Arthritis in Dogs

| Posted: 11-01-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 7 | Rating: (50)

(?)

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.

For more information, Click on Magnotherapy for Animals now.

Rate this Article:

Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).

Article Tags: Dog Training, Dog Health, Dog Breeds, Arthritis In Dogs, Dog Foods, Canine Arthritis

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/arthritis-in-dogs-302049.html

Print article

Send to friend

Publish this Article

Author feedback

About the Author:

BIO: Ken Charles runs www.allabout-dogs.co.uk covering all aspects of dog ownership, including dog health, dog training, dog breeds, dog supplies and dog food.

Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free!

Article Comments

Add new Comment

Dog Names - Choosing the Perfect Name
By: Matthew Hick | 23/04/2007 | Pets
Naming a dog can be an important but daunting task. Previously, as a trend, we have named our pets after certain characteristics.

Rottweillers : a Guide to the Breed
By: Steve Batchelor | 06/10/2007 | Pets
Despite their bad reputation for being a dangerous and attacking breed Rottweiller owners will attest to their good nature and friendliness. This is an ancient breed whose history stretches back to the Roman Empire when Rottweillers were used by Roman Legions to herd and drive their cattle across the Alps. Read on to learn more about the history, temperament, care and training of this majestic breed….

Dog Toys - Stimulating a Restless Companion
By: Matthew Hick | 30/04/2007 | Pets
Dogs can get bored and restless easily. This is usually when they cause problems. They need to be stimulated through play.

Most Common Health Issues with Dogs
By: Matthew Hick | 07/05/2007 | Pets
There are many health issues that can affect dogs. Some are more particular to a certain breed.

Taking Care of Your Dog - Daily and Weekly Tasks
By: Matthew Hick | 14/05/2007 | Pets
Dogs are man's best friends. In turn, they rely on us to take care of them and to keep them healthy. Owning a dog is a big responsibility.

Dog Food - Important to Keep Your Pet Healthy
By: Matthew Hick | 21/05/2007 | Pets
You are what you eat. We have heard this saying so many times. It can even be applied to our dogs. A dog that eats a healthier diet will in fact be healthier.

Puppy Care - Steps to Keep Your Dog Healthy
By: Sandra Grant | 21/03/2008 | Pets
It’s a very exciting day when you first pick up your puppy. Do not take your puppy to play with adult dogs if you are not sure the adult dog has been vaccinatied. Flea and tick control, and the control of heartworm will all depend on the weather of the state you live in. It’s hard to give accurate advice to every puppy owner but asking any dog owner in your local dog park will probably be your best bet.

Introducing a New Puppy to an Older Dog
By: Sandra Grant | 21/03/2008 | Pets
Reward your dog for sniffing the scent. If you have the scent on your clothes be sure to give extra attention to the older dog. Let the older dog sniff the younger dog. Make sure to pat and pay attention to the older dog first – maintaining the pecking order, before paying attention to the younger dog. Some growling or hackle raising is normal, and event the odd paw across the head from the older dog to the young dog is nothing to be concerned about.

Got a Question? Ask.

Ask the community a question about this article:

Q&A Powered by:

Latest Pets Articles

Wooden Dog Beds: Bring Your Pet Close to Nature
By: Mark Joness | 28/08/2008
Wooden beds are quite comfortable for dogs and can be accessed at nominal rates through World Wide Web. Drawing comparisons among more than one pet shop can be really beneficial.

The Benefits of Pet Insurance
By: Brian Jenkins | 28/08/2008
Owning a pet can be far more expensive than most people realize. There are shots and physical exams, regular medications to keep them pest and parasite-free, boarding fees for those times we go on vacation and the unexpected expenses of illness or accidental injury. Despite all that, most pet owners will tell you unequivocally that their pet is worth every penny spent on them.

Symptoms of Heartworm
By: Brian Jenkins | 28/08/2008
Pets are a great addition to any household. However, there are costs involved to caring for a pet. When it comes to sicknesses and diseases a pet can befall, heartworm is quite common.

Tips On How To Care For Aquarium Fish
By: Pius Victor Ephenus | 28/08/2008
Fish kept in an aquarium are definitely the easiest pets you can keep. The first thing to do is to learn the basic steps in caring for an aquarium. There are things that should be done daily to care for fish and some things that need only be done weekly or bi-weekly.

Discount Pet Medications - the Pro's and Con's
By: Paul Kramer | 27/08/2008
They experience illnesses and some health related problems that we least think could strike them any time. Taking care of pets would mean providing them with adequate medication whenever they need it. That would mean an exorbitant process that pet owners should extend to their pets.

How to Pick the Best Housing For Your Pet
By: Beth Guide | 27/08/2008
Informational article on Dog kennels and housing available to pet owners.

Becoming the Leader of the Pack: How to Feed Your Dog With Authority
By: James Hodges | 27/08/2008
If you have read my other articles, you understand that you have to be the Leader of the Pack. This should take place by structured obedience training, by real life dog training and by everyday real life living. One of the many ways to show your dog that you are his...

Pet Carrier Shopping: Selecting The Best Pet Carrier For Your Best Little Friend
By: Lars Garrett | 27/08/2008
Learn about the new innovations in pet carriers and what you need to consider for your pet's safety and comfort.

More from Ken Charles

Personal Bad Credit Loans
By: Ken Charles | 29/03/2008 | Finance
Alternative solutions to financial problems associated with bad credit history.

Buy to Let; is Now a Good Time?
By: Ken Charles | 11/03/2008 | Finance
Buy to Let property investment is not dead! Now could be the very best time to get involved.

Your Dog Alone in the House
By: Ken Charles | 26/02/2008 | Pets
Leaving a young dog or puppy alone in the home can lead to boredom and destructive behavior and cause your dog much distress.

Will an Akita Dog Fit in With your Family?
By: Ken Charles | 16/02/2008 | Pets
The Japanese Akita is a strong, intelligent, muscular dog that needs a strong, confident owner. Then you have the ideal partnership between man and dog.

Stopping Dog Aggression
By: Ken Charles | 14/02/2008 | Pets
Learn how to stop your dog's aggressive behavior and turn him into a model citizen.

Canine Arthritis: Get Relief for your Dog
By: Ken Charles | 11/02/2008 | Pets
Read the dangers and benefits of certain Arthritis treatments for Dogs.

Warning: These Foods are Toxic for Dogs
By: Ken Charles | 02/02/2008 | Pets
Many everyday household foods can be extremely dangerous or even fatal to dogs. Most common results are kidney or liver damage or heart failure.

Why Do you Want a New Dog?
By: Ken Charles | 21/01/2008 | Pets
Getting a new dog is a serious comittment and needs careful consideration. Eight things you should think about before you get a new dog.

Article Categories

Article Marketing

Article Notepad

Stop Duplicate Content

Term Papers

Follow ArticlesBase at http://twitter.com

Need Help?

Sign up for our email newsletter

Receive updates, enter your email below

Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.43, 17)

Arthritis in Dogs

Article Comments

Related Articles

Got a Question? Ask.

Latest Pets Articles

More from Ken Charles

Need Help?

Site Links

Webmasters

Business Info

Sign up for our email newsletter