Natural Arthritis Guide and Herbs to Help Dogs
Many dogs experience some kind of joint problem in their lifetime. This can be due to some kind of injury, strains, sprains, fractures, hip or elbow dysplasia, knee problems like torn cruciate ligaments, patellar luxation and Arthritis. Did you know 1 in 5 dogs suffer from Arthritis? So, what exactly is Arthritis and which is the most prevalent in dogs. Arthritis refers to many related conditions involving inflammation of one or more of the joints. Osteoarthritis (OA) or degenerative joint disease (DJD) is the most common we see in dogs today and is named because the problem is caused by the bones (Osteo). Arthritis in pets can also be caused by infection (septic arthritis or bacterial arthritis) or by the body attacking itself in an immune system malfunction (Rheumatoid Arthritis). The risk of Arthritis increases with age but it can develop at any age. Larger and giant breeds are most likely to get OA so it would be sensible to start adding supplements to support their joints at approximately a year old. A study that was carried out during 2013 found that 200,000 UK dogs were affected. Risk factors associated with osteoarthritis diagnosis included breed (e.g. Labrador, Golden Retriever), being neutered, higher bodyweight and being older than eight years. Research here What is inflammation Inflammation is a normal part of the immune response. Think of the last time you scraped your skin, got a bug bite, or had a pesky splinter you just couldn’t get out. Chances are the affected area got swollen and red, even hot or painful. This is inflammation at work, and in cases of acute injury, it’s a good thing! The inflammatory response is basically your immune system gathering defences to the injured tissue, helping to protect and heal the affected area. This is done by increasing blood flow to the area, gathering immune cells, causing pain to stop you from using injured tissue, and protecting the tissue in other ways that we call Acute Inflammation. Many of the chronic diseases afflicting today’s dogs result from Chronic Inflammation which isn’t such a good thing and can be avoided in some cases. The conventional veterinary community, typically relies on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s), commercial prescription diets and Adequan injections to treat OA in dogs. In some cases, certain vets may also recommend glucosamine and chondroitin. Ironically, most commercial prescription OA diets contain grains, gluten and/or white potato-all of which can promote inflammation. These diets can also contain a pro-inflammatory ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. NSAID’s – prolonged use can cause damage or injury to tissues of the liver, kidneys and bone marrow (Dodds& Lassin, 2013). Arthritis or DJD can affect one or more joints and is one of the most frequent causes of lameness in dogs. Osteo Arthritisis characterised by: deterioration of the joint cartilage called articular cartilage; a formation of bony growths or spurs on the joints, calledosteophytes; changes in the subchondral bone (the bone below the articular cartilage); and joint inflammation. These changes occur following alterations in both the biomechanical and biochemical properties of the joints (Logaret al., 2007; Sanchez & Balligand, 2005; Zhang et al.,2012). Some might say it is in the genes. Historically doctors have viewed and treated arthritis as a structural disease that involves the breakdown of cartilage and its subsequent effects on the joints, but that view is changing with thanks to a new tool to measure gene expression, including reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR),differential display and DNA microarray analysis. Even if we have genetics to consider, nutritional intervention can help support and hopefully prevent this from occurring or at least progressing. Possible Causes of joint issues Leaky Gut Leaky gut syndrome has become an epidemic in people and animals. About 70-80% of the immune system is housed in the gut, so making sure it’s in tip-top shape is key to good health. Since balance of bacteria in our gut influences the balance of our immune system, an unbalanced gut microbiota with too many opportunistic pathogens, can shift the immune system to an increased inflammatory state. Gut Guardian can help address leaky gut. Gut Guardian Inflammatory diet The role of inflammation in many diseases is significant, especially in pets that aren’t receiving a high number of dietary antioxidants. Inappropriate foods such as kibble are ultra-processed and inflammatory. They may contain grains, lectins, gluten and white potato that promote inflammation in the body. Kibble is cooked at high heat, a process called extrusion, that destroys many vital nutrients and enzymes. Your dry food will contain anywhere between 18-60% carbohydrate and we know that sugar raises inflammation. Common meats used in these foods are often chicken and pork. Both high in omega-6, pushing inflammation further, if not coupled with a good omega 3 source. Feed a species appropriate, fresh whole foods diet if possible, preferably raw or lightly cooked. Fresh foods are lower in carbohydrate content and are naturally anti inflammatory compared to carbohydrate foods. Natural sources to support joints are oily fish; salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel as these are the best source of DHA and EPA that are proven to help reduce inflammation. If your dog can’t eat fish due to an intolerance or just doesn’t like it, algae oil is a good plant-based alternative that you can find on the link below. Other sources, that contain smaller amounts of vitamin D foods are organic beef liver and egg yolks. Plant based Vitamin D can be found in parsley, alfalfa, nettle, dandelion and rosehips. Unlike us humans, dogs get very little vitamin D from the sunlight on their skin, so nearly all their vitamin D must come from their diet. Link here for a variety of carefully selected supplements by Green’s for joint health. Drugs, other toxins and over vaccination Avoid unnecessary steroids, antibiotics and (NSAIDs) all of which lead to an unbalanced gut microbiota. Prescription deworming, flea and tick prevention that contain pesticides can play havoc on the immune system so these should be avoided and used only