Question from an Owner

So the last few days I've had some good questions come my way and I thought I would share the answers,

 One of my clients has a 14 yr old cat named Tabitha. She runs the show, if you know what I mean. Most queens are the boss, so it doesn't surprise me.

Her owner asked me, " What can I do for her arthritis? "

First thing I suggested was good , clean water. You would be surprised the longterm effects of fluoride, chlorine/ unknown toxic exposure in animals. It's something we rarely consider. Giving steriods are unadvised as they hinder the immune system for the long haul and change the bacteria in the gut, basically they disrupt the normal system to solve the inflammation immediately, which is understandable, but let's discuss options.
I have a 18 year old poodle. I almost lost her last week. I credit her good health in her senior years to the limited vaccinations, good quality food, and for the last two years--vegetables.
One thing you have to consider is, you have no idea what your pet is really eating in their food. Even if you buy an expensive brand-can you guarantee the meat came from a reliable source? Can you guarantee the animals used to produce your dog's food were disease free and fed well?
I have to open a can of worms here when I say most diseases people suffer and die from are a result of a weak immune system. Pets are no different. If the world runs on good deals and saving money, who is to say our pets are getting quality ingredients? I've been hesitant to ever spend more than $30 on a 40 pound of dogfood, and not more than $25 on cat food.
With that being said, an animals lifespan can be long and healthy if the animal maintains a good immune system. With a working immune system, arthritis can be maintained better, skin conditions can be eliminated/minimized/controlled, and possible prevention of more serious diseases ( lupus, cushings, etc) can be expected.
I think there is a faulty area of health care that is prominent in not only the animal field but also in the human medical industry. And that's what it is, industry. I am shocked that medications used are cut with toxins and there is never any attention the delayed reaction of these chemicals by the doctors practicing medicines.
On that note, there are several alternatives to your pet's condition-- Let's discuss arthritis---


1.  Water Source--- It's almost always tap. If you have a filter, it probably does not remove the fluoride and some of the unknown toxins lurking in your pet's water. You can invest in a reserve osmosis system on ebay, they run anywhere from $99 and up. I know it sounds like a lot to do, I will inform you once I changed all my drinking water to reserve osmosis only, got a filter on my shower, and started cooking with only good water, I no longer wake up feeling stiff and painful.

I love referring to clinical studies when it comes to different topics:


Gedalia I, et al. (1964). Effects of Estrogen on Bone Composition in Rats at Low and High Fluoride Intake. Endocrinology. 75: 201-205.

"[T]he decrease in the mean breaking strength was significant statistically" among the fluoride-treated rats, and "is in agreement with the known fact that the breaking strength of bone decreases with increased fluoride intake."

Daley R, et al. (1967). The Effects of Sodium Fluoride on Osteoporotic Rats. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. (Abstract). 49A:796.

"[T]he heavily fluorinated bone tended to break under less stress than did bone from any other group. These findings suggest that the heavily fluorinated bone was not as strong as the bone from normal rats or from rats fed low-calcium diets without fluoride."

Beary DF. (1969). The Effects of Fluoride and Low Calcium on the Physical Properties of the Rat Femur. Anat Rec. 164: 305-316.

"In the low calcium group a similar significant increase in flexibility appeared at the 10.0 ppm dosage level as well as the 45.0 ppm, but a significant decrease in strength at the two dosage levels were observed. These were in direct relation to the amount of fluoride given."

Wolinsky I, et al. (1972). Effects of fluoride on metabolism and mechanical properties of rat bone. American Journal of Physiology. 223(1): 46-50.

"Femurs of fluoride-treated rats exhibited a decrease in mechanical strength as manifested by a decrease in ultimate stress to breaking as well as decrease in limit and modulus of elasticity."

Hodsman AB, Drost DJ. (1989). The response of vertebral bone mineral density during the treatment of osteoporosis with sodium fluoride.Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 69(5):932-8.
In osteoporosis treatment "there have been serious concerns raised about the safety of sodium fluoride, which has a tendency to cause significant upper gastrointestinal side-effects, arthritis, fascitis, and a more recently described acute lower extremity pain syndrome."


2. Inflammation of your pet's joints

If an animal is experiencing inflammation of the joints, it means there is an underlined reason, whether it is an injury, a result of vaccinosis, loss of joint fluid etc.
A veterinarian would usually treat a limping pet with a steriod, or a pain medication. In dogs, rimadyl is usually prescribed. Rimadyl is not for every animal because it can interfere with the liver and cause unwanted side effects or death. Most dogs can handle it and can take it for years.
The reason why I never used any of the rimadyl I have been prescribed for my dogs is because of the ingredients. Don't get me wrong, you give it to your dog and your dog will be walking better and seemly be more relieved.

Rimadyl ( Carproden)

In my search of trying to find the ingredients because I have a feeling there's toxins in the ingredients I came across the package insert.
In my opinion the insert is too vague --It doesn't give detailed ingredients---

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/animalveterinary/products/approvedanimaldrugproducts/druglabels/ucm050400.pdf

From what I know from the research I've done on my son's condition, these NSAIDS are cut with fluoride --but for right now, let's just explore the natural alternatives for your pets.

