Stem Cell Therapy for Dog Arthritis

Modern medicine has been using stem cells for more than thirty years in the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma. But in the past ten years, scientists have realized the great potential of using stem cells to treat various ailments. Currently around the world, research is being done focusing on the use of stem cells to treat diabetes, spinal injury, brain damage, and heart disease. In veterinary hospitals, stem cells are now being used to treat dog and horses having orthopedic conditions.

What are Stem Cells?

What makes stem cells different from other cells is their ability to renew themselves and transform into different specialized cell types. In embryos, stem cells function as the building blocks of specialized embryonic tissue that will eventual transform into the different organs. In adult human beings, stem cells help repair the body as well as produce new cells for the skin, intestinal tissues, and blood.

Since harvesting stem cells from embryos carry with it a lot of moral, religious, and philosophical issues, stem cells used in research and in treatment are often harvested from the umbilical cord blood and bone marrow.   

Stem Cells Therapy for Dogs

Stem cell therapy for animals has advanced in leaps and bounds. Any moral or ethical controversy is eliminated since animal stem cell therapy does not use cells from embryos. Rather, stem cells are harvested from body fat. These stem cells are used to help speed up the repair of bone, ligament, and tendon damage.

Ever since the procedure was made possible in 2005, about 3000 dogs have been treated with stem cells. Clinical tests have proven that stem cell therapy is effective in controlling cartilage and bone damage caused by dog arthritis, most especially in the hips and elbow. In fact, most dog owners who have decided to use stem cell therapy on their dog are people who have not seen any improvement in their dog’s quality of life and have exhausted all other possible treatments for dog arthritis.

One company that provides stem cell therapy is MediVet. The procedure extracts fat from the dog’s shoulder, after which the stem cells are separated. These stem cells are activated and are injected into to the affected joint. MediVet assures that after the procedure, your dog will be “awake, alert, and can go home immediately.”

Therapy for Dog Arthritis  (PDF)

Treatment for Sports Dog Injuries

Dog sports are a fun way for dog owners to have their pets compete in events that test a dog’s mental and physical abilities. Unfortunately, just like human athletes, sporting dogs can get injured while competing. These injuries are usually musculoskeletal in nature, which in time, contributes to the development of dog arthritis.

Below are the three most common injuries in sporting dogs:

• Muscular trigger points or knots are painful muscle bands which can cause lameness and stiffness in the affected area. This type of injury is commonly the result of muscle fatigue or trauma.
• Neck or back pain could mean a lot of things. However, a common injury in the said area may be a result of a slipped disc. Discs are shock absorbing cushions found between the individual bones of a dog’s spine. Although they do not actually "slip," a disc may rupture, allowing the gel like substance in the affected disc to escape. The disc material can place pressure on the spinal cord or on a single nerve fiber resulting in pain.
• A knee injury usually involves the cruciate ligaments. When one of the ligaments gets torn, it causes the knee joint to be unstable. Sporting dogs competing in sprint competitions are most prone to the injury.

Treating Sports Injuries

For sports injuries, prevention is always better. Treatment, no matter how effective, is not an assurance that an injured dog can regain normal performance. Adopting a safe physical routine will help prepare your dog for the rigors of competition. Proper diet and the right kind of supplements will provide your dog with the right amounts of protein, calcium, Omega-3, vitamins E, D, and B complex are good ways to keep your sporting dog’s muscles, bones, and joints healthy.      

But if your dog does get injured, getting the correct diagnosis is essential. Trigger points can be treated with physical therapy, and massage. Slipped disc can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications and pain killers, although in severe cases, surgery can be an option. 

A tear in one of the cruciate ligament injury would most often need surgery. However, to complicate matters, there are many surgical procedures that can be used. None have been medically proven to be more effective than others but here’s my take on cruciate ligament surgery:

• Extracapsular suture. Also known as a de Angelis suture or lateral fabellotibial suture. It is a fast and effective procedure with a low complication rate, especially for small dogs.
• Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). This technique involves cutting the tibia (shin bone) so that it can be repositioned to make the knee joint more stable. It works well, especially for large dogs, but comes with a higher complication rate.
• Tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA), and triple tibial osteotomy (TTO). These are newer techniques but are a similar concept to the TPLO.

