Read the Natural Treatments section to learn more about how the natural ingredients found in vet-recommended Arthroplex, ArthriSoothe, MSM-750 can help provide pain relief and restore mobility if your dog or cat suffers from arthritis, osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease and other musculoskeletal conditions.
Arthritis: a Common Condition in Dogs and Cats
Arthritis, the general term used to describe a host of illnesses
with similar symptoms, affects more than 25% of animal companions
today. It is a condition where there is a loss of viscosity and
lubricative affect of the joint fluid.
Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease, is a chronic
condition caused by the deterioration of the cartilage that surrounds
the joint. As the cartilage wears away, the body lays down calcium
deposits on the ends of the bones, causing pain, discomfort and
limiting the range of motion of the joints.
Most therapies work primarily to ease the pain caused by the inflammation
of the joint.
A holistic approach to treating arthritis is to reduce the inflammation
and provide the nutrients needed to improve the cartilage and soft
connective tissue of the joints.
Arthroplex and ArthriSoothe do just that. Glucosamine, boswellia, Vitamin C and green lipped mussels all work together to help ease pain, reduce inflammation and repair cartilage.
Ideally, your pet should start receiving joint support in their
middle years -- to help nourish and maintain the cartilage. However,
if the damage has already been done, there are nutraceuticals that
work to repair the cartilage. See the Natural
Treatments section for information.
Symptoms
Arthritis usually develops slowly over time and may not be noticeable
until there is severe damage to the cartilage. The reason for this
is that the articular cartilage (the cartilage covering the end
of each bone) lacks blood vessels and nerves, acting really as a
shock absorber between two bones. The animal continues to run and
play as the cartilage is wearing away.
When the cartilage eventually breaks down, the bones rub together,
and the animal begins to display some of the symptons of arthritis:
- Lameness
- Joint swelling and stiffness
- Pain or slowness in getting up
- Muscle atrophy
- Slowness of movement
Diagnosis
During your pet's regular checkup, your veterinarian will examine
the animals joints by palpation, or feeling the joint area. For
osteoarthritis, a radiograph or ultrasound examination will show
the mineral deposits on the bones.
Maintaining Healthy Joints
While some breeds are more likely to develop arthritis, all dogs,
even young ones, can develop the condition. Obesity, lack of exercise,
and poor diet can increase the likelihood that your companion may
be affected with arthritis. A diet with adequate protein, a regular
exercise routine and good nutritional support can help reduce the
pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.
Glucosamine sulfate is one of the best defenses against deteriorating
joints (see Natural Treatments for more information) and may be given to pets even before they
begin showing signs of arthritis.
Conventional Therapies
Corticosteroids and NSAIDS (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs)
are frequently prescribed to provide pain relief for arthritic animals.
Although the animal may appear to move about more freely, additional
damage may be occurring to the joints as the drugs work to mask
the joint pain. Also, when used over a long period of time, various
adverse side effects have been documented, including damage to the
liver and gastrointestinal tract, suppression of the immune system,
diabetes, osteoporosis and others diseases.
Before resorting to NSAIDS or corticosteroids, ask your veterinarian
about the many natural other approaches to treating your companion
animal that are effective and do not have adverse side effects.
In some cases, pharmaceutical drugs may be the best option, but
they aren't designed to repair the cartilage, therefore be sure
to add some nutritional support therapy to your pet's health plan.
Natural
Treatments
To help repair the cartilage and reduce inflammation, many
holistic veterinarians recommend nutraceuticals containing glucosamine
sulfate, chondroitin sulfate and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).
Glucosamine sulfate is one of the safest and most widely-used
ingredient for arthritis. It helps rehabilitate damaged cartilage
by stimulating the production of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and
chondroitin sulfate, the essential component of cartilage. Glucosamine
has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory activity, which
helps to relieve some of the pain the animal may be suffering.
Chondroitin sulfate is another natural substance found in the body and it works
to prevent enzymes from degrading the building blocks of joint
cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate is often used in combination
with glucosamine, however, when used alone, glucosamine sulfate
helps the body to manufacture its own chondroitin.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is often recommended by veterinarians for animals with joint conditions. The sulfur in MSM can be utilized by the body in the formation of compounds such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, as well as the amino acids methionine and cysteine. Arthritic joints often have low levels of both sulfur and cysteine. Animal studies have found MSM helps to maintain normal articular cartilage.
Other ingredients to look for include:
- Green-lipped mussels (Perna mussels)
- Helps to repair cartilage as they are rich in glycosaminoglycans,
vitamins and minerals.
- Bromelain - Inhibits inflammatory compounds
and reduces pain.
- Boswellia - An anti-inflammatory which
allows for increased blood supply to he joints to help stimulate
repair.
- Vitamin C - Important in the production
of collagen which is needed for soft-tissue support for joints.
- Zinc, selenium and manganese - Helps
the body utilize antioxidants.
To repair and rebuild cartilage and ease joint pain, we recommend these arthritis medications for dogs:
ArthriSoothe by NaturVet
 ArthriSoothe-GOLD provides optimal levels of Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Green Lipped Mussel, Hyaluronic Acid and MSM. This combination is recommended to help support, maintain, and contribute to rebuilding damaged cartilage and tissue. ArthriSoothe-GOLD is also recommended to help improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness. The antioxidants Ester-C (Vit. C) and Vitamin E help protect against free radicals that cause cellular damage.
ArthriSoothe-Gold comes in liquid and tablets.
To purchase or read
more about ArthriSoothe...
Arthroplex by Thorne Research
 Arthroplex
contains glucosamine sulfate to help stimulate the production
of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and chondroitin sulfate, the essential
component of cartilage. This formula also includes Vitamin C to
enhance collagen production and Boswellia serrata which acts
as an anti-inflammatory.
To purchase or read
more about Arthroplex...
MSM-750 by Thorne Research
 This formula contains 750 mg. of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). The sulfur in MSM can be utilized by the body in the formation of compounds such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, as well as the amino acids methionine and cysteine. Arthritic joints often have low levels of both sulfur and cysteine. Animal studies have found MSM helps to maintain normal articular cartilage.
To purchase or read more about MSM-750...
Hip Action Treats from Zukes
 Zuke's Hip Action Treats' unique formula combines a variety of natural nutrients to keep dogs active, mobile and pain free. The cornerstone nutrients, Chondroitin & Glucosamine HCL, have demonstrated great success in naturally conditioning joints and enhancing comfort. Secondary nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, copper, zinc, selenium, manganese and numerous amino acids have been added for their enzymatic benefits and to assist in the transportation of Chondroitin & Glucosamine to aching hips and joints. Vitamin C alone has been extensively used by many dog owners to help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with canine hip displasia.
To purchase or read
more about Hip Action Treats...
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