Metacam, Rimadyl and Previcox - Are These Drugs Safe to Use for Arthritis in Dogs?

Drug treatments for osteoarthritis have one of two primary objectives: Firstly, to make the patient more comfortable i.e. reduce the symptoms and signs of the condition. Secondly, and this is one of the major goals of osteoarthritis research, to slow or even reverse the osteoarthritis process that is causing progressive deterioration and loss of articular cartilage. Compounds that can slow the osteoarthritis process down are referred to as Disease (or structure) Modifying Drugs (DMOADs).

In clinical practice for both humans and dogs, the concept of disease modification is still rather theoretical with no treatment proven to have this effect. The main second line treatments in small animal veterinary practice are anti-inflammatory drugs.

Anti-inflammatory drugs

Most canine patients with some lameness associated with osteoarthritis will be best treated with anti-inflammatory drugs.When we talk about anti-inflammatories and OSTEOarthritis we are virtually always referring to the Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories or the NSAIDs (pronounced as 'en-sayds').

The NSAIDs are a group of quite different drugs but they all work in a similar way. They all act to block the production of prostaglandins in body tissues. Prostaglandins are a family of chemicals produced by the body that promote inflammation, pain, and fever. As well as making the local blood capillaries more leaky (causing local swelling) they will make nerve fibres more sensitive and hence make us feel pain.

Anti-inflammatory drugs act to reduce prostaglandin production in the tissues and hence reduce inflammation and discomfort. Prostaglandins also have some beneficial and important protective effects in the body. These include regulating blood flow to the kidneys and maintaining a protective mucus barrier in the lining of the stomach. It is in blocking these actions as well as the 'bad' effects of prostaglandins that NSAIDs can cause some nasty and potentially fatal side effects.

NSAIDs act by blocking the action of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX), which is vital to the production of prostaglandins in the tissues. There are at least two forms of this enzyme referred to as COX-1 and COX-2.? Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) block the COX enzymes and reduce prostaglandins throughout the body. As a consequence, ongoing inflammation, pain, and fever are reduced.

Since the prostaglandins protect the stomach and maintain a healthy blood flow to the kidneys, NSAIDs can cause stomach inflammation, gastrointestinal ulcers and cause kidney damage by reducing renal blood flow. The risk of serious kidney damage is magnified in dehydrated patients or patients in circulatory shock from blood loss.? COX-1 is particularly important in housekeeping functions and COX-2 is increased in the presence of inflammation. NSAIDs that preferentially block COX-2 seem to cause fewer gastrointestinal side effects.

COX-2 selective NSAIDs have become available for use in the dog. Three of the newer and most widely used agents, Metacam, Rimadyl and Previcox are licensed for use in a number of countries. They show preferential inhibition of COX-2 and show a lower incidence of side effects compared to drugs such as aspirin.

Generally anti-inflammatories alone seem to work well in the dog with arthritis. There are some drawbacks, mainly vomiting and diarrhoea, which can limit their usefulness in some patients and, lead to very serious complications in some. Their effects on reducing blood flow to the kidneys can be devastating in certain situations, typically those where there is some form of circulatory system problem such as shock or dehydration.

Play it Safe

Although NSAIDs have been associated with some serious side effects and adverse reactions, they provide safe, effective pain relief in the vast majority of patients. However, they are potentially very dangerous drugs and should be respected. I would advise the following rules are adhered to in order to minimize the chances of adverse reactions:

1.?? ?Only use a veterinary licensed product provided/recommended by your veterinarian. Some human preparations have a much narrower safety profile in dogs than in people. Don't do it!

2.?? ?Stop using any NSAID immediately if your dog develops inappetance, vomiting and or diarrhoea. Consult your veterinary professional straightaway.

3.?? ?Always consult your veterinarian before administering any other medications alongside NSAIDs.

4.?? ?If at a veterinary visit you see a different person at the clinic, always remind them that your dog is on NSAIDs - It should be on your pet's clinical notes but better to play it safe and mention it.

The NSAIDs are an important component of your pet's arthritis treatment plan but they should be used with care and under the strict guidance of your vet. They are just one factor in successfully managing canine osteoarthritis.

