Medications for arthritis like steroids, NSAIDs and other pain relievers are similar to human medicines. These are very strong medications and have a lot of side effects after long term use. They can cause additional joint damage and breakdown like corticosteroids react badly with other medicines given to treat arthritis in dogs. NSAIDs like etogesic, rimadyl, metacam and dermaxx have been specially designed for dogs, they are much safer than drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin. Even these doggy NSAIDs cause digestive system upsets and in some rare cases even kidney and liver dysfunction.
Supplements given in a dogs diet like glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, omega3-fatty acids, vitamin E, MSM(methylsulfonylmethane) assist in decreasing the swelling and improving the bodys ability to heal and strengthen itself as much as possible. Commonly used nutraceuticals, Glucosamine a natural compound that may improve the production of joint lubricants and health of shock absorbing cartilage in the dog’s body. It is helpful to the body structure, joints, nails, tendons, skin, eyes, synovial fluid, bones, ligaments, heart valves, mucous secretions in the digestive, respiratory and urinary tract. Chondroitin Sulfate is helpful in preventing stress injuries to joints, repairs damaged connective tissue and the bone situated under the cartilage within joints, reduces joint pain, stops destructive enzymes in the joint fluid and cartilage, protects existing cartilage from premature breakdown and keeps cartilage tissue hydrated. MSM methylsulfonylmethane provides sulfur compounds to stop pain. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties for arthritic dogs. Perna Canaliculus, green lipped mussel-GLM is a rich source of chondroitin and beneficial nutrients. The reason for the benefit of GLM is because it contains anti-inflammatory agents, immune modulators and many essential proteins, minerals, glycosaminoglycans and marine long chain fatty acids, all naturally occurring substantial therapeutic agents known to maintain joint mobility and well-being. All these agents are needed to rebuild collagen, proteoglycans and synovial fluid found in all the joints, ligaments and tendons of the body. The benefit comes as relief from joint pain, swelling and improvement in general mobility. Usually the improvement in these conditions is gradual and progressive, it is also usually long lasting and not temporary.