All of the surgical procedures are effective, however, it is important discuss the options with your veterinary surgeon and choose which will be the best for your dog. Do not be ashamed to consider the cost of the procedure, as the newer surgical techniques can be twice or thrice more expensive. Nonetheless, the need for early treatment cannot be stressed enough as this will lessen the advancement of dog arthritis.

 Treatment for Sports Dog Injuries (PDF)

A Word of Caution: Treating Dog Arthritis AND Dog Allergies Safely

When your dog has been scratching and nibbling the same area of skin for some time, he may be suffering from a skin infection or allergy. Common dog skin infections are usually caused by:

• Allergies. Some common allergens are pollen, mold, dust, and dust mites.
• Skin parasites. Fleas, ticks, gnats, chiggers, deer flies, and mites have bites that can irritate the skin.
• Fungi and bacteria. 

Treating skin problems such as parasites and infections caused by either fungi or bacteria can be simple. There are spot-ons, shampoos, soaps, powder, and ointments that can be bought over the counter, and are effective treatments. To treat dog allergies occasional or long term use of cortisone is the most common and effective way for settling down inflamed, itchy skin. This may be combined with antibiotics and insecticides. Although identifying the allergens would be a great help, the process can be difficult and frustrating. 

Cortisone is a potent anti-inflammatory steroid that will have an adverse reaction with non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Rimadyl and Metacam. In addition, prolonged steroid use also speeds up the process of dog arthritis.

Safe Treatment

To safely treat your dog that is suffering from both dog arthritis and skin allergies, the right thing to is to replace either NSAIDs or cortisone with another medication. I would recommend sticking with cortisone since there are many available treatments for dog arthritis (please read previous entries on the said topic) such as:

• Adequan or Cartrophen injections. These medications are known to improve joint mobility, neutralize damaging chemicals (enzymes) and stimulate cartilage cells.  They might help counteract the damage caused by the cortisone.
• Tramadol, painkillers, or analgesics.
• Fish oils with their Omega-3 are great for arthritis and skin problems.
• Anti-oxidants help protect cartilage cells against what is called oxidative stress.

If you want you could always tell your vet to forego with the cortisone treatments and look for other skin treatment alternatives such as cyclosporine or anti-histamines.

Dog owners should be aware of the medical history of their dog. This includes the medications that are being administered to your dog. In this way, you can prevent NSAIDs and cortisone being administered and search for alternate treatments that will provide your dog with the best treatment and quality of life he can get.

Treating Dog Arthritis AND Dog Allergies Safely (PDF)

Treating Dog Arthritis Naturally

There is a growing market for herbal and natural medications. Although herbal medicine has yet to gain mainstream acceptance, it does not mean that they are ineffective. 

Whilst I don’t use herbal remedies that commonly, I am very open to the option and commonly use other natural treatments such as glucosamine and chondroitin. If my clients prefer a more natural approach in the treatment of their dog’s ailments then I would suggest a combination of western and alternative approaches that I know will help improve their dog’s condition.

Dog Arthritis Treatment Using Natural Products

Using the right kind of natural medication depends on the stage of your pet’s dog arthritis.

Early Dog Arthritis. Having an early diagnosis means the disease has caused only a small amount of damage to the joints. Here, the best thing you can do is to manage your dog’s weight. Proper diet and exercise is important. Dog massage and physical therapy will help in the improvement of blood circulation around the joints and muscles. For medications, I recommend using glucosamine and chondroitin supplements.