Some Tips for Living With Arthritis

If you have arthritis, it can be a disheartening experience living with the discomfort and pain that the condition can cause. However, countless people across the UK are living with the effects of arthritis on a daily basis and are able to lead full and active lifestyles, simply by finding new ways to keep their minds and bodies active and stimulated.

If you have just been diagnosed with the condition, there is no need to feel like you are on your own and that there is nothing you can do. On the contrary, there are whole groups dedicated to learning how to live comfortably with arthritis. Below are just a couple of things which you might like to try that could give you some ideas of how to enjoy yourself whilst improving your health.

Interestingly, the simple act of listening to music has been said to reduce arthritis pain. It may seem like a minor step to take, but research has found that classical music in particular can have tangible results, with the natural relaxing nature of the melodies helping to increase relaxation and lift depression, which are both causes of chronic pain related to arthritis.

Even changing what you eat and drink as a snack can help to improve your condition. Vitamin C has been shown to be an excellent way of reducing both the cause and the progress of osteoarthritis, with oranges and orange juice being the easiest and most effective way of attaining this source. An additional bonus of eating oranges is that they are also a good source of folic acid. This beneficial acid can ensure that the side effects of the arthritis drug methotrexate are kept to a minimum.

There are some tactics for dealing with arthritis which might really take you by surprise. One of these is changing your footwear; unfortunately, it can be the case that tight-fitting, fashionable shoes can be detrimental to your comfort, reduce circulation and generally be an unwelcome complication to the condition you are already living with.

Finally, when it comes to alternative therapies, you may be taken aback to learn that prayer has been revealed to be the most popular choice with arthritis sufferers. Although worship and faith shouldn't be used as like-for-like substitutes for medication, research has indicated that belief in a higher spiritual power can make people feel better, both emotionally and physically, and that is a useful part of any healing process.

Natural Treatment of Migratory Arthritis Using Homeopathy

The natural treatment of migratory arthritis by the use of homeopathic medicines, takes into consideration all of your symptoms. This should happen with all treatments of all conditions, as you are connected to every part.

When one part is affected, all will be to some extent. The medical model of separating each system for treatment means that it is very easy to have conflicting drugs.

Migratory arthritis means what is says - your arthritis moves around your body. There is no fixed place for it to anchor itself. It may alternate legs. It may be in a foot one day, the opposite elbow the next. There is no fixed pattern.

In homeopathic terms, this comes under the heading of 'changeable symptoms'. Which also means that it probably won't.be just the arthritis that changes - all systems will be prone to a changeable nature. Such as constipation alternating with diarrhoea.

And your moods. They may change from weepy to irritable in minutes. This is so reminiscent of children, but not exclusively.

Homeopathic treatment works by raising the level of your immune system. It does this either by searching for the cause of the problem, often expressed as having 'never been well since' (childbirth, accident, drug, vaccine, shock, fright, grief, injury, abuse, etc). Or by matching your symptoms to those of the most appropriate homeopathic medicine. Preferably both, that that's not always possible.

The homeopathic medicine Pulsatilla is one of the common home prescribing medicines. It is also one of the most common medicines with changeable symptoms - moods as well as physical symptoms.

Pulsatilla is certainly one of the top medicines for the natural treatment of migratory arthritis. Other strong symptoms, related to the limbs, of this medicine include:

• pains are worse on first motion, better from continued movement


• pains are better for cold, worse for heat


• tensive pain lets go with a snap


• pain is worse for letting the affected limb hang down


• heat of feet, must uncover at night
  
  

Arthritis Treatment: The Risk Of Heart Disease With Rheumatoid Arthritis And What You Can Do

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis and affects roughly 2 million Americans. It is a chronic systemic, autoimmune-driven condition for which there is no known cure to date.

Nonetheless, if diagnosed early and treated aggressively, it can be put into remission.

One of the biggest risks attached to RA is cardiovascular events, namely heart attacks and stroke. In fact, studies have shown that fifty per cent of premature deaths in patients with RA come from cardiovascular events.

The primary culprit is chronic inflammation. The abnormal immune cells responsible for inflammation in RA produce cytokines, protein messengers that promote and aggravate inflammation. Cytokines recruit other inflammatory cells and therefore lead to magnification of the inflammatory response.

Inflammation affects blood vessel walls making plaque that has already deposited more likely to block the blood vessel. If this occurs in an artery in the heart or brain, the consequences can be devastating.

