Introduction:
Arthritis and other joint health issues affect millions of dogs and cats of every size, age, and breed.
Our #1 therapeutic goal with these pets is to keep them moving. Once pets (or people) become inactive they loose their ability to stretch and flex.
Other goals include management of pain and inflammation, joint lubrication, and slowing down the degenerative process of many joint diseases.
Weight control is also an issue
Treatment programs typically try to address all of the above.
Weight management if needed
Pain medications if needed
Anti-inflammatory medications if needed
and
Special diets and/or suppplemental nutriceuticals like glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin, Duralactin, and Omega Fatty Acids
Hill's® Prescription Diet® j/d® Canine is an innovative dog food that helps maintain healthy joints and improves mobility in dogs. Its unique formula contains high levels of EPA (Eicosapentanoic Acid), an omega-3 fatty acid found in high concentrations in fish oil. Research has shown that EPA can help maintain joint function. Enhanced levels of glucosamine and chondroitin provide the building blocks of healthy cartilage, and L-carnitine, which helps maintain optimum body weight. j/d® Canine improves the quality of life by helping dogs run better, play better, and rise more easily.
Iams has a veterinary formula diet for dogs with joint and articulation problems.
This formula has glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, to provide the building blocks for healthy cartilage; L-Carnitine to help your pet metabolize fat; and micro-crystals to help reduce tartar buildup across the whole mouth during and after meals.
Supplements used in the treatment of arthritis and other joint diseases:
Glucosamine Combinations:
The production and marketing of glucosamine and chondroitin products are unregulated and quality and effectiveness varies tremendously among brands.
Two brands that I trust for the good reason that they are independently tested and have proven to be effective in pet after pet are Glyco-Flex and Dasuquin. Your vet may have experience and faith in some of the other quality brands.
Dasuquin contains unique anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidants made from avocado and soybean extracts, MSM, high grade glucosamine, and low molecular weight chondroitin sulfate.
Duralactin is not yet well known and your vet may not have it. But a salesperson got me to try this product several years ago and I'm very impressed. I now use it for both cats and dogs not only for arthritis but also to minimize the pain and inflammation of ear infections, bladder infections, and also to make pets feel better after surgery, trauma, or when dealing with chronic illness.
Duralactin contains MicroLactin®, a patented dried milk protein from the milk of hyperimmunized cows. MicroLactin® contains factors that appear to block cytokines to inhibit neutrophil participation in the inflammatory response. This reduces inflammation and helps prevent subsequent tissue damage caused by excess neutrophil infiltration. At this level, Duralactin® helps stop chronic inflammation at the cellular level and so avoid inhibiting protective prostaglandin activity.
Omega Fatty Acids Supplements: There's no doubt anymore that omega fatty acids are helpful with in treating arthritis, heart disease, kidney disease, and skin diseases. It's the details I'm not too sure about. Which are the best brands? How much is appropriate? What is the best ratio of Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids?
Click on any of the links below to go to the page describing the diets and/or supplements that are often recommended for certain disease conditions:
