Hello Readers...
This month of August I’d like to touch on Arthritis and management for Dogs which can also be useful for most other animals.
There are 3 main types of Arthritis that dogs are diagnosed with and are anatomically the same as humans.
Osteoarthritis (OA): OA is a degenerative disease of the joints and affect the whole joint, inclusive of cartilage and synovial fluid which acts as a lubricant for the joint. This then affect the surrounding bone as the joint function has changed. Many dogs are very stoic and during the first stages the untrained eye may not pick up on the signs of gait change. By the time OA is diagnosed it is often in the later stages of the disease.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): RA is an autoimmune disease, this where the bodies immune system attacks the joints. The immune system which is predominantly found in the gut, sends out Inflammation to fight off issue like bacteria, viruses and other invaders. However, when it becomes dysfunctional it will target areas of the body randomly and when triggered. In RA, it targets the joints of the body. Sometimes it can attack more than 5 joints at once and this then becomes classed as Polyarthritis which can be extremely painful for dogs and people. With RA it can be triggered by something to cause the dysfunction in the immune system and rapidly onset over a few hours, but more often is noticed slowly over time.
Post Trauma Arthritis (PTA): PTA is caused by trauma to the joint, this can also include muscular injuries which causes instability to the join and its function. Trauma, especially untreated, causes wear and tear to accelerate to the cartilage, bone and synovial fluid.
Signs of arthritis: Lameness, Un-willing to readily partake in usual activities, struggling to get up, hoping or favoring one or more legs, cracking on joints and stiffness, hind limbs not tracking, getting cranky easily especially with other dogs, going off food, in some cases the joint will swell and become warm or even hot to touch, Cold feet can also be a sign they are lacking circulation which means the joint and limb may not be functioning correctly.
Preventing Arthritis: Feeding fresh species appropriate diet where possible, Studies have shown that even adding Raw food to kibble increases health in dogs, minimize cooked fats and carbs, Keeping the dog fit, of healthy weight and mentally stimulated, ensure the diet is high in balanced omegas 3-6. Addressing any injuries or pain straight away.
For Immune mediated prevention: Have Titer testing done prior to vaccinations, be mindful of the over usage of antibiotics and ensure the gut health is protected and cared for with Pre and Pro biotics, balanced nutrition and conduct regular detoxes with Milk thistle.
After Diagnosis Care: As cold will increase Symptoms and pain, keep them warm during winter allow outside dogs inside or a warm coat, with warm thick soft bedding and ensure they are protected from the weather. Myo-manipulative functional therapy, acupuncture, keeping active by gentle exercises like Walking, hydrotherapy or conditioning exercises, avoiding exercise that will jolt the joints. Muscular skeletal supporting supplements that have Collagen, Omega 3, Vitamin C, Glucosamine and Chondroitin.
In the early stages: Use anti-inflammation products like green lipped, black or blue mussels, MSM, Rosehips, and Devils Claw.
Later stages: Continuing early-stage treatment together with your Vets recommendation for NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), there are also numerous injections you can discuss with your vet for during the later stages.
If you have any questions or like to book a CMFT, CCFC or HCN consult, or are looking for supplements, please reach out.
Pats for all of your pets,
Chevelle Williams, CMFT, HCN, CCFC, DipCanCom, DipMBSR
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