Other co-morbid conditions (other medical conditions a patient may have) can worsen this scenario.

Examples are diseases such as hypertension, elevated cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes that add to the damage already caused by the chronic inflammation of RA.

In particular, smoking is a huge risk additive risk factor. It raises blood pressure, lowers HDL ("good") cholesterol, increases insulin resistance, and by its effect on the lungs, makes it more difficult for patients to exercise.

Two studies illustrate this risk. One study from Johns Hopkins looked at 158 patients with RA and found that 70% of them already had plaque in their carotid arteries (the major arteries that lead to the brain.)

Another study from the Mayo Clinic demonstrated that RA patients are twice as likely to have congestive heart failure compared to people without RA.

Medications taken for arthritis may also play a role in cardiovascular risk.

For example, prednisone, even though it reduces inflammation also can elevate blood pressure and cause weight gain. There is evidence that higher doses of prednisone can increase cardiovascular risk.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) increase the likelihood of both heart attack and stroke.

Actemra, a biologic drug, increases cholesterol levels. Theoretically, then, this increases cardiovascular risk.

However, all is not lost. There is data suggesting that methotrexate, the workhorse disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug and biologic therapies such as tumor necrosis inhibitors can actually lower the cardiovascular risk in RA patients.

Things to do: understand the increased risk, don't smoke, exercise regularly, maintain ideal weight (there is evidence that adipose tissue [fat] produces inflammatory cytokines that can aggravate arthritis) and have co-morbid conditions addressed.

Arthritis Gloves - Where To Buy Arthritis Gloves

Are you looking for arthritis gloves? If so, you would probably like to find best quality gloves for reasonable price online.

So many people are looking for these gloves, because they can help relieve pain, aches and stiffness associated with arthritis of the hands, and because shopping online is the easiest way to find them.

What kind of gloves you should be looking for:

Arthritis gloves should have open fingertips to allow you freedom to feel, touch and grip. They should be comfortable to wear day and night, and allow skin to breathe to keep hands dry. But most important they should provide a mild compression to help control swelling, offer warmth, increase circulation and promote healing, so make sure they're not too big or not too small for your hand.

Why shop online:

Shopping online is the easiest way to find arthritis gloves today. With few mice clicks you can find tons of information and dozen online shops that sell arthritis gloves at affordable price. Online shops always have all sizes and different type gloves, all you have to do just choose and click to buy.

It's really good to know that shop will deliver product for you, so you don't have to leave your warm comfy home and travel somewhere to brick and mortar shop to find these gloves.

So if you do agree that arthritis gloves can relieve aches and promote healing, and that shopping online is the best way to buy them, here's how to do it.

Where to Buy These Gloves:

First of all you should do search on Google for these gloves. Then you will have to check all the sites to come up, to find these gloves and compare the price. You might find some forums on your search results. Go and visit forums, they might have some crucial information about what you're looking for.

How I Treated Arthritis in My Pony, Ben

My little pony Ben who was 13 h.h. that I had from a young child suffered from arthritis in his old age, Ben had a knee injury he had before I had him and I loved him to bits.

When the arthritis started to effected him he was around fifteen years of age, this is when he started to have slight joint puffiness , now this might sound strange to you but if you have a pony with this condition putting them into complete retirement could be the worst thing you could do because joints need strengthening muscles to protect them but with your vets assistance with a regular exercise program tailored to your horse or ponies needs and age, you can increases his joint-fluid circulation and get his nutrients up while getting wastes out, this will help keep his cartilage as healthy as possible. Whilst keeping his appetite up, his digestion system working properly and his attitude of well being going nicely.

Specific nutrients added to your horse or ponies nighttime feed can have a significant impact on his joint health, consult with your vet for a list of these and get him or her to help you put together a diet plan with supplements like I did as this can really help a lot.

Never change your horses diet without consulting with your vet first as this can be damaging.

I worked Ben's affected joint passively, all that this means is that I used a range-of-motion exercises to en-courage cartilage and soft-tissue healing in his inflamed joints that decreased his scar-tissue formation as this is what causes a loss of range of motion. I used a blend of aromatherapy oils and took the advice of a physiotherapist friend at the time on the best way to do this, so I was self trained but now you can get the information on the internet by using your search engine, but one of the main things to do is to gently massage, bend and straighten the affected joint or joints between 7 to 10 times.

