Greetings,
Welcome to this month's issue of The Pet Arthritis Chronicle. Please pass this along to your friends!

Table of Contents:

1. Featured Articles from The Pet Arthritis Resource Center
2. Disk Disease and Your Pet
3. Pet Arthritis Message Boards

Featured Pet Arthritis Content

Arthritis in Dogs and Glucosamine Sulfate An article by guest Doctor of Veterinariany Medicine T.J. Dunn on the treatment of arthritis in dogs and the usage of glucosamine. Natural Arthritis Relief for Pets What you need to know about arthritis in dogs, the treatment options, and nutritional support. Is Glucosamine Effective for Arthritis in Dogs? 30% of dogs have arthritis. Learn how glucosamine can be used to ease your dog's arthritis pain.

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Disk Disease and Your Pet

As most of you know, disk disease affects a great many of us. In fact, it is common to find evidence of this in most aging adults. However, it can also be a very real issue for your pets as well.

The Consequences
Disk disease in a human is nearly identical to that of pets. Your backbone is made up of both bones (vertebrae) and shock-absorbing disks which are comprised of cartilage. It is that cartilage that provides both humans and pets with both protection between the bones and the ability to move, run, and play. It is when those disks begin to degenerate that the problems begin. Not only is this a very painful condition, it also can cause paralysis in extreme cases.

Disk Disease
Once the disks begin to degenerate they lose their elasticity; they begin to calcify and no longer serve as "shock absorbers." As time goes by, this degeneration has major consequences. The center part of the disk (and in some cases the outer portion) begins to "push" into the spinal canal. In turn, what you then have is pressure on the spinal nerves and the cord.

When this extremely painful situation (whether for a human or a pet) can lead to paralysis, the question becomes one of "when should I suspect disk disease?"

The Little Guys First
If you own a small animal as opposed to a larger one, signs of pain in the back or signals that indicate paralysis in the limbs are a very strong indication of disk disease. Of course, we do not want to put ourselves in the situation where we are trying to "play veterinarian."

Diagnosis
Disk disease is (usually) detected by a simple x-ray. If there has been any calcification of the disks, it is going to demonstrate itself. In other cases, the veterinarian may have to use a CT-scan, a myelogram or even an MRI. If there is a protruding disk, it will be revealed.

Treatment
If your pet does not have a very advanced problem, they may respond to supplements like a high-quality liquid glucosamine which has natural anti-inflammatory ingredients. That is the course that is most desirable if it is effective.

In more advanced cases, the vet may suggest the use of steroids or NSAID's. While the use of these pain control methods is not the most desirable, it is even less so to have your pet suffering.

Finally, in very advanced stages of disk disease where paralysis is setting in or if your pet remains in chronic pain, surgery may be the final option. In the best of all worlds, you won't have to face that option. If your vet is comfortable that the disease has not advanced too far, try a high-quality liquid glucosamine. It can save a lot of suffering for your pet.

(This is just a reminder to those of you who know of someone or a vet that practices acupuncture. This is another avenue that can be explored in lieu of surgery.)

See you next time.

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Pet Arthritis Message Boards

Dogs

• Canine Hip Dysplasia
• Arthritis in Dogs
• Glucosamine for Dogs

Cats

• Feline Hip Dysplasia
• Glucosamine for Cats
• Arthritis in Cats

Other Animals

• Arthritis in Other Animals

Here's a few sample posts from the Forum...

Terry
Posted on 14 June 2004

Hi, I have just found this board and would like to ask if anyone recognises these symptonss... any replies will be greatly appreciated.

A couple of times Gem my 13 year old Border Collie has shown pain when I have picked her up and put her in the car.

Almost a month ago she would not get up one morning and squealed when I tried to help her. I rang the vet for a home visit and she gave my dog a pain killing injection and pain killing tablets for a week, saying it was probably arthrirus or spondylosis. Gem layed down for most of the day looking sorry for herself but the next morning you would not believe she had had a problem, she was completely back to normal. I made a ramp for the car and lifted her food/drink bowls off the floor.

After nearly a month Gem would not get up again this morning, when she tried she was obviously in pain. After about 1.5 hours she managed to get up and she stretched (which amazed me). She looked a little sorry for herself and layed down again, she was obviously not herself otherwise she would have been chomping at the bit to go out. However at 12 noon she appeared to be completely recovered and was ready for a walk.

I personally dont think this is arthritus or spondylosis because between these two events she has shown absolutely no signs of slowing down or having problems rising and always wants to go further when walking.

Before I go back to the vets I was wondering if anyone recognised these sysptome - thanks for taking the time to read this :-)

Terry

Hi, This is the first time I'm posting a message so I'm not sure who I'm asking but any response is well appreciated. My dog is 11yrs old and lately he has trouble rising and sometimes his limbs just loose equilibrium. His limbs sort of just slide and then it seems like his mind reminds him that he should be standing and so he does. To me is seems like a neurological problem but my vet took xrays and says it's slight hip displasia. I'm seeing the main symptoms in his rear legs but I also see it in his front legs. About 3-4 times a day he licks his hind legs and whimpers and I don't know if he is in pain. He had severe symptoms about 1 mos ago and the doctor rxed rimydal and he felt better. Since, however, I've gotten stairs for the bed cause he prefers that to jumping up anymore. Can you tell me what you think his symtoms look like?

Post your own message on The Pet Arthritis Message Board now!

This concludes the June Issue of The Pet Arthritis Chronicle. Look for the next issue in your inbox on July 15th, 2004!

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Have a great June from The Pet Arthritis Resource Center and The Pet Arthritis Chronicle. See you next month!