There are a number of effective methods to treat dogs with arthritis. These include NSAIDs, Cold laser therapy, Adequan injections, and Diet. Depending on the severity of the condition, different treatments may work for different pets. A veterinarian will be able to recommend the best method for your pet.
NSAIDs
NSAIDs are anti-inflammatory pain relievers and can be prescribed for dogs with arthritis. These medications act chemically to reduce pain and inflammation by blocking the production of enzymes. These enzymes control blood flow, inflammation and blood clotting. When these enzymes are inhibited, the body cannot properly function. This can lead to toxicity and damage to vital organs. NSAIDs can have adverse effects on the stomach, kidneys and liver of dogs.
While NSAIDs are often prescribed by veterinarians for dogs with arthritis, natural remedies may be the best way to alleviate the pain and inflammation. Omega 3 fatty acids, curcumin, and boswellia are a few supplements that may help reduce inflammation in the joints. Consult your vet if you’re unsure what supplements are available.
Although NSAIDs were associated with a low incidence of adverse events, some veterinarians and owners have expressed frustration with the treatment of their dogs. The adverse events were more common in dogs given NSAIDs post-operatively, and in dogs being treated for osteoarthritis. While veterinarians disagree about the incidence of these events, most veterinarians agree that long-term administration of NSAIDs for dogs may pose health risks and should be avoided.
When starting NSAID therapy for dogs with arthritis, veterinarians should do a thorough physical examination to make sure that it is effective. Blood tests should be performed periodically during the course of treatment to monitor the animal’s response to the medicine. If there are any adverse effects, it’s important to discontinue the drug immediately and consult your veterinarian.
Some negative effects of NSAIDs for dogs may include hepatic and renal failure, and gastrointestinal bleeding. These effects may occur early on after starting the medication, so it’s important to consult a veterinarian if your pet is taking this medication.
Cold laser therapy
Cold laser therapy uses light emitting diodes to help with a number of chronic conditions. It has been shown to reduce inflammation, accelerate healing, and promote cell growth. Although it is not a cure-all, it can help pets who suffer from arthritis, soft tissue injuries, and other ailments.
During a session, a technician will run a cold laser over the affected areas. This process is not painful for the dog, and usually lasts three to 10 minutes. The canine can then go back to his or her home to recover. The session can be relaxing for both dog and owner, and some dogs will even fall asleep during the treatment.
Cold laser therapy is a safe, drug-free way to treat a variety of conditions in dogs. Because it is non-invasive, cold lasers are effective in reducing inflammation and promoting healing. While it is still considered a fringe treatment, research shows that cold laser therapy can treat a number of conditions and will not cause pain to your dog.
The cost of laser treatments depends on the number of treatments required. Some practitioners will charge $40 to $100 per session. Others will offer a bundle of treatments for one low price. This way, it is more affordable for pet owners. Additionally, cold laser therapy can speed up rehabilitation after surgery. The cost of laser therapy for dogs is still in its early stages, but more research is needed to support its effectiveness.
In a study conducted at the University of Florida Small Animal Hospital, 17 dogs suffering from intervertebral disc disease were treated with laser therapy. A CT scan was used to diagnose the condition. The dogs had no movement of the legs or of the back. The dogs had been diagnosed through MRI or CT scans and underwent decompressive surgery afterward.
Adequan injections
Adequan injections for dogs with chronic inflammation of the joints can help improve their overall health. The FDA-approved medicine helps to restore natural joint lubrication and prevent inflammation. It also prevents damaged bone from rubbing against another bone. This drug is usually administered over a period of several visits to achieve maximum benefit. Adequan is one of the most widely used treatments for canine arthritis. It contains several ingredients that have been proven to alleviate pain, inflammation, and cartilage defects.
Adequan is a semi-synthetic drug that is available by intramuscular injection. It helps reduce inflammation in joints by improving the thickness of synovial fluid. It is the only FDA-approved DMOAD for dogs. It also slows the progression of osteoarthritis and supports the body’s natural repair process.
Adequan is distributed effectively into the cartilage and joint fluid. It inhibits the enzymes that break down collagen and HA, and helps prevent further breakdown of cartilage. It also stimulates the production of collagen and other building blocks. Because it works to relieve inflammation in the joints, Adequan injections for dogs with arthritis can help slow the progression of the disease.
Adequan has few side effects when administered by a licensed veterinarian. Adequan may cause diarrhea, swelling, or delayed blood clotting, but these are rare and usually resolve without treatment. It should not be used in dogs who are pregnant or nursing, or those with liver or kidney problems.
Diet
There are a number of ways to help your dog deal with joint pain and arthritis. One way is to make sure your dog gets enough Omega 3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and fight infection. You can also add natural foods such as alfalfa, turmeric, and cinnamon to your dog’s diet. In addition, make sure your dog gets moderate exercise to keep his or her muscles strong and fight obesity.
Alfalfa is an excellent source of antioxidants that can help your dog’s body fight inflammation. Alfalfa is also rich in protein and nutrients and has a number of other health benefits. Papaya is another food that has antioxidant properties. While it contains less citric acid than some other foods, papaya can fight inflammation and soothe joint pain. Mango is another fruit that has similar properties.
A diet for dogs with arthritis can help your dog stay mobile and happy. It is important to include the right fats to fight inflammation and protein to maintain lean muscle mass. You should also limit or eliminate any foods that cause inflammation. You should also limit any processed foods that are high in fat or salt.
Your dog can also improve the condition of their joints by eating extra collagen. Collagen is a building block for cartilage and is a great way to improve joint health. Supplementing your pet’s diet with extra collagen can help protect joints and improve your dog’s mobility. Bones and cartilage also contain large amounts of collagen.
Osteoarthritis can be a slow disease, but if you can detect the symptoms early, you can slow the progression of the disease and preserve your pet’s quality of life. It is also important to remember that obesity in dogs increases the risk of several diseases, including arthritis.
Exercise
Exercise is a great way to improve your dog’s overall health. It can be beneficial in managing joint pain and preventing the onset of arthritis. However, exercise for dogs with arthritis should be performed with caution. It should not involve high impact activities and should be limited to 30 to 60 minutes per day. A dog with arthritis needs to spend extra time cooling off after a session. A heating pad can be applied to the joints after exercise to soothe them. In addition to heating pads, you can use warm water to relax your dog’s muscles.
Exercise can also help your dog maintain a healthy weight and reduce the symptoms of arthritis. Walking downhill is one way to exercise your dog without putting pressure on its joints. Walking downhill activates the shoulder and chest stabiliser muscles and improves balance and co-ordination. Swimming is another good exercise for dogs with arthritis. It improves circulation and prevents obesity.
Exercise is a great way to improve joint mobility and reduce the need for pain medications. The type of exercise your dog does matters as well. Low impact exercise may be the best option for dogs with arthritis. This type of exercise is ideal for puppies as it puts less strain on joints and reduces the risk of injury. It will also reduce the pain caused by arthritis and improve muscle strength.
Massage therapy is also an effective method of massage therapy for dogs with arthritis. The massage technique increases blood flow, reduces joint pain and improves flexibility. You can practice massage techniques at home for your dog, or you can seek the assistance of a certified canine massage therapist. Your veterinarian will also help you devise a customized exercise plan for your dog.