Arthritis

Arthritis:

Is a condition where there is articular cartilage damage within a joint. There may be damage to the synovial membrane which secretes synovial fluid. There may be changes to the viscosity of synovial fluid, development of spurs at joint margin and inflammation. Common in older animals usually as a result of injury or injury.

While alternative remedies offer preventative measures and may relieve symptoms, a cure for the condition can in no way be guaranteed

Causes:

These may include:

• Physical damage after a severe sprain, fracture, infection or a degenerative condition (free radical damage)·
• Accumulation of uric acid salts in joint and cartilage.
• Over loading the system with high energy feed. Excess protein leading to increased blood ammonia conc.
• Vitamin D in excess which leads to calcium deposits in blood vessels, decreased ability to exercise and poor bone development.
• Low levels of prostaglandin E1 which is produced by the body and is responsible for stopping the release of damaging enzymes that are released during the inflammatory phase.
•  Higher levels of the inflammation-promoting prostaglandin E2.

Clinical signs:

•  Stiff and reluctant to move at beginning of exercise improving as dog warms up
• Heat and distension of joint and pain on flexion.
• May have joint enlargement due to fibrous tissue and new bone production
•  Symptoms are worse in the morning and when the weather is cold.
• Stiffness evident after rest and worse for cold and damp.

Treatment:

There is no cure for arthritis and related problems.

Aims of treatment will address:

• Pain relief and to manage inflammation. To increase levels of prostaglandin E1 and E3 (the anti-inflammatory hormones)
• The reduction of joint capsule and soft tissue inflammation. To encourage cartilage regeneration.
• To improve lubrication of the joint and viscosity of synovial fluid.
• To stimulate production of sodium hyaluronate by synovial membrane

Alternative Preventative and Herbal Treatment.

• Place your dog onto a natural feed program avoiding proprietary feeds. Refer to our feeding tips
• Give your pet bitter herbs to stimulate the digestive system.
• Rest during acute stage with massage over the affected areas.
• Reduce inflammation by taking Omega 3 fatty acid daily will balance the  production of  prostaglandins.
• Restore viscosity (thickness) of synovial fluid a daily dose of glucosamine sulphate. Dosage rates according to weight. Did you know that adding gelatine to your pet’s food is a crude form of glucosamine sulphate?
• Address free radical damage damage by increasing levels of antioxidants by adding fresh vegetables and herbs to food
• Flush the kidneys and toxins by providing diuretic herbs like cleavers, dandelion, nettle and parsley root.
• Manage pain with herbs like Devil’s Claw, white willow bark, feverfew etc.
• Improve blood circulation with gingko which will supply the tissue surrounding the joint with oxygen which will help with healing.
• Half tsp of kelp added to food daily will provide minerals in the correct balance.

Arthritis Recipe 

Prepared  the following way

• Boil for half an hour chicken with bone-in (remove bones later)  in a litre of water which has had one tablespoon of cider vinegar or lemon to the water to draw out bone minerals and glucosamine from connective tissue in the meat (chicken is best for cats and dogs)
• Add to this just half a cup of brown rice(to bind the feed) and cook a further 30 minutes. ( if kidney disease and allergies are present replace rice with vegetables)
• Then add 1 kiwi fruit to the above which will help break down the protein in the meat into more easily digested amino acids.  (Ideal for elderly pets that have poor digestion.) Also add to this ‘soup stock’  1 grated carrot, a handful of  herbs like parsley, oregano, rosemary, thyme, dandelion leaves, a  bunch of spinach, and any other green leafy vegetables you may have. I blitz all the vegetables and herbs before adding to the stock.
• 1tsp of gelatine powder (natural source of glucosamine sulphate)
• A small amount of animal fat like chicken and/or lamb will increase the fat ratio and lower the GI
• Feed the day’s portion and refrigerate or freeze the remaining feed.
• Add between quarter to half a tsp of Omega Oil Complex at time of feeding.
• 1/4 tsp of vitamin c powder may be added too. Vitamin C helps produce collagen which is a precursor for cartilage which then improves the natural production of synovial fluid

Some Excellent Additives

• Any chlorophyll product like barley grass will help sweeten the breath and is great for digestive health.
• Acidophilus tablets may be added to the diet to address digestive conditions and to restore beneficial gut flora after a bout of anti-biotics .( May be obtained from any health store) Dosage to be calculated from bottle.
• Powdered spirulina  is an excellent all round tonic andis similar to chlorophyll but with minerals from the sea like iodine and traces of selenium.Stimulates digestion and appetite as well as improving weight gain.
• Natural kelp
• Garlic the natural antibiotic and improves circulation.
• Water cress provides a good source of vitamins A,B,C,D,E  sulphur and iro
• Powdered nettle along with pepperment leaves for sweet breath and digestion.

DISCLAIMER: The information in this page must not be used in place of professional veterinary treatment . We recommend that either a qualified herbalist or your animal professional carry out diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Herbal remedies must not be given not be taken in conjunction with other medication with out consulting a medical professional.