Arthritis in Dogs - There is Currently No Cure for but You Can Give Your Pet Some Relief

Arthritis is probably the most common serious condition affecting dogs (about one in four or five) and one of the most difficult to treat. Unfortunately, there is currently no known cure for arthritis - in dogs or humans! Numerous tests and clinical trials have been carried out but with no cure at present. So, beware anyone who claims to have a "Cure".

However, there are various remedies available which can give some relief, to a greater or lesser extent .. as can be seen by the large number of products on offer. There is a problem in that many of the remedies available carry some sort of disadvantage, particularly regarding some of the anti-inflammatory drugs currently in use.

These are some of the Dangers

Look at any forum or message board on this subject and Rimadyl and Carprofen are mentioned frequently, in a negative context. Serious side effects are worryingly frequent and in some cases can be fatal.

The website of The US Food and Drug Administration states...
"Today, a new generation of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is bringing relief to millions of dogs with joint problems or with pain after surgery.
"NSAIDs are extremely effective for controlling pain and inflammation in dogs," says Stephen F. Sundlof, D.V.M., Ph.D., director of the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM). "These are very valuable drugs that help many pets live to a ripe old age."

But like any drugs, NSAIDs carry a risk of side effects, or adverse reactions. Most adverse reactions are mild, but some may be serious, especially if the drugs are not used according to labeled directions. Some reactions result in permanent damage or even death.

"It's important for pet owners to be aware of the risks and benefits of all drugs, including NSAIDs, so that they can make informed decisions about their pets' health care," says Sundlof. "Owners who give their dog NSAIDs need to know the side effects to watch for that indicate their pet needs medical attention."