Download Could your best friend be in pain and you don`t know it?

Could your best friend be in pain and you don't know it?
Written by: Dr. Ronald Bowen DVM
Preface
One of the most common diseases that animals face has been around for thousands of years...arthritis. Still
there is no cure. Arthritis will affect any breed of animal (or dog) if it lives long enough. The purpose of this
article is to alert pet owners about a revolutionary new concept of identifying this early and a new effective
treatment. I believe the question/answer format will explain why this disease has not been usually recognized
until major damage has been done. The earlier the condition is caught, the easier it is to treat. If arthritis is left
untreated, your pet's lifespan will be shortened.
What do you mean that my pet could be in pain and I wouldn't know it?
Most arthritic dogs and cats don't show much pain until arthritis is so advanced that they are crippled. Dogs in
the wild lived in packs. Animals who vocalized pain showed weakness and were eaten, if the pack didn't have
enough food. Therefore, most animals are not vocal about pain.
What is arthritis?
There are two types of arthritis: Osteoarthritis is a wearing of the joints. Injury, genetic malformation, the daily
wear and tear, and aging are the causes. Rheumatoid arthritis is a rare autoimmune disease whereby the patient’s
body attacks its own joints by mistake, resulting in severe joint pain and lameness.
How does arthritis become painful?
The body weight is supported on joints for movement. These joint surfaces are like moving parts in machines,
plus there is lubricating joint fluid. When the joint becomes diseased, damaged tissues release compounds that
cause inflammation. As inflammation progresses, pain becomes a means by which the body rests the joints for
healing. In most cases, mild joint disease is ignored, so it slowly gets worse, causing our pets to become less
active. Most people think that their pet is “just getting old.” Commonly, arthritic pets fall, causing more injury
to sore joints.
What should I look for?
Typical signs are pets who get up slowly from rest or have trouble with stairs or trouble walking. Athletic pets
have reduced endurance and often are lame after exercise. Our large breeds are predisposed to hip and spine
arthritis. Smaller breeds are more likely to have knee and elbow arthritis rather than hip problems.
Is there any new research information that can help arthritic patients?
New research is revealing that most arthritic pets are deficient in many of the nutrients that are needed to
maintain good joint health:
A. Insufficient fatty acids. Many commercial pet foods have insufficient or overcooked fatty acids.
B. Arthritic pets need extra Vitamin A, D, C, and E.
C. Vitamins A, C, and E are also antioxidants which neutralize free radicals that originate from
damaged
tissues. The joint actually oxidizes like metal rusts. Antioxidants speed tissue repair.
Another possibility is that arthritic pets are unable to adequately absorb the nutrients that are needed. You are
what you absorb, not just what you eat.
What about Glucosamine?
Glucosamine is an amino sugar that is harvested from shellfish. It is a key component of cartilage repair and
the production of synovial joint fluid. Some of our clients have tried over-the-counter human glucosamine but
it did not help. According to Stephen Sinatra, M.D., “90% of all glucosamine products are of inferior quality.
Independent laboratory analysis confirms this.” ı I personally don't believe that this single item alone does as
well as a complete whole body joint supplement like Fastrack® made by Conklin.
Are there myths that have made arthritis hard for pet owners to recognize?
Yes, I believe there are four myths, let me explain.
Myth I It's the natural process of aging that causes dogs to slow down and become lame.
I can show you hundreds of older pets who are active alert and look and feel healthy. They feel good because
their joints don't hurt.
Myth II If my dog or cat were in pain I would know it.
As we discussed, dogs and cats instinctively hide their pain for survival.
Myth III I feed my pet a commercial food and that's all he needs. Oh, it has glucosamine in it.
Many of the commercial foods are filled with by-products which are sub standard protein. Fatty acids are
insufficient or overcooked. Most foods are stored in warehouses at 90-degree plus temperatures. Your top
trainers and show people do not feed just dog food. The glucosamine in most food is not pharmaceutical grade.
Myth IV When my dog limps, I give him aspirin or ibuprofen and he is doing OK.
These products do nothing to promote joint healing and actually accelerate deterioration of the joint. Aspirin
can cause stomach ulcers. Ibuprofen is not safe for dogs because it often results in kidney failure.
So what do you advise?
There are three components of treatment: Pain relief Joint repair Joint lubrication.
Treatment
Traditional treatment has only addressed pain relief, but not the cause. Aspirin, ibuprofen and other non
steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) actually accelerate joint destruction because they inhibit the process by
which the body repairs the diseased joint. Also, there can be side effects of gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney
disease or liver disease. “NSAIDs alone are not ideal for long term treatment.”² The newer research illustrates
that good nutrition and supplements are necessary for healing and health maintenance. At the beginning of
treatment, pain relief may be needed. As joint heath improves, pain relievers can be phased out, and in many
cases eliminated or used occasionally. Fatty acid supplements are usually also needed for lubrication and joint
maintenance.
Is there a product that does all three components of treatment?
No. Fastrack Senior Supplement by Conklin does a superb job of furnishing the nutrients needed for joint
healing and the fatty acids, all in one chewable pill. Fastrack is compatible with all pain medications. Probiotics
assist with healing and have other health benefits. The Fastrack Canine microbial powder compliments the
Senior Dog Supplement. It contains “friendly bacteria” (probiotics) which enable maximum absorption of food
and supplements and enhance the immune system. The two products complement each other to provide
optimum health.
Arthritis can now be managed to make your pet comfortable and pain free. The key is early recognition. The
Fastrack line can give your best friend an extra 2-3 years of quality life!
Bibliography
1.
Stephen T. Sinata M.D. And Jim Healy, Arthritis Interrupted pg. 90
2.
Donna Loyle DVM Magazine Dec 1, 2010 Treating Osteoarthritis in Geriatric Dogs. Q&A
Dr. Ronald McLaughlin. www.dvm360.com
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