For Cats, there are some products. I know Yucca is good for inflammatory, but I recommend getting the dosage right, especially for the felines who tend to have a more sensitive immune system and react to chemicals with seizure like responses. So be careful and get a product designed for cats. You can seek out a holistic vet. These days, yelp will direct you to one that is reputable.

I found some great cat arthritis options without the risk of making your pet sicker---

http://www.amazon.com/Adizone-Natural-Anti-Inflammatory-Reliever-Bottle/dp/B0038UBFV2


http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/products/Newton-Homeopathics-Inflammation/161018.aspx

An immune booster is always a good preventive choice--

http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/products/LoveMyPet-Immune-Boost/197003.aspx

And don't forget to make sure you cat is getting the best food options you can give him or her. It never hurts to prepare the food yourself, even though cats tend to have to have a supply of dry food. They have to have the crunching to keep their teeth clean and they like the way the food feels on the roof of their mouth.
I don't care if you cat loves the worst garbage cheapo food, it can lead to urine stones in males, really smell bowel movements, poor hair quality, irritated bowel syndrome, and a low immune system. If you need a good local place to buy pet food, I can gladly recommend it.

For Dogs---


Feverfew

Feverfew is anti-inflammatory and is one of the most commonly used herbal pain remedies for migraine and arthritis sufferers. This herb is a useful alternative to aspirin for cats (aspirin is toxic to cats).

To use feverfew as a pain remedy, use a tincture or tea. Use 12 drops of the tincture or 1/2 teaspoon of a strong tea for each 20 lb. of the dog's body weight, 2 times a day.

Skullcap

Skullcap is an effective herbal nervine and is commonly used to relieve pain resulting from nerve-related injuries or diseases, especially when combined in equal parts with St. John's wort.

An alcohol tincture can be used for this purpose. 

St.-John's Wort

St.-John's Wort is effective in reducing pain brought on by injuries where the muscles, joints, or nerve endings have been bruised or crushed.

Topically, a tincture, oil infusion, or salve can be applied to the affected areas.

Internally, a tincture of the herb can be used in combination with skullcap (see above).

Licorice

Licorice is an effective anti-inflammatory due to the presence of a constitutent called Glycyrrhizin, which has a similar chemical structure to that of natural corticosteroids released by the adrenal glands. It is therefore one of the many natural herbal pain remedies that can relieve pain without compromising the body's immune system.

To alleviate pain and reduce joint swelling resulting from arthritis, an oil infusion of licorice can be used topically on the affected areas.

Cayenne

The compound in this herb, capsaicin, has the capacity to block pain and increase circulation. In addition, it can also activate the body's own anti-inflammatory mediators at the site where the herb is applied. A cream or ointment of this herb, is perhaps one of the most frequently used topical herbal pain remedies for treatment of stiff or arthritic joints.

Ginger

Fresh ginger's antispasmodic property makes it a good herbal pain remedy for stomach pain, and lower back pain. Used topically, ginger can be made into a poultice for the treatment of muscle pains and strains.

Turmeric

This culinary herb's anti-inflammatory effect is said to be comparable to those of cortisone. Turmeric is effective in treating arthritis and it can be safely fed to dogs (just sprinkle some of the dried herb on their food) as a dietary supplement.

Yucca

One main constituent of yucca, saponin, has anti-inflammatory actions. It also stimulates the body to produce its own cortiocosteroids and corticosteroid-related hormones. Using yucca to relieve pain and inflammation resulting from arthritis, therefore, is much safer than using synthetically produced drugs such as prednisolone.

There are several products you can find that contain these ingredients. The good thing about homeopathic medicine is most of the time you don't have to worry too much about a bad reaction. Homeopathic medication tends to lean on the safer side.

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In pets that are diabetic, I recommend researching on your own about the different options you have for keeping the dog's condition more manageable --the possibly eliminate the need for insulin. 

( signs for a diabetic pet are increased appetite or water, blindness/kidney failure, increased urination/  intake/ heavy panting/ lethargic-uncomfortable)

Diabetic conditions in pets is preventable before it starts. In cats, sometimes, diabetes seems invisible until the cat is already in renal failure. Educating yourself on the warning signs and the ideal diet for your pet can ensure saving money on vet bills and extending the life span of your pet, not to mention keeping your pet comfortable in their senior years. 

Here are some good articles regarding diabetes in pets

http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/vet-dept/small-animal-dept/education-is-key-in-diabetes-maintenance.aspx

http://demkoit.com/

Here are some good youtube videos on diabetes--

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mdeg_M1mn4

So basically, if you want to take control and do your best for your pet's arthritis, focus on a healthy, working immune system and some natural inflammatory that won't poison your pet's immune system. Diabetes has to be treated in order for the arthritis to be maintained.