Arthritis Problems

Arthritis isn't a problem of just older pets; many animals can suffer from joint disorders at an early age, perhaps most often due to genetically inherited disorders such as hip dysplasia. Options for managing arthritis-type health conditions are now available in products that either aid in preventing further damage to the area, help "restore" the joint and/or connective tissue, and/or that provide pain relief.

Arthritis Control

Along with flea and tick-related pet products, the choices for treating and/or preventing arthritis problems for your pet have greatly expanded during the last decade. Such items now come in the form of flavored chewable tablets, biscuits/treats, and liquids (including "gravy" products) and powders to be added to your pet's meals. Many pet foods, both dry and canned varieties, can be found that contain the arthritis supplements already mixed into the food. Some multi-vitamins for animals also contain various arthritis-relief products. Let's discuss a few of the most common options currently available.

Supplements

Chondroiton - This is a naturally occurring element in the body that helps prevents cartilage breakdown by lowering the activity of enzymes that cause such joint destruction. Chondroitin sulphate is the most common form found in the various products on the market today. Many also consider it to be an effective anti-inflammatory agent, as well as a product that's capable of increasing the fluid level and elasticity of the joints. A chondroitin concentrate made from sea cucumbers is also reported to greatly increase joint mobility in arthritic pets.

Glucosamine - This compound is also made by the body and is critical in building joint cartilage. Often referred to as either glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine HCL, this "amino sugar" is also credited with repairing damaged joints by creating the cushioning synovial fluid found surrounding each joint; by doing this it aids in lowering the level of pain felt in the area. Diabetic animals, as well as any diabetic pet owners, should be careful when taking any glucosamine-containing products as they have been shown to be capable of causing insulin resistance.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) - This sulfur compound is found in the body and is believed to perform many functions. In relation to arthritis problems, it is reported to be useful for collagen formation (a component of connective tissue), new cell creation, old cell repair, inflammation/pain reduction, blood circulation increase, and muscle cramp reduction. Because MSM improves insulin production capability and aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates, diabetics, both humans and pets, should exercise extreme caution when using this product.

Perna Mussel - Also known as Perna canaliculus mussel or green-lipped mussel, this edible shellfish contains a wide array of compounds that are effective "weapons" against arthritis and that can help in restoring the function of the damaged joints and/or the surrounding connective tissue. This is the main ingredient in the line of Glyco-Flex products.

Shark Cartilage - Much like Perna mussels, shark cartilage is comprised of many beneficial compounds that are reported to be effective in increasing the overall health of the joint as well as decreasing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Just like glucosamine and MSM, diabetics should use it cautiously.

Antioxidants, Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs

The following antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and herbs are just a few of those reported to be beneficial for pets suffering from arthritis symptoms:

• Boswellia - an herbal anti-inflammatory and pain reliever
• Copper - aids in creating chondroitin sulfates
• Manganese - aids in creating chondroitin sulfates and enzymes needed for collagen formation
• Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty Acids - provide anti-inflammatory benefits
• Vitamin C/Ester C - increases collagen production for healthy cartilage, tendons, and ligaments, as well as removes free radicals that cause age-related cell damage; ester C is reported to be more effective and faster acting than regular vitamin C
• Yucca - an herbal anti-inflammatory and pain reliever; considered to be a "natural safe steroid"
• Zinc - aids in creating chondroitin sulfates

Popular brand name products containing various mixtures of these supplements, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and herbs include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Cosequin
• Glyco-Flex
• Missing Link Plus
• Sea Jerky
• Synovi

Medications

Pills

Many of the medicated pills used to treat animal arthritis are designed to provide pain relief and/or reduce inflammation. While buffered-aspirin is a common non-prescription choice of arthritis medication for pets, it is considered to only be safe to use for short periods of time. Steroid-based products also have certain long-term side effects that concern many pet owners.

There are several popular name brand arthritis-related medicated pills currently available on the market that can be used for longer durations. Two of the most popular are:

• EtoGesic - This is a daily-administered non-steroidal tablet for dogs suffering from the aches and pains associated with arthritis. Available by prescription only.
• Rimadyl - This canine-only product comes in caplets, chewable tablets, and injection form. All Rimadyl agents must be given once a day. It too is a prescription-only non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) just like Etogesic.

Injections

While sold online, these pet meds are often recommended to only be administered by veterinarians:

• Adequin - This product actually aids in preventing the further destruction of the cartilage in your dog's joint(s). To be fully effective it is given twice weekly for four weeks for a total of eight injections.
• Rimadyl - As previously mentioned.

On to part fourteen :: How to Choose the Best Arthritis Products for Your Pet :: Back to Consumers Guide to Pet Meds

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