and SPINE PROBLEMS

Avoiding Arthritis

One of the most common problems of older and larger dogs is arthritis.  Many dogs are encouraged to JUMP for the ball when they are young. This causes jolts to the back legs and brings on early arthritis. By all means PLAY ball with your dog but don't let them JUMP - throw the ball 'lower' so your dog can catch it but doesn't leap up into the air. Also as your dog starts to get older discuss with your vet the possibility of adding some GLUCOSAMINE SULFATE, MSM and Omega 3 oils to your pets diet. Please note NEVER give GLUCOSAMINE to an animal with Diabetes (see Diabetes page for more info). Another product that has had good word of mouth is LEVEL 5000 which can be bought through the web or through better pet supply stores.

Prevention Magazine (July 2001) did an article on a new European study that now has PROVEN Glucosamine DOES help the pain of Arthritis as well as improve the condition. It did say that it can take weeks to notice the difference but it now offers a proven natural alternative to medication. For more on the study visit PREVENTION MAGAZINE (Links page)

 

Nutrition and health care for the longevity of dogs and cats

by Susan G. Wynn, D.V.M.

Arthritis: Degenerative osteoarthritis is common in larger breeds of dogs, in which spondylosis--the breakdown of vertebral structure--and genetically determined hip dysplasia are rampant. Certain breeds, such as German shepherds, Labrador retrievers and Saint Bernards, are more susceptible than others. Smaller breeds of dogs, in part because of longer life spans, may also develop arthritis. Although older cats may experience some arthritis, it is not as common in felines.

It is vital to get a good diagnosis before treating arthritis in older animals. Many pet owners assume that decreased mobility is arthritis when, in fact, metabolic, cardiovascular, neurologic or other problems may be present.

The primary therapies to include when treating arthritic pets are diet and glycosaminoglycan (GAG). GAGs are complex carbohydrates, called polysaccharides, that are integral to joint-cartilage structure. The animal's diet should consist of good-quality natural or home-prepared food. Dogs eating poor-quality diets appear to have more pain and develop bone spurs more readily than those on good diets. Although this is anecdotal clinical experience and the mechanism is unknown, some veterinarians theorize that cheaper foods containing antigenic substances may cause allergic or immune-mediated reactions that target joint components.6

Research to support supplementing with polysulfated GAGs is growing.7-9 Dogs respond well, though subtly, to GAG, so it is best to begin the therapy as early in the disease as possible. I recommend a product containing glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, manganese and vitamin C.

7. Beren JJ, et al. Therapeutic effect of cosamin on autoimmune type II collagen induced arthritis in rats. In: Proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference; 1997 Jan; Orlando, FL. p 35.

8. McNamara PS, et al. Effect on cartilage metabolism and canine serum. In: Proceedings of the 24th Annual Conference of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society. 1997 Mar 1-8; Big Sky, MT. Veterinary Orthopedic Society. p 35.

9. Reif JS, et al. Cancer of the nasal cavity and para-nasal sinuses and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke in pet dogs. Am J Epidemiol 1998 Mar 1;147(5):488-92.

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Rymadyl (Carprofen)

There are many ways to try to ease the pain and discomfort of all to common arthritic symptoms. Some such as the drug Rimadyl (Carprofen) are controversial. It is up to you and your vet to see what might be the best choice for your dog. No matter what you decide natural supplements can be used in conjunction or as your main treatment. Please remember to never give your dog a buffered or enteric coated aspirin IF it is on medication such as Rimadyl. For more info on the dangers and precautions one must take if using Rimadyl please visit the SENIOR DOGS PROJECT. Please also note that some breeds of dogs seem to have a lesser tolerance for this drug and and are of a higher risk of dying from it. Do your research and be informed before making a decision on whether to use it or not. In the UK and Austrailia there is a drug that hopefully will make it to the UK and replace Rimadyl. It had proven to be safe and effective. Further info on this drug will be posted here in the near future.

