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Three Ways To Achieve Arthritis Relief
1. Arthritis pain medication
2. Supplements (Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Perna and Fatty Acids)
3. Weight loss in pets with arthritis
1. Arthritis pain medication
1a. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
Analgesic medications that relieve arthritis pain, such as Aspirin, Rimadyl, and Etogesic are NSAIDs,
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. NSAIDs revive the spirits of pets by resolving their pain. They work quickly to decrease prostaglandins that cause pain, and this allows pets to move
easily and to exercise. When pets are able to exercise, their hearts, lungs, and digestive systems continue to function normally. Able to exercise, arthritic pets maintain their muscles, and this
helps them hold their joints in correct alignment, which also helps them experience less pain.
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As with most things in nature, any medicine that can cause so much good, has the potential to cause harm. To prevent harm, most NSAIDs require a veterinarian's prescription. The
veterinarian will request blood tests to confirm the NSAIDs have not damaged the stomach, liver, or kidneys. Some veterinarians recommend using Omega 3 fatty acids, such as those found in
Lipiderm, 3V Caps, and Derm Caps to protect the kidney, and using Denosyl to protect the liver. In addition, many veterinarians recommend using
supplements that protect cartilage (chondroprotectives), such as Adequan (Rx), Legend (Rx), Glyco-Flex,
and 1-800-PetMeds Super Joint Enhancer when using NSAIDs.
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Without specific instructions from your veterinarian, don't give NSAIDs to cats.
Our best selling prescription NSAIDs include Rimadyl, Deramaxx, Metacam, and Etogesic.
1b. Homeopathics
Homeopathics help many pets with arthritis. Traumeel is especially useful for dogs and cats
(also for birds and horses) with arthritis or acute joint pain as a result of trauma. Given shortly
after injury, Traumeel helps reduce long-term damage. Traumeel is especially useful for pets
with fragile stomachs, kidneys or livers that should not take NSAIDs. It benefits pets whether
the damage is to bone, muscle, ligament or tendon. In addition to Traumeel, we recommend
Homeo Pet Joint Relief for homeopathic relief of bone & joint pain.
| Vet Tip: Keep Traumeel in your first aid kit and use it immediately for any traumatic incident your pet suffers: laceration, sprain, cruciate rupture, fights, or if hit by car. Then, visit your veterinarian. |
1c. Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are naturally produced in small amounts in all warm-blooded creatures, including
people and pets. Pharmaceutical corticosteroids mimic natural steroids, but are in a much higher
concentration. They are best used for emergency rather than chronic treatment of painful
conditions, including Arthritis. Because corticosteroids have serious side effects, they require a
prescription, and your veterinarian may request periodic blood tests to confirm that the liver
remains healthy. Some veterinarians will recommend supplementing with Denosyl to protect the liver.
Some of the top-selling prescription corticosteroids are Prednisone, Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, and
Triamcinolone.
2. Arthritis cat and dog supplements (There are a variety of non prescription arthritis remedies for dogs and cats.)
2a. Protecting joint cartilage with arthritis cat and dog supplements
Research has proven that pets develop arthritis much more slowly if they receive joint
supplements in their youth, and throughout their lives. Supplements nourish and protect joint
cartilage which often helps pets with arthritis experience less pain. Look for supplements that
contain glucosamine and chondroitin which are considered the best joint nutrition available; they
help joint cartilage stay moist and lubricated, and stimulate joint cells to make repairs if damage
has occurred. Studies also confirm that glucosamine and chondroitin alleviate stiffness and pain.
Because they actually change the joint, it takes 1-2 months before improvement is obvious.
Unlike nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications (NSAIDs), they do not cause kidney or
liver damage.
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In fact, some research suggests they protect the body from NSAID damage.
Examples of excellent supplements that protect cartilage (chondroprotectives) include 1-800-PetMeds Super Joint Enhancer, CoQ10, Adequan (Rx), Legend (Rx), Glyco-Flex. These products
help make the joint healthier. We recommend that pets begin receiving chondroprotective
supplements when they are young to reduce the odds of developing joint damage throughout
their lives.
2b. Reducing inflammation with Omega 3 fatty acid supplements
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Inflammation occurs with arthritis in cats and dogs, and Omega 3 fatty acids are proven to reduce swelling, heat,
and pain that characterize inflammation. Because Omega 3 fatty acids reduce inflammation, if
your pet is taking them and it injures a joint, it may sustain less joint damage than it would have
if it were not receiving them. In addition to benefiting the joints, fatty acids have been proven to
benefit the brain, learning and behavior, the skin, kidneys, and other internal organs. We highly
recommend supplementing pets with Omega 3 fatty acids. Among the products we recommend are Missing Link, Lipiderm, 3V Caps, Derm Caps, and 1-800-PetMeds Brite Coat XS.
3. Weight loss in cats and dogs with arthritis
When arthritic pets lose weight, their arthritic pain significantly decreases. Visit our Weight Loss Center for tips on how to help the arthritis dog and cat lose weight, and get information on the
latest weight-loss product, Vetri-Lean Plus.
| Targeting specific problem areas for arthritis pain: |
Neck:
Back, neck:
Back, hips, knees:
Hips, knees:
Widespread:
Widespread (cold weather):
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Avoid collars; use a harness instead
Elevate food and water dishes
Harness for support
Ramps or steps to climb
Supportive bed, low-impact exercise, frequent but of short
duration swimming rather than running
Warm, supportive bed sweater or rain gear when out in
cold weather |
We recommend several arthritis cat and dog medications medications (see the list on the right). In addition,
we recommend supplementing all pets with Omega 3 fatty acids to reduce the tendency to
inflammation. Visit our Fatty Acid FAQ Section.
For more information about arthritis in general, please visit the Arthritis Foundation.
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The articles here were answered by a variety of pharmacists and veterinarians
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Pain
Limping
Difficulty rising
Difficulty with stairs
Snapping when petted
Less interest in walking or playing |
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Over 90% of geriatric cats have arthritis
Over 12 million cats in the US have arthritis
1 out of every 5 dogs over the age of 7 has arthritis |
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Small, toy, and large breeds
Older pets
Overweight
History of injury
Abnormal joints
Diabetic
Cushing's disease |
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Protects Cartilage
Repairs Joints
Prevents Further Damage
Helps Lower Pain-Medication Doseage
See Joint Supplements |
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