Moderate Dog Arthritis. A shrinking in muscle mass on the arthritic leg means that your dog’s arthritis has done considerable damage to the joint cartilage. Your dog becomes reluctant to move and will show lameness after physical activity. To deal with the pain and inflammation, vitamin E and Selenium supplements can be given. I also recommend an Omega-3 supplement paired with anti-oxidant supplements such as Wobenzym. In addition, you can opt for dog acupuncture and Chinese herb tonics. Alfalfa or meadowsweet could be used.

Advanced Dog Arthritis. This is when your dog is experiencing intense pain, making him very reluctant to move. Defecating and urinating will also be difficult. Moreover, behavioral changes like social withdrawal and defensive aggression will be observed. Here, herbal medications may no longer be effective; however, you can still use them in conjunction with other treatments.

In this severe dog arthritis stage, to alleviate the pain and inflammation, pain killers such as Tramadol or Amantadine, and Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Metacam or Rimadyl should be administered. Physical therapy is needed to prevent further muscle shrinking and to promote blood circulation in the affected areas. Alongside these treatments, a strong tonic made of analgesic herbs (1/3 devils claw, 1/3 corydalis and 1/3 ginger) might help.

There are some people who claim that herbal medicine has greatly improved the life of their dog. However, as mentioned earlier herbal medicine is not an exact science. If you are considering using them for your pet’s dog arthritis, make sure that you are properly informed and consider it an adjunct to normal treatments rather than a treatment in itself. Most vets are not against natural treatments but it would be careless to place all your trust on herbal medicine.

Dog Arthritis Treatment (PDF)

Do Supplements Work Against Dog Arthritis?

Dietary supplements are commonly used to treat dog arthritis. However not all dogs respond to such treatment. In cases where the damage is too extensive to the cartilage, supplements may no longer be helpful.

Dog arthritis is surprisingly common, about one in five dogs will suffer with it. Elderly and large dogs are especially susceptible. Dog arthritis causes deterioration of the joints, which can severely impact your dog’s quality of life.

Therefore you should observe your dog’s mobility and behavior - there may be signs that your dog is suffering from dog arthritis.

Listed below are some symptoms of the disease:

• lameness
• difficulty getting up after resting
• irritability
• licking at the joints by your dog

Supplements

More pet owners and vets are first opting for dietary supplements to treat dog arthritis, since they are made from natural ingredients. This makes them less toxic to your dog’s liver. They also work in the natural restoration of damaged cartilage.

In situations where the cartilage has been significantly damaged to the point where the two bones of the joint are in contact with each other, a more aggressive treatment is needed. However, supplements can still be of some use in this chronic stage of the disease since supplements can preserve what cartilage is left.

You know that a supplement is good when it contains chondroitin and glucosamine. Dasuquin contains the said components, plus avocado and soybean unsaponifiables which helps in cartilage protection and growth.

Adequan and cartrophen are other effective supplements. They are administered by injection and cartrophen is not available in the US.

Welactin is another good example of supplements. The supplement with its omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can greatly reduce the inflammation.

When supplement don’t work on your dog, it’s probably best to use a more aggressive approach. Non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and pain killers are medications that reduce the joint pain and swelling associated with dog arthritis.

Pet owners should realize that there is a variety of ways to treat dog arthritis. Giving supplements to their dogs can improve your dogs condition; nonetheless, people should remain open to other forms of treatment the your vet would suggest, if giving supplements is no longer sufficient.

Dog Arthritis Supplements (PDF)

6 WEEK DOG ARTHRITIS CHALLENGE

TopDog Canine Health & Rehabilitation are hosting a

6 WEEK DOG ARTHRITIS CHALLENGE

Giving hope to dog owners everywhere struggling with arthritic dogs, TopDogHealth.com is challenging your dog to improve his/her quality of life. The challenge is ready to launch on September 15th and reaches out to the first 25 dogs to sign-up and provides 6 weeks of free supplements. The participating dogs cannot have already been on supplements beforehand and must send in a video of their dog’s arthritic condition.

