Along with inflamed skin conditions in dogs and digestive system disorders, arthritis is another condition that I often get asked to treat as more people are becoming aware of the potentially harmful side effects of pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications and are seeking safe and effective alternatives. Although dietary changes can often help reduce inflammation, when a dog is suffering from the pain of arthritis, changes to the diet are not usually sufficient on their own. In these cases, herbal and nutraceutical anti-inflammatory treatments are usually required. Although many people rely on glucosamine and chondroitin to treat arthritis, I find a particular liquid cartilage product* to be much more effective as it has been shown to have a far better absorption rate in the body. Thus, only small amounts are usually required to achieve the same or better results. I have been prescribing this formula for many years and achieve very good results, whenever pain relief and an anti-inflammatory action are required. The other issue with products like glucosamine and chondroitin are that many of these products are synthetic, which is hardly natural, and a number of the products on the market are in compounds that are not very bio-available to the body (and therefore pass straight through with no or little benefit). A further concern relates to many of these products being manufactured cheaply overseas, often in countries that do not have the same stringent production guidelines that Westernized countries do.
In the case of arthritis in dogs, depending on the individual case history of the pet and depending on how severe their symptoms are, I may also prescribe herbal treatments such as Curcuma longa (Turmeric), Boswelia and Olea europaea (Olive leaf) and other herbal medicines, in conjunction with the liquid cartilage formula described earlier. Herbs and nutrients, such as glutamine, Aloe vera and probiotics, which support the dog’s gastrointestinal system may also be used, if digestive system problems are involved in the condition. However, these should only be given under professional guidance.
*This product is only available through registered, qualified practitioners. Please contact our centre at: info@animalnaturopath.com.au if you want to organize an online health assessment for your dog, so that this product can be prescribed.
Case Study:
Arthritis in Dog, Chronic Limp and Weakness in Leg
Gracie is a 6 year old Golden Retriever/Labrador X that had suffered from a limp in her back leg since she was a 6 month old puppy, along with trembling and weakness in the same leg. This problem was diagnosed as arthritis and lack of joint mobility by a veterinarian. In the past, Gracie had been given omega 3 fish oils, glucosamine and chondroitin by the owner with no success, as Gracie would not take them due to the bad taste. Gracie’s owners then contacted me for advice.
After an online assessment of Gracie’s health was completed, I prescribed many of the products described above for Gracie’s treatment. Gracie’s owners were then able to easily access these (direct from the manufacturer of the naturopathic medicine company from where I prescribed them).
2 weeks into Gracie’s treatment I received this email from her owner:
“I wanted to let you know that Gracie is doing well. We do not expect the limp to remedy quickly (due to her having it since she was 6 months old) but she has sparked up tremendously and looks a lot happier, wrestling with ‘Emma’ the Labrador and playing like a puppy again. Her fur seems softer and she has a shine in her eyes again. Other people have also noticed. The best part is that we have no trouble adding the supplements to the food. I was expecting a battle but she happily eats it.”
6 weeks into treatment we received this email from Gracie’s owners:
“I am happy to report that the limp is nowhere near as pronounced as before and there are times when Gracie is walking normally again. For the past 10 days or so she has been spontaneously jumping in and out of the van and has been taking longer walks and runs around the lake. We are now confident that in due course the leg will not be the chronic source of pain for her anymore”.
10 weeks after starting Gracies treatment:
“Our dog walking friends took them out on Sunday and they were gone a full 45 minutes and Gracie was still tugging the lead when they got back. For the first time ever, they were worn out before the dogs. Johnny had not seen them for a while and could not get over the difference. The best part is that the next day, there was no limp or stiffness visible in Gracie’s leg at all. 
Kind regards
Karen and Max Mitchell
Goolwa Fish Café
Goolwa, SA
Gracie Mitchell
I just thought I would share this case report with you. I hope you enjoyed it.
Yours In Health,
Sara Rooney BHSc., DC., ND., DASc., GDSc. (Hons) Zoology, MATMS. Naturopathic Physician & Research Scientist