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Arthritis is thought to affect one in every five dogs and around the same number in cats.
As your pets become older, you may notice them slowing down and stiffening up. Don’t accept this as an inevitable part of the aging process – your cat or dog may have arthritis.
Arthritis in dogs is one of the most common health problems seen by vets and unfortunately is rarely noticed in the early stages because these animals tend to ignore soreness and discomfort until the arthritic changes in the joints have progressed significantly.
Arthritis is caused by abnormalities of the joints in the body and where significant structural changes have occurred. Some of the more common causes of arthritis, which is basically inflammation of a joint, are misalignment of joint structures, poor diet and nutrition, accident or infection to the joints, torn ligaments and tendons, genetic malformation of the bone structure, plus overweight puppies during the growth stages and also auto-immune problems.
Arthritis can ultimately result in joints that simply don't work properly. Since there are no blood vessels or sensory nerves in joint cartilage, damage to cartilage can be quite advanced before the surrounding supportive tissues become inflamed and sore.
Symptoms include:
Stiffness.
Reluctance to move.
Limping.
Difficulty in getting comfortable shown by repeatedly circling before lying down.
Sensitivity to touch.
Difficulty going up or down stairs and steps.
Treatment options:
Unfortunately, since we cannot remodel the joint without surgical intervention, treatment is aimed at reducing the inflammation at the nerve endings so that the dog is at least comfortable even if the range of motion may be compromised. Because there is no "cure" for arthritis, management is the key to treating this condition. The time to address potential abnormal joint changes is before these stresses impact the joint conformation.
However there are treatments available to help relieve the pain, stiffness and inflammation caused by the condition. Your veterinarian can go through the options with you.
Something as simple as appropriate exercise and weight loss can help reduce the effects of the condition, but there are also treatments available.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s), prescribed by your vet, are commonly used. NSAID’s can be very effective in reducing swelling and inflammation to affected joints, but like all drugs they carry risks of side effects.
The downside of using NSAID’s long term is that they can actually contribute to additional joint damage and breakdown.
If you’re not ready to take that step, there is an exciting alternative that could help put the bounce back into your dog’s life without the adverse side effects of prescription drugs…..NEW ZEALAND DEER VELVET.
Therapies based on New Zealand Deer Velvet can provide a natural, holistic treatment to help relieve symptoms associated with joint problems caused by osteoarthritis in dogs. As well as providing your pet with relief from pain and inflammation and getting them moving again, deer velvet provides other long-term benefits for their general wellbeing.
The benefits claimed have sound scientific backing. This is complemented by the 2000 plus year track record of deer velvet in traditional Chinese human medicine and its growing popularity as a dietary supplement in Western countries.
Putting back the bounce
It can be heartbreaking to see your pet crippled with osteoarthritis – robbed of their get up and go and the joy of simply being a dog or cat.
Talk to your vet about the options available for bringing the bounce back into your pet’s life and ensuring their remaining years are happy ones.
Therapies based on New Zealand Deer Velvet can provide an exciting alternative to conventional drugs and offer health benefits beyond the welcome relief from pain and inflammation!
Furthermore, by following a Deer Velvet Agility supplement regime, you can help to prevent the onset of Arthritis at a premature stage in your pet’s life.
If your pet is getting on in years, please remember that they suffer just the same way that we do and that effective treatment is available without any harsh side effects. If you suspect your cat or dog may be suffering from arthritis then please see your vet and remember to ask for any natural alternative treatments they have available or select from one of our specialised treatments below.
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