The supplements provided FREE of charge are none other then the excellent joint support of TopDog’s finest Glycanaid HA and Flexerna. Participants will be divided into two groups, each group using a different supplement.

Progress of each contestant is required to be recorded via video throughout the series of 6 weeks. Owners will be instructed through e-mail sequences throughout the challenge to notify them on at-home excercises and therapy they will perform while on the supplements.

Sign-Ups for The 6 Week Arthritis Challenge are on the link www.dogarthritischallenge.com, but hurry only 25 spots are available!

Contact

TopDog Health

607 East Main Street,

Meriden, CT 06451

DAC@topdoghealth.com

Ph: (888) 504 2220 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (888) 504 2220

The Safety of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Products

Glucosamine and chondroitin have been introduced to the United States reasonably recently. However they have been used to treat dog arthritis in both Europe and Australia for more than twenty years. When drugs have been in use for that length of time, their side effects are very well documented - we have been able to look at the safety of these drugs over multiple lifetimes of dogs. This is good news if you’re treating your dog’s arthritis with glucosamine and chondroitin, because the safety of these drugs are time proven and thoroughly documented.

The only side effects that have been reported are the occasional bout of diarrhea and vomiting - side effects that are common across a huge range of medications. So the incidence of side effects is very low and in most cases, the side effects reduce, or stop completely, when the dose of glucosamine is adjusted.

Also glucosamine for dogs does not have any known interactions with other prescription dog arthritis medications such as Previcox, Rimadyl or Metacam. Nor does it interact with normal over-the-counter medications such as aspirin.

Glucosamine is a naturally-occurring amino sugar compound that is produced in humans and canines and is present in high amounts in the cartilage of joints. In its twenty years of continued use, veterinarians agree that it is instrumental in repairing damaged cartilage, promoting the growth of new cartilage that cushion joints and reducing pain & inflammation.

Chondroitin, a supplement which is usually used in tandem with glucosamine, is made from cow and shark cartilage and also found in green lipped mussel. Chondroitin is used to treat dog arthritis as well as human arthritis. Chondroitin attracts fluid to cartilage which helps it remain spongy and flexible and has some effects in protecting against cartilage chewing’ enzymes.

Many dogs respond so well to a glucosamine and chondroitin regimen that vets take them off stronger dog arthritis anti-inflammatory drugs just four to six weeks after beginning glucosamine and chondroitin treatments.

A good veterinarian is constantly looking for a treatment program that provides maximum benefits with a minimum of risk to your dog’s health. When it comes to treating dog arthritis, glucosamine and chondroitin fit the bill.

Is your dog being treated with dog arthritis medications that do not include glucosamine and chondroitin? If not discuss these supplements with your veterinarian - it could make a huge impact in reducing the swelling and pain of dog arthritis.

The Safety of Glucosamine (PDF)

Dog Physical Therapy 1: Keep Your Dog Moving

Dog arthritis may be a debilitating disease; however, there are many forms of treatments available, including medications that help relieve symptoms to surgical procedures to repair tissue damage in the joints. Nonetheless, there are simple ways in which you can improve your dog’s condition. 

Dog physical therapy has become an important part in recovery process after surgery as well as in the management of pain and joint inflammation caused by dog arthritis. The following are some of the benefits of physical therapy:

• It prevents the muscles from shrinking.
• It speeds up the healing process.
• It helps decrease dog arthritis symptoms.
• It improves the overall health of your dog.

Although dog physical therapy is essential for treating dog arthritis, dog owners should be very careful not to overdo it. Improper physical therapy can cause injury and further worsen your dog’s condition.

Muscle Stretching

When muscles are not used, it can result in contracture wherein muscle tissue is replaced by scar tissue. The quadriceps, the muscle group found in front of thigh, is especially susceptible. To keep the muscle tissues healthy, stretching is needed. Gentle and persistent pressure should be used.

