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Welcome to Old Dog Paws
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Old Dog Resources
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Arthritis in DogsControlling the Aches and Pains of AgeWith the medical and nutritional advances that have occurred in veterinarymedicine, our pets are living longer and healthier lives. However, living longer means more pets are now experiencing problems related to the aging process. A common age-related problem is arthritis and, a condition of great concern to pet owners because of the discomfort it may cause. The good news is that many wonderful medications have been developed to safely deal with chronic pain in both dogs and cats. These can range from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (or NSAIDs for short) or nutraceuticals and other naturally-occurring remedies. The first and foremost is to try and limit the need for medications by ensuring that the joints are not overworked by carrying too much weight or engaging in over-eager exercise. Ensure that your pet is in the right weight range for dogs of its body size and conformation and, while continued exercise is good, be cautious of taking it on long walks or playing a long game of fetch. Many dogs are so eager to please their masters and so happy at the interaction, they will literally play fetch till they drop. Bursts of aggressive exercise can put an arthritic prone and out-of-shape physique into "super sore mode" so please take it easy on this front. Swimming, on the other hand is an ideal exercise as it allows the muscles to get a work-out without putting weight on the joints. NSAIDs are products we are all familiar with and they can be found in virtually everyone’s medicine cabinet. Examples include Aspirin™, acetominophen, Motrin™, and ibuprofen. For instance Asprin™ can have tremendous benefits if used properly and under veterinary supervision. These medications can also be harmful, especially in cats and if used without consulting your veterinarian first, so a word of caution to Web site visitors– ALWAYS discuss the use of ANY medication with your veterinarian before you administer it to your pet; it is a terrible outcome when good intentions lead to patient harm. There are also many newer NSAIDs specifically designed for animals that can be used to treat chronic pain. Examples include Metacam™ and Rimadyl™. Like any NSAIDs, there are potential side-effects and every pet should be thoroughly assessed by way of a physical examination and blood testing before these medications are prescribed. There has been a link discovered between Rimadyl™ and liver disease in Labrador retrievers so these medications may not be for every pet. However, for those pets able to take the newer NSAIDs, the results often border on miraculous with many bed-bound pets responding to the control of pain with puppy-like behavior. Regarding the use of herbal remedies to assist with arthritis control, one field that is growing rapidly is the area of nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals are based on naturally-occurring products that have been shown to assist in the control of pain associated with arthritis. One example is refined fish oils, especially those high in omega-3 fatty acids which can act as natural anti-inflammatory medications. Another group of nutraceuticals employs either glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, or both; both of these active ingredients have been shown to increase the lubricating properties of the fluid that bathes the joint making movement less painful. There is also a version available for use by injection by your veterinarian. Many different trade names exist and while they may not be as potent as the NSAIDs, symptoms of pain often subside within 4 to 6 weeks and these medications can be given in conjunction with NSAIDs, often reducing the amounts needed. As for other naturally-occurring remedies such as herbal products, caution should be exercised as many designed for use in arthritis contain similar ingredients as NSAIDs and, as they are not as stringently regulated, the quantities contained can vary and they may create toxicities when used in conjunction with other arthritis relief medications. In conclusion, many different products and solutions exist to provide relief for the many older pets that suffer from the often debilitating effects of arthritis. Talk to your veterinarian about designing a pain-relief protocol that best suits your pet’s "Reprinted with permission from www.animalhealthcare.ca |
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