FREE Shipping on orders of $100 or more!
1-800-889-8967 
Search 

Home > Arthritis Related Articles > 

Recognizing and Treating Arthritis II

Recognizing and Treating Arthritis II



Recognizing | Treating
 
Arthrin dog aspirin provides safe and effective relief for pain, fever, inflammation specifically associated with injuries, surgery, arthritis and joint problems. Aspirin is the active ingredient in Arthrin. It is also buffered to help prevent gastrointestinal upset. Use Arthrin along with Joint MAX and watch your dog improve faster, this powerful combination will have your dog playing and walking without pain and prevent further joint degeneration.
  • For pain associated with injuries, surgery and/or arthritis
  • Reduces Fever
  • Helps relieve inflammation
  • Buffered to help prevent gastrointestinal upsets
  • Tasty chewable meat flavored soft chews
  • 100 % product guaranteed
  • FOR DOGS ONLY
 
Medical treatment of hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis has greatly improved in the last several years thanks to the introduction and approval of several new joint supplements and drugs. Through proper diet, exercise, joint supplements, anti-inflammatories and pain relief, you will be able to decrease the progression of degenerative joint disease, and help your pet live a much more comfortable life.
 
Glucosamine and Chondroitin: Glucosamine and chondroitin are two ingredients of supplements that have become widely used in treating both animals and humans for osteoarthritis. Due to the overwhelming success in treating patients with osteoarthritis, these products have come to the forefront of therapy and are becoming the most popular products for managing arthritis today.

Glucosamine is the major sugar found in glycosaminoglycans (GAG)and hyaluronate, which are important building blocks in the synthesis and maintenance of cartilage in the joint. Studies have shown that Glucosamine helps to improve cartilage metabolism and upregulates proteoglycan synthesis. Chondroitin is the predominant GAG found in articular cartilage. Chondrotin enhances the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans and inhibits damaging enzymes in the joint. These active ingredients essentially help to aid in the reconstruction and lubrication of joints.

When a dog has hip dysplasia or other osteoarthritis, the joint wears away and the bone-to-bone contact creates pain. Glucosamine and chondroitin give the cartilage-forming cells (chondrocytes) the building blocks they need to synthesize new cartilage and to repair the existing damaged cartilage. These products can help ease pain, but primarily work by actually healing the damage that has been done.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin products generally take at least six weeks to begin to heal the cartilage, and most animals need to be maintained on these products the rest of their lives to prevent further cartilage breakdown. These products are very safe and show very few side effects. There are many different glucosamine/chondroitin products on the market, but the best results are from products that contain pure ingredients that are human grade in quality. Joint Supplements such as Joint MAX, ReMATRIX and Glyco-Flex and Cosequin, fit this category. If you're going to give your dog a treat, make it a healthy, low calorie treat like Joint Treats® also with Glucosamine, Creatine & MSM that help to keep joints healthy and dogs happy.

 
 

Methyl-sulfonyl-methane (MSM): MSM is a natural, sulfur-containing compound produced by kelp in the ocean. MSM is reported to enhance the structural integrity of connective tissue, and help reduce scar tissue. MSM has been promoted as having powerful anti-inflammatory and pain reducing properties. Products that contain MSM include Joint MAX Triple Strength, ReMATRIX, and Glyco Flex III.

Creatine: Creatine is an amino acid that aids in the body production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a fuel, for short, intense bursts of energy. This helps create muscle mass by allowing improved mobility and exercise in your pet. Creatine may be helpful in dogs with muscle atrophy associated with osteoarthritis.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and is an important nutrient in the synthesis of collagen and cartilage. Because dogs and cats can manufacture their own Vitamin C and do not require it in their diet like humans do, the efficacy of using Vitamin C in the management of osteoarthritis in dogs remains unclear. Supplementing with Vitamin C at a reasonable level will not result in a toxicity and may prove to have a beneficial effect. Joint Supplements that contain Vitamin C include Joint MAX DS, Lubrichon, and Glyco-C-Mine.

Antioxidants: Antioxidants are your pet's major defense system against the scourge of free-radicals and oxidative stress, and help keep joint damage to a minimum. Besides Vitamin C, other beneficial antioxidants include Vitamin E, Zinc, Manganese, and Citrus Bioflavonoids. Joint MAX Triple Strength and ReMATRIX contain many of these antioxidants.

Manganese: Manganese ascorbate, in combination with glucosamine and chondroitin, have been found helpful in treating osteoarthritis pain. Lack of manganese in animals has been found to cause improper formation of bone and cartilage, may decrease the body's ability to use sugar properly, and may cause growth problems. Supplements that contain Manganese include Joint MAX.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA and EPA are often used for the management of the signs of atropy in dogs. Because of their anti-inflammatory properties, some have advocated their use in dogs with osteoarthritis. Joint MAX Triple Strength and Synovi G3 both contain DHA and EPA. You can also use skin and coat supplements in conjunction with joint supplements. Try Derm-Tabs ES and/or Shed Pro, they effectively reduce unwanted shedding and promote healthy skin and a radiant hair coat.

Injectable Disease-Modifying Osteoarthritis Agents: Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan (Adequan): Adequan is a product that is administered as an injection. A series of shots are given over weeks and very often have favorable results. The cost and the inconvenience of weekly injections are a deterrent to some owners, especially since the oral glucosamine products are so effective. This product helps prevent the breakdown of cartilage and may help with the synthesis of new cartilage.

 

Weight management is a major factor in joint disease prevention and treatment that should be addressed. Helping a dog lose pounds until he reaches his recommended weight, and keeping it there, may be the most important thing an owner can do for a pet. Products that help with weight management include Vetri-Lean and CreaCarb.

Exercise is the next important step. Exercise that provides for good range of motion and muscle building and limits wear and tear on the joints is the best. Leash walking, swimming, walking on treadmills, slow jogging, and going up and down stairs are excellent low-impact exercises. Whichever activity you choose for your dog, it should be kept to a minimum, and excessive play with other animals should be avoided. Swimming is okay for extended periods of time and is highly recommended in extreme cases. Check out Otis & Claude toys, they are durable, buoyant and great for water play and getting in the exercise that you and your pets will enjoy.
 
Most people with arthritis find that the signs tend to worsen in cold, damp weather. Keeping your arthritic pet warm, may help him be more comfortable. Canine Parkas will help keep joints warmer. Beds with orthopedic foam such as Thermal Dog Cushion and Canine Cooler Bed distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure on joints. They are also much easier for the pet to get out of. Place the bed in a warm spot away from drafts. Another great product that can make your pet more comfortable is treat like Bottom's Up Leash, a hind-leg support harness for dogs with hip dysplasia, arthritis, or any other problem that affects the hind legs or spine. You should also avoid any unecessary stair climbing. Ramps can be used to aid your pet if it has to climb.

For a complete list of joint supplements, visit our joint supplement page.
 


Home | Help Center | About Us | Shipping | Privacy Policy | Log-in | Show My Order | Live Help | Site Map
Pet Meds | Pet Supplies | Flea Control | Frontline | Advantage | K9 Advantix | Pet Toys | Pet Treats | Pet Grooming | Pet Health Articles | Pet Food

Copyright © 2001 - 2009 EntirelyPets.com - All rights reserved.