This is the mixture I used watered down.

1) Black pepper: Commonly used for stimulating the circulation, muscular aches and pains.

2) Yarrow oil: Used to reduce joint inflammation.

3) Geranium oil: Used as a circulation tonic.

4) Juniper oil: Used as an anti-rheumatic.

5) Lavender oil: Brilliant even on its own for rheumatisms and for muscle's pain.

6) Lemon oil: Is well known for its stimulating antiseptic powers as well as being very good for arthritis.

Do you love your pony enough to have it living in your house? I did and it was the most marvelous and rewarding experience.

I used to take Ben for walks every day just like you would a dog on a lead. Ben loved to go down to the beach in the summer and would go into the sea with me, or should I say alongside me to swim, this I believe also helped him a lot, plus of course he loved doing this, he was after all one of the family. He especially liked his aroma therapy bath when we got home. I have very found memories of the way he would lift his upper lip and laugh at me when I washed him down, and run around after me like a spring chicken in the garden. Ben's last summer was such a happy one a real treasure in my minds eye.

Towards the end of Ben's life, and he lived to 32 years of age, he needed warmth in the winter because of his arthritis, so for the last winter of his life Ben slept on a huge mattress in front of our oil fired central heating radiator in our kitchen, now he could go in and out as he please into the garden, as he could open the door himself, and believe it or not he could also close it when he came back into the house. He never did a dirty in the house, and yes my kitchen door was a half stable one with an easy latch for Ben to use.

I do hope that this article helps another horse lover out there to make the most out of the later years they have with their horse or pony as I did with Ben.

How to Avoid Arthritis Knee Surgery (Knee Replacement Surgery) And Relieve Pain - Nurse's Guide

If your knees are aching and it hurts to climb the stairs, kneel over to pick anything up or work in your garden you likely have or have already been diagnosed with arthritis - osteoarthritis. Maybe you've already had a series of knee injections and take a lot of anti-inflammatory medications but you still are feeling the knee pain. And now you're thinking about arthritis knee surgery - knee replacement surgery.

Many doctors give you something to take away or relieve the pain but there are many others who try to approach the pain in a different way. If osteoarthritis is the only diagnosis you have that affects your knees then there are some things you can do or try. Assuming you have been cleared by your doctors to exercise your knees that is. When you look at x-rays of the knees you can see that there isn't much support anymore for the knees and many think their only option is knee replacement surgery. Knee replacement surgery is expensive and only lasts for between 10 and 15 years or so. Plus you'll have plenty of exercises you'll need to do after the surgery and physical therapy.

The doctors who are not in favor of exercise for the knees are in a way contributing to more health problems such as obesity and diabetes from inactivity and lack of exercise and the accompanying depression from loss of mobility etc.

You probably know right now whether you'll be capable of doing some exercises or if your physician insists that you not do them and you disagree, seek out a second opinion.

The areas of exercise you might consider once you've been cleared by your doctor are resistance training, stretching and endurance exercise.

Resistance training strengthens the muscles surrounding the knees in a safe range of motion which restores the ability to absorb shock. This will help the stress put on the knee joints and reduce or relieve the pain or some of it. Start slowly and when you are warmed up.

You want to stretch your thigh and hamstring muscles about 15 minutes a day or so. This will help your knees become more flexible and also reduce the stress on your joints and relieve pain. Be careful when stretching that you don't overdo it and make sure your body is warmed up first.

Endurance exercise - this may be the hardest or easiest to do of the three. This would include low impact activities like cycling, walking, and the elliptical machine at your local health club or gym unless you have one at home. Do these for about 15 to 30 minutes continuously. This will also help to relive stress on your arthritic knees and give you some arthritis pain relief.

Make sure you do the exercises carefully because you don't want to make the pain in your knees worse. If done properly many have avoided getting arthritis knee surgery (knee replacement surgery.) Consider changing to eating a lot more fruits and veggies in your diet. I cured myself of arthritis and breast cancer) several years ago with a raw foods diet (living foods.) This may prevent future damage to your arthritis knee joints and other joints in your body like it did for me.