Arthritis is the most common cause of impaired mobility in pets. It is most commonly seen in older dogs (7 years and up), however younger dogs and cats are not immune. The pain and inflammation caused by this degenerative joint disease can be very severe and affected animals are usually unwilling to move because of their painful joints. A loss of muscle may also be seen in the affected limbs from disuse because of pain.

The signs that your pet has arthritis may range anywhere from slight stiffness to extreme lameness. They may be reluctant to walk, play, climb stairs, or run and jump. They may appear sad, quiet and depressed or perhaps lose their appetite. Overweight pets have a higher tendency to develop arthritis as joint problems are aggravated by excess weight. The more excessive the weight problem, the greater the arthritic aggravation.

If your pet is showing any of the symptoms that have been mentioned above, it might be best to make an appointment and have it checked out at the clinic. Once arthritis is diagnosed it is unlikely to ever go away but treatment is available. Treatment reduces the inflammation and the pain, and can slow down the progression of the disease. The key to successfully reducing pain and inflammation is a combined approach of appropriate treatment, diet and careful exercise.

• The treatments for arthritis include medications which improve the joint environment by restoring damaged cartilage
• Anti-inflammatory analgesics are also available for cats and dogs now and are even in the form of pleasant tasting liquids and tablets

Ultra-natural arthritis remedy

If you are heavily into naturopathy, have a look at what this product called “Zeal for seniors” has to offer older arthritic pets:

1. Green Lipped Mussel Extract (Perna canaliculus) - is only produced in New Zealand, where the mussels flourish in the clean unpolluted coastal waters. This special extract contains a number of components with anti-inflammatory activity, and is a natural source of glycosaminoglycans, which have been shown to be beneficial for maintaining the integrity of cartilage and bone. It has been used for many years in humans to relieve the symptoms of arthritis and other joint disease, and to assist in maintaining joint mobility and freedom of movement. Recently, scientific trials of the extract conducted by New Zealand veterinary scientists have demonstrated significant benefits from its use in animals with chronic arthritis and degenerative joint disease. Owners have used this extract on their dogs for many years and the well known benefits include an increase in vitality and energy and improved coat condition.

2. Shark Cartilage - For many years the cartilage from shark fins has been used by people suffering from disorders such as cancer and arthritis. It is only recently that the properties of shark cartilage have been investigated by medical science. Inhibition of antiogenesis is thought to be the basis for its reported ability to limit the growth of selected tumours. The beneficial effects on joint mobility are thought to be mediated by the glycosaminoglycan content, which is responsible for maintaining joint health. Shark Cartilage also contains collagen, chondroitin sulphate and calcium.

3. Deer Velvet - Has been used in oriental medicine for thousands of years and is one of a select few remedies that is regarded as a pure tonic. Its use focuses on maintaining good health rather than being curative and it is used as the primary remedy for improving endurance, stamina and strength, and for combating the effects of stress and fatigue. It has traditionally been used to control blood pressure, increase lung efficiency, speed recuperation, improve muscle tone, sharpen mental alertness and relieve inflammation. Recent scientific studies using New Zealand deer velvet have demonstrated its immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, and its positive effects on athletic performance. Deer velvet is an ancient remedy, which recent trials throughout the world are confirming is a modern miracle.

4. Enzogenol - is a potent extract of Pinus radiate bark, which contains the most comprehensive range of natural antioxidants yet discovered. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals in the body, preventing cellular damage and slowing the ageing process. They are particularly important in protecting the body form the harmful effects of inflammation, and for this reason are beneficial in chronic inflammatory diseases of the bones and joints. The discovery of free radicals had been a major medical breakthrough and it is now believed they play a role in many diseases of the body.

Rimadyl promotion – another option if you get in quick

Rimadyl is a well established and very effective pain killer for dogs. This introductory offer (starter pack) offers medication, advice and a tennis ball!!! If you are interested, give clinic reception a call… We will need to see your pet for this one to ascertain that it is going to be appropriate so an initial appointment will be necessary.