Treating Arthritis in Dogs & Cats, So Many Ways to Help

The most effective approach to arthritis uses multiple drugs and therapies rather than a single drug. This multi-modal approach allows us to use the lowest dose of each drug or supplement and achieve the best results.

For dogs & cats I recommend the following:

·          Injectable glucosamines

·          Fish oil or flax to provide Omega 3 fatty acids

·          SAMe

·          B Vitamin

·          Acupuncture

·          Laser therapy

·          Weight loss

·          Warm-water swimming

The specific products from the categories listed above that dogs & cats receive the greatest benefit from are:

·          Adequan or Cartrophen

·          Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Pet

·          Missing Link Vet Plus

·          Zentonil

·          Niacinamide

 

When necessary, we add an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) to the above:

·          Deramaxx

·          Rimadyl

·          EtoGesic

·          Meloxicam (Metacam)

For dogs, but not for cats, we can also use Acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is especially helpful when the dog cannot be given an NSAID because it has kidney or liver disease.

With our stiff, arthritic seniors, we have the greatest potential for improvement when we use this multi-modal approach. We put them on good diets, swim them in our warm salt-water pool once or twice a week, see them regularly for acupuncture, and watch them enjoy their lives rather than live with discomfort.

The multi-modal approach for arthritis is one example of how holistic veterinary medicine looks at the whole picture and treats the whole pet, rather than just the symptom of arthritis.