Holistic Approaches to Arthritis Therapies for Pets

Holistic Approaches to Arthritis Therapies for Pets

I highly recommend reading this hole article as there is much more good information in it. Here is some of the discussion of complimentary therapies:

Complementary Therapies for Pets with Arthritis

While conventional therapies can be useful for short-term pain relief in pets with arthritis, most dogs and cats will improve significantly when treated with complementary therapies. This final article will provide a brief overview of the most popular complementary therapies available for treating arthritis.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy uses diluted substances to help the body heal itself. Individual remedies are selected based upon a careful history and physical examination of the arthritic pet. Several remedies can be combined in solutions such as those made by HomeoPet that are available for short-term use of mild lameness. Common individual remedies include: Caulophyllum, Lithium Carb., Rhus Tox., Bryonia, Hecla Lava, and Actaea Rac.

Acupuncture

Traditional acupuncture involves the placement of tiny needles into various parts of a pet's body. These needles stimulate acupuncture points which can effect a resolution of the clinical signs. Other forms of acupuncture involve laser therapy, aquapuncture (tiny amounts of vitamins are injected at the acupuncture site for a more prolonged effect,) and electroacupuncture (a small amount of non-painful electricity stimulates the acupuncture site for a more intense effect.)

As a rule, results from acupuncture compares quite favorably with traditional therapies. Side effects from acupuncture are rare. Accidental puncture of a vital organ can occur. Infection can occur at the site of needle insertion. Occasionally, the needle can break and surgery may be needed to remove it. Some pets require sedation in order to allow insertion of the acupuncture needles. In some animals, signs may worsen for a few days before they improve.

Many owners worry that acupuncture is painful and that their pets will suffer. Usually acupuncture is not painful. Occasionally, the animal will experience some sensation as the needle passes through the skin. Once in place, most animals will relax and some may become sleepy. Fractious animals may require mild sedation for treatment.

The number of acupuncture treatments that a pet will require varies from pet to pet. Usually, we try at least 8 treatments (2-3/wk) to assess if acupuncture will work. On average, treatments last about 15-30 minutes for needle acupuncture, and 5-10 minutes for aquapuncture or electroacupuncture. If the pet improves, acupuncture is done "as needed" to control the pet's signs.

Magnetic Therapy

In recent years, therapy using magnets has gained a following among some doctors and pet owners. It is seen as a safe a simple method of treating various disorders, often producing positive results without side effects or much expense.

Doctors theorize that magnets work by means of magnetic lines of force; units called gauss measure the strength of the magnetic field. The higher the gauss number the stronger the magnet (a 1000 gauss magnet is stronger than a 100 gauss magnet.) Magnets are used either as permanent magnets, also called static magnets, or as pulsed electromagnetic field magnets (PEMF). Static magnets come in bars, beads, or strips. PEMF uses pulsing current flow through a wire coil to create a magnetic field around the wire: the greater the amount of current flow, and the greater the number of turns of the wire, the greater the magnetic field that forms. In people PEMF is approved for treating nonunion fractures (fractures that have failed to heal) by the FDA. Other uses include avascular necrosis of the hip, osteoarthritis, and rotator cuff injuries. No toxic effects have been reported using magnetic therapy.

In our Western view of healing, magnets appear to heal the body by removing inflammation and restoring circulation. By increasing blood flow to a diseased site, increased nutrients are available for healing. In the Eastern view of healing, magnets help restore the energy flow of the body to allow healing and proper metabolism. This is similar to one of the theories used to explain the positive effects of acupuncture as well.

While usually safe, magnets should not be used in acute infectious conditions, on cancerous growths (although some doctors do find them useful in treating cancerous tumors), in acute injuries, pregnant animals, or in dogs with cardiac pacemakers.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate for Pets

Glucosamine is the most commonly used chondroprotective supplement used for the treatment of osteoarthritis (chondroitin is the second most commonly used supplement for the treatment of osteoarthritis.) Glucosamine is an aminosugar that is incorporated into articular (joint) cartilage; it is supplied as a supplement in one of three forms: glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, or N-acetylglucosamine. Studies show that while all 3 forms of glucosamine are effective, glucosamine hydrochloride and glucosamine sulfate were more effective than N-acetylglucosamine. Glucosamine is rapidly taken up by cartilage cells and helps stimulate the synthesis of synovial fluid and cartilage and also helps inhibit the destructive enzymes that can destroy cartilage and proteoglycans. The anti-inflammatory aspect of glucosamine may result from the scavenging of harmful free radicals (similar to antioxidants.) Glucosamine is used by the cartilage for the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans. A number of studies in people and pets show that glucosamine is equally effective for treating osteoarthritis when compared to NSAIDS without the side effects.

Glucosamine is very safe supplement with no side effects; mild GI upset is rarely observed. Dosages vary depending upon the product. As a guideline, a starting dose of 1000-1500 mg of glucosamine is recommended per day for a 50-100 pound dog. This dose is then lowered after 4-8 weeks.

Chondroitin sulfate is the major glycosaminoglycan found in cartilage; it also helps inhibit enzymes that are destructive to the joint and has been shown to be is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis. Since chondroitin production by the body decreases with aging, supplementation with this compound may be especially helpful for older pets with arthritis.

Chondroitin is often added to supplements containing glucosamine; 800-1200 mg of chondroitin is recommended per day for a 50-100 pound dog. While significant studies are lacking, many feel that adding chondroitin to glucosamine enhances the ability of both substances to repair cartilage.