impairs repair processes
- • Activity level – strenuous activity accelerates damage
- • Conformation – abnormal load on a joint will hasten damage
- • Developmental / Growth deformities – Hip dysplasia, OCD
- • Hereditary – genetic link to poor repair mechanism
- • Injuries – a serious joint injury will accelerate onset of arthritis
There are many conventional veterinary treatments which will have varying degrees of success.
Some of those include anti Inflammatory drugs which block parts of the inflammatory causes that result in pain relief. The main disadvantages of this type of drug are tolerance build up and an increased chance of gastrointestinal ulceration, kidney and liver damage, and “masking†of pain, that allows the animal to work the joint much harder than would otherwise be possible and therefore accelerating damage (pain is nature’s way of saying “slow downâ€).
Other treatments that are gaining acceptance in conventional practice are Acupuncture, Chiropractic / Osteopathic manipulation, magnetic collars and the use of Glucosamine/ Chondroitin sulphate products found in natural products like Shark Cartilage.
Having treated literally thousands of animals for arthritis using all the treatments noted previously, I have developed a system that caters for all types of animals and all types of arthritis.
Although the treatment may vary for each type of arthritic condition there are several consistent steps that should be taken in most cases. I also encourage a consult with your vet to get advice for your own pet situation.
Shark Cartilage provides naturally high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate which accelerates natural repair in the joint and provides some natural pain relief. It is important to note that shark cartilage should not be used in dogs under 4 months old and in fast growing large/giant breed dogs.
Vitamin C accelerates collagen repair to damaged tendons, ligaments and joint capsule and can both safely be used in conjunction with Cartrophen or Pentosan injections.
A balanced raw food diet assists greatly to ensure that correct weight is maintained, there are no nutritional deficiencies and immunity and general health is at it optimum.
I have developed a combination powder called Joint Formula which provides for joint repair, anti-inflammatory effect, pain relief and corrects the nutritional deficiencies. The powder includes Shark Cartilage and Vitamin C, Green Lipped Mussel, Flax Seed meal for Omega 3 and Devils Claw, Ginger and Dolomite, a rich source of calcium and Magnesium. It also includes Copper and Sulphur as mineral supplements and Boron to support the mineralisation of bone.
I have also developed 2 products that include the Joint Formula Powder, but simply in a tasty form that is easy to administer. There are Health Chews Joint Support and Health Treats for Bones. The Health Chew has a larger dose amount of Joint Formula and the Health Treat provides a little extra support whilst feeding a tasty treat.
All of these Vets All Natural products are available from your Aussie Pooch Mobile operator, so ask them for more information today.
Article courtesy of Dr Bruce Syme BVSc (Hons)
Founder of Vets All NaturalÂ
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