Treatment of Canine Arthritis
Conventional therapies for ostheoarthritis in dogs include the use of corticosteroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
NSAIDs
NSAIDs are the most commonly recommended by veterinarians for the treatment of musculoskeletal and arthritic conditions. These drugs can make it possible to reduce and terminate other medications that have more severe side affects, such as corticosteroids.
At one time corticosteroids, including cortisone and prednisone, were the treatments of choice for stopping pain. They are powerful drugs that provide dramatic and rapid relief. But these medications also potentially cause very serious side effects that can affect osteoarthritis. Today cortisone injections are given cautiously, primarily in cases of severe pain. An animal that is receiving cortisone injections should not take NSAIDs at the same time.
Corticosteroids
Steroids, as they are popularly known, effect the skeletal system, thinning bones and increasing the risk of fracture. They can trigger demineralization, so that calcium and other essential minerals are leeched from the bones. Other side effects include weakening the immune system and impairing wound healing. If taken over a long period of time, steroids can also lead to diabetes, osteoporosis, hypertension, liver damage, kidney damage, and mental disorders.
Today when corticosteroids are prescribed, they are usually given in far lower doses and for a much shorter duration than in the past. This keeps side effects minimal and makes them an acceptable treatment in some instances. At first steroids bring relief quickly, but if taken over time, their effectiveness wanes.
Hyaluronic Acid
Several new treatments of arthritis are making their debut. One is hyaluronic acid, a necessary element for the formation of proteoglycans, which are found in the matrix of cartilage. A typical regimen for hyaluronic acid is an injection once a week for 3 weeks. This dosage can stop pain for several months at a time. Hyaluronic acid has received FDA approval, limited to treating osteoarthritis in the knee.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
In many ways the most important part of arthritis treatment is to give your pet supplements to ensure a healthy and full life expectancy.
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, enhanced by other nutritional supplements and herbs, can make a major difference in the health of joint tissues when given consistently. A multivitamin/mineral supplement in powdered form can easily be added to your pet's food.
Glucosamine is an aminosugar (made from glutamine and glucose) that is incorporated into articular (joint) cartilage; it is supplied as a supplement in one of three forms: glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride (a salt of D-glucosamine; D-glucosamine is eventually converted by the body into glucosamine sulfate), or N-acetylglucosamine. Glucosamine is not usually obtained directly from food; supplements are derived from chitin, a substance found in the shells of shrimp, lobsters, and crabs.
Studies show that while all three forms of glucosamine are effective, glucosamine hydrochloride (which is a salt of D-glucosamine) and glucosamine sulfate are more effective than N-acetylglucosamine. Results take 4 to 8 weeks to develop. Clucosamine is rapidly taken up by cartilage cells and helps stimulate the synthesis of synovial fluid and cartilage and also helps inhibit the destructive enzymes that can destroy cartilage and proteoglycans.
Go Pets America recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities.
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