On a personal note- from Tres@caninesincrisis.org My dog Kismet (above) was a German Shepherd mix who was literally 'collapsing' at the age of 12. With low doses of Rimadyl combined with the below Supplement he gained back full normal use of his legs. He only lost use of his legs again only a couple of weeks after we celebrated his 15th birthday. This was along with severe atrophy and bladder control loss. Only then did he suffer and was subsequently euthanized. We gained 3 wonderful year with him. This did entail monitoring him regularly with the Rimadyl.  Everyone's experience with this drug will be different. 

SUPPLEMENTS

more details on some of the below are available on the DIET and SUPPLEMENTS PAGE

Glucosamine Sulfate (chondrotin not needed)

MSM (great info on MSM here)

SOD (an inexpensive powerful antioxidant)

Dry vitamin E

Dry Ester C

NAC

We recommend a mix of the above in a base of brewers yeast. Some brewers yeast are with added Garlic. If this is available use it!  Then just add a heaping tablespoon full to you pets meals. If you are using a dry food just add a bit of water to make a 'gravy' of the mix.

Also we recommend you give your dog MAX EPA Omega 3 oils

PLEASE NOTE for DIABETIC DOGS   NEVER give supplements containing GLUCOSAMINE as this nutrient must be avoided by diabetics because Glucosamine blocks the formation of insulin. Also DO NOT feed your a diabetic pet any pet foods containing GLUCOSAMINE. Many 'Senior Foods' have this added now to help aging pets with arthritis and joint mobility. It is a good thing for arthritic and older dogs but NOT if they are diabetic! In March 2001 issue of PREVENTION Magazine tells more of the dangers for diabetics and this supplement both in HUMANS AND ALL ANIMALS. It is shown taking Glucosamine if you are Diabetic can trigger INSULIN RESISTANCE. This means that the body stops recognizing insulin and, as a result sugar in the blood can build up to a dangerous level. Adequan (below) may or may not contain Glucosamine so discuss this with your vet. Many vets are currently unaware of the dangers of Glucosamine for Diabetics as this finding is recent.  Another online article on this is found here at Nutrition Science News

It is also recommended you check with your vet if you should give a diabetic dog omega 3 oils as in some cases it may not be recommended.

Do not give you dog aspirin   if on medication for arthritis! Please discuss this with your vet! If you do make it enteric/buffered only but only if your vet says it's OK to mix with the meds

 Two product we've had great feedback about are  NUTRI JOINT at www.vrp.com and there has been great feedback on the new DOG GONE PAIN

 
Arthritis and Adequan
Arthritis or joint inflammation is common in dogs and cats. Usually caused by degenerative joint disease, affected animals show lameness, weakness and pain. Until recent years medical treatment has been aimed at pain relief only, with surgical intervention as a costly and stressful alternative.

However, there is available a revolutionary medical treatment for degenerative joint disease which actually improves joint health. Adequan is a naturally occurring body substance extracted from cows and then chemically altered. This drug is capable of healing joint surfaces by stimulating the production of cartilage and fluid in the joint, as well as decreasing cartilage destruction. The new cartilage acts as a cushion to shield the joint surface, and the fluid lubricates the joint. This results in actual healing of the damaged joint.

Adequan is a safe, natural substance, sometimes called a "nutriceutical". There are no contraindications or detrimental side effects associated with its use. The body extracts what it needs, and eliminates the rest. Normal joints are not affected. Treated animals show increased mobility and decreased pain, often to a remarkable extent.

Adequan is administered by injection. The recommended protocol is one injection weekly for 4 to 6 weeks. The cost of the treatment is far less than surgery and has recently decreased. Dogs afflicted with hip dysplasia are excellent candidates for this treatment.

