Arthritis refers to inflammation of the joint and the condition is often characterised by stiffness, swelling, pain and reduced mobility. Arthritis can affect all joints including knees, elbows, shoulders, hocks and hips. Some animals also develop arthritis between the vertebrae. The major components of joints are bones, ligaments, joint capsule, synovial fluid and cartilage. 

Cartilage acts as a shock absorber to protect the joint, allowing it the ability to deal with large amounts of stress. Cartilage begins to break down as the joint ages or as a result of infection, congenital defects or trauma. The degeneration of cartilage causes arthritis. The purpose of arthritis treatment is to help reduce inflammation, decrease pain, improve joint function and slow the progression of the disease. There are a number of ways you can do this naturally; here are perhaps the most effective.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Glucosamine and Chondroitin rebuild and repair cartilage, helping to ease pain and inflammation.  These supplements have been used for over 20 years in the treatment of arthritis and evidence suggests that improvements can even be seen for weeks after supplementation has ceased.  Some doctors believe that giving glucosamine and chondroitin together enhances the ability of both to repair cartilage, but this has not yet been proven.  Glucosamine and chondroitin have been used successfully on arthritic dogs, cats, horses, humans and other animals.

Glucosamine is a key building block for cartilage production. Most animals are able to produce enough naturally to maintain healthy cartilage but when the animal ages or experiences some kind of trauma to the joint, glucosamine supplements may need to be given. These supplements are derived from the shells of crustaceans and improvements are usually seen within four to eight weeks. Glucosamine is extremely safe and has no known side effects in animals.

Chondroitin is found naturally in cartilage and helps inhibit enzymes destructive to the joint. Studies have shown that animals given chondroitin for 84 days have significantly healthier cartilage than untreated animals. Chondroitin has no serious side effects and is extremely safe. Supplements are most commonly derived from bovine cartilage.

Fish Oils

Fish oils such as cod liver and salmon have long been associated with easing the pain of arthritis as they act as a lubricant for the inflamed joint.  Fish oils contain important omega-3 fatty acids, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). T hey both have anti-inflammatory effects and rate high in studies conducted on arthritis patients.

Green Lipped Mussel (Perna canaliculus)

This New Zealand shellfish is an effective anti-inflammatory, which has been shown to be useful in the treatment of arthritis. The Green Lipped Mussel (GLM) contains high concentrations of glucosamine, chondroitin, amino acids, naturally chelated minerals, omega-3 and unsaturated fatty acids.  Studies in 1997 by Japanese veterinarians investigating the effects of GLM on dogs with joint problems showed that the mussel was very effective in 80 percent, slightly effective in 14 percent and ineffective in the others.  There were no adverse side effects.  The research team has indicated their preference for GLM over synthetic medications.  There are very good GLM supplements available for animals.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a source of natural antihistamine and is vital for the synthesis of connective tissue collagen - an integral part of cartilage.  It is a water soluble vitamin and very safe.  Vitamin C is also beneficial for general wellbeing and a healthy immune system.  It is available from food sources including strawberries, green vegetables, peppers, parsley, rosehips and cauliflower and in powder or tablet form.

MSM

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a natural anti-inflammatory that supplies sulfur to the body.  It has been found to be beneficial for the treatment of arthritis, allergies and digestive problems.  MSM is found in small amounts in some foods, such as raw vegetables.  It is found in some meats and seafood but tends to be lost during cooking.  It is best given as a nutritional supplement.  MSM levels in the body decrease over time so it may be especially helpful for older animals. Studies have shown improved joint flexibility, reduced cartilage degeneration and reductions in stiffness, swelling and pain.

For more information about any of these supplements or to find out if they will be helpful for your animal please speak to your veterinarian.

Therapies

In Traditional Chinese Medicine arthritis is referred to as bi syndrome - obstructions in circulation leading to pain related to wind, cold and damp. Treatment includes stimulating circulation, dispelling pain from muscles and warming the bones. This may all be achieved through acupuncture or acupressure, Reiki, massage, magnetic therapy, hydrotherapy and other gentle forms of exercise, nutritional support and/or herbs.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy may also be of benefit to arthritis patients.  The following homeopathic remedies are provided as a guide only.  Speak to an experienced homeopath about remedies best suited to your animal's individual needs.

• Arnica - for pain, intense discomfort, bruising or injury
• Belladonna - the lower limbs and hips are most often affected, the right side is worse than the left side, there is intense pain, the animal feels better for walking.
• Bryonia - joints are swollen and hot to touch
• Rhus tox - musculoskeletal aches and pains, worse when the animal first moves, cold makes the symptoms worse
• Silicea - useful for many arthritic patients, especially when symptoms worsen with medications and vaccinations 

It is also important to maintain your animal at a healthy weight to avoid excess stress on the joints.  There are many natural approaches to treating arthritis in your pet and the nutritional supplements and holistic therapies presented here are only a few to consider.  Focus specifically on natural anti-inflammatories and your animal's specific symptoms. Arthritis can be easily managed with excellent results.

Written by Eileen McLean and originally published in the Winter 2006 Issue of Pet Industry News Magazine.

This article was published on Tuesday 10 July, 2007