Pet Arthritis - Treatment for Pet Arthritis

The Limping Patient

As our pets become older the healthy cartilage in their joints begins to breakdown.  This creates a condition known as Degenerative joint disease or DJD.  DJD is an irreversible process that causes arthritis resulting in pain and inflammation in the joint space.  The hips, knees and elbows are the most commonly affected areas for arthritis in our pets.  The most common medical treatments for arthritis are NSAIDS and neutroceuticals.   

-NSAIDS- Non steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs that decrease inflammation associated with pain.  These drugs are very effective and have been proven to dramatically improve the quality of life in both humans and pets with arthritis.  However, NSAIDs have many side effects including GI ulcers and kidney damage, especially when used at high doses or for prolonged periods.  Talk to your veterinarian to find out what is right for your pet.                          

-Neutroceuticals- Safe nutritional supplements for repairing and rebuilding damaged cartilage responsible for causing arthritis in joints.  Most veterinarians recommend glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates for joint health.  These drugs are known as “chondroprotective” which means they protect the cartilage by supplying it with nutrients.  

Glucosamine/Chondroitin should be used before signs of arthritis are noticed to protect the cartilage and stop irreversible damage before it begins.  The nutrients also work to rebuild and repair cartilage damage.   

There are many studies in both humans and pets that report improved mobility and increased activity.  These nutrients are great to both prevent cartilage damage and therapeutically treat damaged joints.   

These nutritional supplements can be given daily and may be started as early as 1 year of age.  They are especially important in breeds with increased risk of joint disease ie: Labrador retrievers, German shepherds, etc.

Since the FDA does not regulate these drugs caution should be used when purchasing over the counter products.  Cheaper and generic brands have been found to lack enough of the active ingredients to be effective.   

To the right are a list of veterinary recommended products for pet arthritis: 

More  Safe Alternative treatments for arthritis:

Sam-e

Omega-3 fatty acids

Two very safe products; Omega-3 fatty acids and Sam-e have long been used to treat animals for such diseases as liver disease and allergic dermatitis.  But after numerous human studies showing their important anti- inflammatory properties, they are now being used to prevent and treat arthritis.