This article from Pet Health Library

Spondylosis & Degenerative Spinal Diseases

If your veterinarian has told you your dog has spinal degeneration (spinal myelopathy) and that there is nothing you can do to stop the progression of
weakness and rear end stiffness that eventually becomes rear end paralysis, he is WRONG!  Dr. Belfield's program can CURE spinal degeneration.
If your dog has been diagnosed with Spondylosis, this program will also help with that, but it will not totally cure spondylosis.
The program comes from a really good California veterinarian, Dr. Wendell O. Belfield of San Jose, CA.  In the mid-1970's, Dr. Belfield put together an
all natural supplement program to CURE spinal degeneration.  He was successful.  The program is cheap and effective.  Generally it can have the
dog RUNNING, climbing stairs and jumping onto your bed in 5-7 weeks.  It works by strengthening the dog's immune system.

Here is what Dr. Belfield wrote in his book, "How To Have A Healthier Dog" by Wendell O. Belfield and Martin Zucker:

"What happens in this condition is a deterioration of the tissues in and
around the vertebrae.  The cause may be related to the aging process.  The
breakdown causes inflammation and some degree of pressure on the spinal
nerves that supply the hind quarters.  Difficulty in control of muscle
movement and walking develops into a paralysis.  The animal goes down in the
hind quarter and pathetically drags himself around on his front legs.  I
have seen forelegs become affected also.  The legs get stiff and unsteady
and eventually the animal is down altogether and can't get up.  Symptoms:
Poor appetite, pain and sensitivity in the spinal region.  Progressive loss
of control of the hind leg muscles with accompanying dragging of the paws,
swaying of the hind end, and reduced ability to walk and jump.  Eventually
develops into a hind quarter paralysis and can move forward, affecting the
forelegs and the brain.  Most frequently seen in aging dogs."

The cure for this condition is deceptively simple:  Vitamin C  (Ester C preferred) and Vitamin E
are given per the age and weight of the dog.  If you require this
information, get in touch, or you can get Dr. Belfield's book from your
library or from his web site.  The information is in a chart in the center
of the book.

The rest of the program consists of:

Comprehensive vit/min supplement (I use Theralin VMP vit/min tablets by
Lambert Kay - you can get them cheapest from Cherrybrook 1-800-524-0820 or
Jeffers pet catalog 1-800-533-3377) Dose  per instructions on the bottle. I
STRONGLY suggest that you use only Theralin VMP. An owner who used a less
comprehensive vit/min found that her dog did not respond for 3 weeks longer
than any other dog on the program.

I also give BYS (garlic/yeast tablets) It's loaded with B vitamins. Also
from Cherrybrook - Dose is per instructions on the bottle.  A side benefit
is that it gives the dog's skin a smell that fleas and ticks find offensive,
so they tend to stay off the dog. People cannot smell anything different.

I get the C & E at the drugstore. Don't bother to buy C with rose hips,
according to Belfield it does nothing to help the C work. I do, however, buy
the brand that says on the label, "No soy, no sugar, no preservatives, etc."
Do not buy time released vitamin C.  If you feel compelled to use a buffered
C, get sodium ascorbate (Ester C) as Belfield says it is least likely to cause
diarrhea and that it is the one that works best in dogs.  I've always used
regular vitamin C with my dogs.  I smear cream cheese on the pills and give
them with the dog's meal.

Give the above with food as vitamins are absorbed better that way and the
food buffers the dog's stomach against the acidity of the vitamin C. If the
dog's stool becomes mushy, it's the C. Back down on the dose and gradually
over a week or so build it back up to the proper level, OR start lower than
recommended and slowly build up to the proper amount over a 3 week period.

Belfield is not a crazy vet. His methods are currently being taught to vet
students. The supplement program takes 5 -7 weeks to totally strengthen the
dog's immune system. I've seen dogs respond in a week and heard of one case
where it took a Great Dane 7 weeks. Belfield's program is GREAT for skin
problems, chronic ear infections, and rear end problems with older dogs
(spinal degeneration).

The information for the above supplementation program is based on the work
of Dr. Wendell O. Belfield, a San Jose, CA veterinarian.  Dr. Belfield does
not specifically advocate the use of Theralin VMP or BYS. You can buy Dr.
Belfield's book through his web site:  http://www.belfield.com/books.html

If your pet needs help walking you can also get a CANINE CART - please visit