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ARTHRITIS
TREATMENT
Canine arthritis can sometimes
be prevented by surgery when x-rays indicate joint malformations.
If surgery is not indicated or advisable, relief can be achieved
with painkillers, glucosamine, exercise, rest, and diet. However,
even over-the-counter painkillers should not be used without the
advice of a veterinarian.
Some common pain relievers for
canine arthritis include:
Rimadyl (carprofen):
A NSAID which has been effective in treating the pain, however
has very serious and potentially fatal side effects
Adequan (polysulfated
glycosaminoglycan)(5) given by injection twice each week for four
weeks
Buffered aspirin
specifically for canines
However, these above medications
have very dangerous side effects and in the case of Rimadyl, potentially
fatal ones. Furthermore, the painkillers mentioned above only
treat the pain, but do absolutely nothing to treat the disease
of arthritis itself. It's highly recommend that anyone with a
dog who has arthritis or hip dysplasia, to give them glucosamine
daily.
Glucosamine is an amino sugar produced
from the shells of chitin which produces molecules called proteoglycans
and glycosaminoglycans. In turn, these molecules stimulate the
production of synovial fluid, which is the substance that lubricates
your joints and ensures cartilage does not deteriorate.
Glucosamine has been shown in numerous
studies to be beneficial in the treatment for canine arthritis.
However, the type of glucosamine product is very important. It
is very important to have a pharmaceutical quality glucosamine
product, and one that is delivered in liquid form with a number
of other ingredients like chondroitin, boswellin, bromelain, and
omega 3 and omega 6 as it's better absorbed.
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