Passive Range of Motion

Initially, vets and licensed dog therapists would advise against a sudden return to full weight bearing for your inactive dog. To start with the best type of exercise for arthritic joints is passive range of motion routines. The routine will gently stretch the joints which will stop tightening of the limbs and the development of scar tissue. When passive range of motion exercise is paired with massage therapy will stop muscle contracture and helps in the distribution of the needed nutrients to the joint cartilage. 

Dog Massage Therapy

Massage is another aspect of therapy that will help reduce arthritis pain and inflammation. The following are massage techniques you can apply on your dog:

• Effleurage

• Passive touch

• Kneading

• Stroking

What next?

Start using light weight-bearing exercises when your dog is able to walk again. Shallow pool workouts and underwater treadmill sessions are helpful in improving their disposition, strengthening their muscles and cardiovascular system, and reducing inflammation and pressure sores.

 

Simple treatment for dog arthritis consists of medications, supplements, exercises, and massage. It is also important to realize that treatment is a continuing process. And, it is important to start the treatment as soon as possible especially with dogs with spinal injuries or dogs having carts and slings. Continue reading to part 2 of the series.

Dog Physical Therapy 1 (PDF) 

How Are Those Dog Arthritis Glucosamine Supplements Helping?

Are the Dog Arthritis Glucosamine Supplements Helping?

When your dog is suffering from the pain of dog arthritis, you’ll do anything to make his life improve and one of the things you may have used are glucosamine supplements for dog arthritis relief.

That’s wonderful! This indicates you’re a caring friend, but before you go hailing success, let’s make sure that the glucosamine supplements are really doing the job.

In just a few minutes I’ll tell you everything you need to know so you can decide whether or not you’re going to continue with the glucosamine supplements, or try a combination of supplements.

 

Top 3 Questions about Glucosamine Supplements

How do I know if the glucosamine supplements are actually helping my dog?

How long will it take to see recognizable improvements after I begin giving the glucosamine supplements to my suffering dog?

What are the most common reasons why my dog might not benefit currently from the supplements to end pain?

These are some good questions. Let’s discover the answers:

How to Tell if the Dog Arthritis Glucosamine Supplements are Actually Helping My Dog

You are looking for improvements in the following areas:

Mobility issues: Less problems rising after laying down and more limber - moves with ease.

Lameness Issues: Less limping - will he put more weight on his arthritic leg?

Joint Licking: Is there a decrease in joint licking and chewing episodes?

Behavioral Changes: Has your dog’s aggression level decreased? Is he friendlier like before? Is he eating well?

You can observe all these factors for yourself and calculate the results accurately, keep a detailed log of your observations and perform them once per week for a two-month period. Then you’ll be able to judge the results and tell if your dog’s arthritis is better or not.

Length of Time to Continue the Supplements?

Veterinarians recommend a two month minimum trial period. If you don’t see results after two months, don’t stop the treatment until you talk with your vet.

Glucosamine delivers results over a longer period of time - it’s not a quick fix!  You also won’t see results if the dog arthritis is caused by other symptoms or conditions that need treatment. For example, dog joint supplements don’t help much for knee ailments like cruciate ligament ruptures that need surgery.

Your vet can diagnose the underlying cause of you dog’s arthritis and advise the proper treatment and medications. These treatments may include dog glucosamine, but it’s very likely it will be a combination of a medications and procedures.

Carefully observing your dog, combined with veterinary consultations, can go a long way to relieving your dog’s painful arthritis.

Dog Arthritis Glucosamine Supplements (PDF) 

Dance Steps toward Less Pain: Easy Dog Arthritis Physical Therapy

Another important aspect of dog arthritis treatment is physical therapy. For humans, physical therapy would mean repetitive movements with the help of a therapist or a machine, and can be very expensive and time consuming. However for dogs, it can be simple and enjoyable. 

