When Lynnette's eight-year-old German shepherd started limping on one front leg, she took him to the vet and found out he had osteoarthritis. She wasn’t surprised. The dog I had before also developed arthritis as he got older, she says. It seems to be a very common disease.”

Lynnette is right. Osteoarthritis is one of the most familiar conditions found in dogs and cats. Although it most often strikes older animals, it can also appear in younger ones as well. The question is, what’s the best way to deal with it? While conventional medications have their place when the animal is in serious pain, many alternative therapies exist and can be used in conjunction with one another to ease the discomfort and inflammation associated with this debilitating disease. For this article, we spoke to a number of veterinarians and other animal care experts for their input on fighting arthritis the holistic way.

1. Nutrition
“Diet is one of the keys to your pet's good health and mobility, says nutritionist Susan Davis. It's not only a critical factor in terms of the nutrients that are provided but also in managing weight. Many pets with arthritis are overweight. Excess weight increases stress on the joints and exacerbates arthritis pain.

“Pets with arthritis need a diet that is rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, especially Omega 3s enzymes and quality whole foods. When choosing a diet, try to give them as many fresh whole food ingredients as possible. Be sure to look closely at labels on all treats and foods. Many pet food manufacturers add preservatives such as BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin, food colorings and artificial flavorings to keep the product fresh for long-term consumption. These additives cause additional wear and tear on your pet's health and arthritic condition.

“Ideally, a homemade diet made with fresh whole foods is best. Give your animal plenty of fresh vegetables rich with vitamins, minerals, enzymes and antioxidants and consider integrating some raw foods into the diet. Antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress and free radical damage associated with arthritis. Essential fatty acids such as fish oil and flax oil are vital to healthy joints and help reduce inflammation. Use lean, natural sources of protein such as wild salmon and meats free of hormones and antibiotics.”

Susan Davis is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist who teaches people how to prepare balanced, homemade diets for their animals. For more information, visit Ask Ariel Your Pet Nutritionist at www.askariel.com

2. Supplements
A variety of supplements can help alleviate the aches and inflammation of arthritis. There is no magic cure, says Audi Donamor, but supplements chosen to meet the individual needs of your companion can be very beneficial. One of the most important of these is glucosamine sulfate. “It contains glucosamine and sulfur, and is found naturally in and around tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues,”says Audi. It has antiinflammatory and joint regenerating properties. Glucosamine acts as the foundation for cartilage compounds, and also activates chondrocyte cells in the cartilage, which helps to produce these compounds. This allows the cartilage to hold water, enabling the joints to act as shock absorbers. Glucosamine sulfate can help reduce pain and inflammation and improve joint mobility.”Chondroitin and MSM are often used in conjunction with glucosamine.

Other helpful supplements include wild salmon oil, which inhibits inflammation and provides relief from joint pain. “Vitamins C and E are also recognized for helping to reduce or prevent oxidative stress, adds Audi. “Vitamin C is important to the formation of collagen.” A study from the Boston University indicated that patients with osteoarthritis who took a high daily dose of vitamin C were less likely to suffer cartilage loss and a progression of the disease. “Vitamin E, meanwhile, promotes healthy joints, and supports companion animals who are experiencing arthritic pain and stiffness. The d-Alpha form is preferred over the synthetic dl-Alpha form.”

Audi Donamor has been successfully creating special needs diets for dogs and cats for over eleven years.

The full article continues with the following solutions on pages 48 to 51 in Volume 8 Issue 5 of Animal Wellness Magazine.

3. Herbs - Dr. Karen Becker - www.drkarenbecker.com
4. Chiropractic - Dr. Sharon Doolittle - www.holisticanimalvet.com
5. Homeopathy - Dyanna McCain, DVet Hom
6. Massage - Theresa Gagnon - www.bancroftsmt.com
7. Acupuncture and acupressure - Nancy Zidonis - www.animalacupressure.com
8. TTouch - Cynde Van Vleet - www.icpaws.com
9. Communication - Lynn McKenzie - www.animalenergy.com
10. Magnetic Therapy - Dr. Shawn Messonnier
11. Exercise - Dr. Mark Newkirk - www.alternativevet.com