May
31
2010
Is there any treatment for a dog with Rheumatoid Arthritis in foreleg?
Posted by: Alan in rheumatoid arthritis treatment, tags: Arthritis, foreleg, Rheumatoid, There, Treatment
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May 31st, 2010 at 1:14 am
I would look into finding a vet who practices natural remedy type medicines, see if they can offer some suggestions.
May 31st, 2010 at 1:53 am
Has your dog actulally been diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis?
This would be done with blood tests, synovial fluids analyzed,and tissue biopsy
(blood tests can show false positives which is why other tests are necessary)
It would be extremely rare for your dog to have RA and have just one joint affected.
Kidneys and lymph nodes are often affected as well.
As with humans, many treatments have been tried in the dog, with varying degrees of success. Anti-inflammatory drugs are often used. Sometimes steroids such as prednisolone are used, often on an alternate day basis. Medications that suppress the immune system such as azathioprine and cyclophosphamide are used in some cases. Gold injections have been used in dogs with some success. Careful monitoring of pet on immunosuppressive drugs is important. They will be more prone to developing infections, and some of these drugs have toxic side effects.
Strict rest, especially early in the course of the disease is important. If the dog responds to treatment a gentle exercise program can be started. It is important to exercise every day for the same amount of time.
Weight control is also a very important part of the treatment plan. Overweight pets will put excess stress on their already injured joints. Weight gain is likely since the pet will often be less active, so careful attention to diet is important.
There is no cure, only management.
May 31st, 2010 at 2:12 am
Treatment for arthritis may be medical or surgical. Nonsurgical therapies include weight reduction (never underestimate the importance of this), controlled exercise on soft surfaces and/or hydrotherapy, and applying warm compresses, such as hot water bottles to those aching, stiff joints.
Conventional medicine also makes use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, meloxicam, carprofen, phenylbutazone and corticosteroids. These act by blocking certain pathways in the pain response but long-term use must be carefully considered as adverse affects include gastro-intestinal problems such as poor appetite, vomiting and gastro-intestinal ulcers.
Certain NSAIDs can also cause damage to the kidneys. Great care must be used when treating cats with NSAIDs. Surgical options include joint fusion, joint replacement such as hip replacement, joint excision and amputation.
There’s no way to prevent arthritic changes whether they’re simply due to the ageing process or because of earlier trauma to the joint.
Natural remedies
Additionally you can provide natural pain relief from the discomfort of arthritis by using natural remedies containing Glucosamine, Harpagophytum procumbens, Arthrospira platenis, Calcium Fluoride, Natrium Phosphoricum, Natrium Sulphate and Lecithin.
Devil’s Claw (native exclusive to Africa) – Scientific research in the West has confirmed the benefits of Devil’s Claw in supporting muscle, cartilage and joint health. It is also well known as a digestive tonic and is beneficial in the support of liver and gall bladder health.
Arthrospira platenis (Spirulina) is a single celled micro-organism found in the sea and is widely used as a source of chlorophyll. Widely used for its nutritive properties, Spirulina contains protein, vitamins (including B12 and folic acid) and carotenoids. This sea algae has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years as a tonic to support energy and vitality, as well as healthy liver and immune system functioning and all around systemic health.
Calcium fluoride (6cH) is a biochemic tissue salt which helps to support routine elasticity to all cells and body tissues and maintain easy movement in the body.
Natrium sulphate (6cH) is a biochemic tissue salt also known as the ‘cell cleanser’ and also helps to maintain balance in all body fluids. It is invaluable for a range of uses, and helps to support the health of the liver, pancreas, urinary tract system, respiratory system and digestive system and is particularly useful for maintaining bone health.
Glucosamine sulphate is a crucial element in the support and maintenance of healthy cartilage, which provides cushioning at the end of the bones and between joints. Due to promising results in a number of clinical trials, this nutritional substance has been approved in more than 70 countries. It is also useful in easing normal age-related stiffness, and studies have demonstrated that this supplement is as effective in animals as it is in humans.
you may get additional info on these over here http://www.healthherbsandnutrition.com/pets/muscleandjointsupport-supplement-cats-dogs.htm