Believe it or not, dancing with your dog is a legitimate type of physical therapy. Give it a try and be surprised at the amazing results. The following are the benefits of dance: 

• It helps their ability to bear weight on their hind legs

• It helps build muscle mass

• It helps improve your dog’s balance

By now you are wondering how such a fun, simple activity can help your pet overcome dog arthritis. The answer is simple, dancing is like exercising. When you dance with your dog, you hold their front paws, and your dog is forced to stand upright. This position adds more weight on the hind legs. When a muscle is used more, it gets stronger. This is good for your dog since the muscles surrounding joints protect them from wear and tear. Strong muscles in the hind legs mean healthier joints that are not easily injured.  

As mentioned, it is an unnatural position for dogs to stand upright. Therefore owners should take things slowly. Be very observant - look for when your dog is in pain or when your dog is getting tired. The objective here is to help and not to cause injury.

When dancing is done right your dog needs to concentrate on the movements.  As a result, your dog’s balance is improved and he will be able to familiarize himself with how you dance, anticipating the movements which will make him move with you in harmony!

So when you have decided to use dance therapy to treat dog arthritis, remember that dog dancing should be aimed at:

• Strengthening the joints. Standing on the back legs can be a helpful exercise for dogs with hind limb arthritis. The additional weight placed on the hind limbs will strengthen the muscles of the legs.

• Increasing muscle mass. Muscle mass is only increased through physical activity. With an increase in muscle mass, the joints are stable and less prone to injury. The increased muscle mass also protects the joints from wear and tear.  

• Improving balance. Dogs are not made to dance. It takes a lot of concentration for them to dance. However, with their focus sharpened their balance is greatly improved and they become more conscious of their movements. This can protect your dog from joint injuries that can worsen dog arthritis.  

Physical therapy will definitely help your dog overcome some of the pain related to dog arthritis. That is why dog owner should at least invest some of their time in administering physical therapy and dog dancing is a good place to start.

Dog Arthritis Physical Therapy (PDF) 

Are Dog Arthritis Glucosamine Supplements Helpful?

Do not let your dog suffer from the pain of dog arthritis; you should try everything to make his life better. And one of those things you’ve been trying is glucosamine supplements for canines.

That’s terrific! Obviously you’re a caring pet owner, but before you go congratulating yourself, let’s check to see if those glucosamine supplements are really working.

In just five minutes I’ll be able to tell you everything you need to know about glucosamine supplements so you can decide whether or not you’re going to continue to use the supplement, or try something different.

 

Here are The Top 3 Questions Regarding Glucosamine Supplements

1.    When do I know if the glucosamine supplements are really helping?

2.    How much time before I see improvement once I begin giving my dog glucosamine supplements?

3.    What are the disadvantages as to why my dog might not benefit from these dog joint supplement drugs?

Now let’s discover the answers:

How to tell if the Dog Arthritis Glucosamine Supplements are actually Helping

Search for improvements regarding the following:

•    Mobility: frisky and limber

•    Lameness: limping less and willing to put more weight on his arthritic joints when standing, walking, running or jumping

•    Joint Licking: less joint licking and chewing

•    Behavioral Changes: aggression and tension dropped or lessened, or have a more friendlier attitude and a good appetite

You can pay to have a professional study conducted but don’t bother. You can observe these conditions yourself without spending a penny. For best results, keep a log of your dog’s activity during his performance on normal movements once per week for a two-three month period for actual results. This is how long it will take to accurately judge if your dog’s arthritis symptoms are improving or deteriorating.

What Time Length Should I Continue Administering the Glucosamine Supplements?

A two month minimum trial is required for the glucosamine supplements - it’s never a quick fix for dog arthritis. After two months, without any improvements consult your vet before discontinuing treatments. It’s a possibility that there maybe extenuating circumstances that should be identified such as cruciate ligament ruptures.

Your veterinarian can diagnose the cause of you dog’s arthritis and recommend other  treatments. The treatment could include dog glucosamine, but the vet may recommend several supplements and progressive treatments to help your pet. Continued observations on your part and consultations with your vet, can go a long way to relieving your dog’s painful arthritis condition.