Dogs and cats are just like us—their backs ache, their knees ache, their little wrists and ankles ache. Probably even worse than our necks ache, their necks ache. Dogs and cats are so much shorter than we are that they must crane their heads up and torque their necks just to see us. Head height and neck comfort are two reason that our pets are so eager to get up on the furniture – their necks becomes more comfortable when they’re the same height as we are. Doesn't it make you sick imagining the long-term arthritic neck problems that arise just so our pets can look up at us.
If you have arthritis, you’re probably taking something for it.
We`ve developed some incredibly good arthritis treatments for humans, and we also have some for dogs and cats. The easiest way to think of these treatments is to divide them into two categories: those that address pain and those that actually change joints so there is less pain produced. Treatments that actually change a condition are called disease modifying treatments. My approach when treating pets with arthritis is to use as many disease modifying treatments as possible because, in the long term, the pets feel better, are happier, more frisky, and need less medication.
Disease Modifying Treatments
Disease modifying treatments for pets with arthritis:
• Acupuncture
• Adequan
• Cartrophen
• Fish oil (Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Pet or Cod Liver Oil)
• Massage
• Niacinamide
• Perna containing oral joint supplements (Sasha`s Blend)
• SAMe
• Swimming in warm salt water
NSAIDs, Meds That Don't Improve Joints
Medications that control arthritis pain but don’t improve the condition:
• Acetominophen (Tylenol) dogs only
• Carprofen (Rimadyl)
• Etodolac (EtoGesic)
• Meloxicam (Metacam)
• Piroxicam (Feldene)
Unfortunately, many medications that control pain have the potential for damaging the stomach, liver, and kidneys, especially the group of medications called NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. All the medications listed above are NSAIDs.
NSAID Side Effects
We all have friends who need Pepsid because they have taken an NSAID like aspirin or Ibuprofen and developed stomach ulcers. Stomach ulcers, liver and kidney damage occur in pets just as in humans. In fact, side effects of pain meds are so common that the government has warnings about using them on FDA websites:
http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/00/slides/3627s2_06_kent/sld008.htm
Another FDA site discussing NSAIDs is specific for dogs: http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ProductSafetyInformation/ucm055434.htm
NSAID Potential Problems
What the FDA does not discuss on its site that you should know is
• EtoGesic can cause dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS).
• Metacam can cause odd, unwelcome behaviors. For example, dogs may become fearful when they weren’t fearful or anxious prior to receiving Metacam. Thus, the vacuum or broom may frighten a pet that had not previously been afraid of them.
• NSAIDs may make it more difficult for dogs to think; a study at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found long-term use of the NSAID ibuprofen made it more difficult for rats to think. Dogs with hip dysplasia are often given NSAIDs for long-term use. Some of these dogs are already senior pets so they may be experiencing a natural decline in cognitive ability. If they react to NSAIDs in a fashion similar to rats, the drugs may create thinking difficulties.
What Should You Do If Your Pet Has Arthritis?
So, as your pet ages and develops arthritis, request disease modifying techniques. Don’t settle for simply using an NSAID when there are treatments that don’t have the same risk for side effects and will actually make your pet’s joints better. Your pet will love you for it.
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