Ask the Herbalist:

ARTHRITIS is one of the most common problems I am asked to treat in dogs. There are many forms of arthritis, but the most common is osteoarthritis. This is a degeneration of the joints caused by wear and tear and the general ageing process. Joints that have sustained injuries will be particularly susceptible, as will those joints that have been used excessively. Dogs who love to leap for frisbees, for example, put extra wear and tear on hips and stifle joints as they land on their hind legs from a high leap.

Signs and symptoms of arthritis
Affected joints have eroded cartilage and bony spurs which occur at the margins of the joint. This means the joint doesn't move correctly and inflammation, pain and restricted mobility results. Commonly these dogs then show pain and stiffness, especially after a lot of exercise and on rising after a rest or sleep. They usually "limber up" as they start to move around. I have found in some bitches with a tendency for incontinence that a flare-up in the arthritis will produce incontinence until the inflammation in the joint subsides.

Treatment options for arthritis
The good news is there is much that can be done for arthritis and we can almost always find the right combination of treatments to help oven the worst case of osteoarthritis. So let's review some of these options:

1. Glucosamine sulphate - (whether it comes with chondroitin or anything else, or on its own) is essential. Glucosamine helps to rebuild and normalize the joint itself. It is not just about pain relief or reducing inflammation, but actual repair. Glucosamine is not actually a pain-killer or anti-inflammatory, but once the dog is taking it for a few weeks and the joint is improving in the way it works, the dog will then be in less pain and have less inflammation.

2. Homoeopathics - These need to be chosen based on the actual specific symptoms any one dog has. The better the match of the homoeopathic to the dog's symptoms the more likely they are to work. Homoeopathics can act not just as pain relief but can also improve the joint itself. Here are some examples of choices of homoeopathics:

Rhus tox - for conditions that are better for movement and better for warmth. For a dog who 'limbers up' with a little light exercise.

Bryonia - For conditions which are worse for movement and the dog shows no inclination to move a all. S/he may feel better when pressure is applied to the painful area.

Causticum - for shortened tendons, affecting the knee, stifle or feet. The dog is usually worse in dry weather. There may be marked weakness or gradual paralysis in the legs or dragging of a leg.

Ruta grav - Lots of stiffness, worse from movement and worse in cold, damp weather or from getting wet. Strained or sprained ligaments, torn tendons and inflamed joints.

It is best to consult a homoeopath about which homoeopathic to use for your dog. They should be able to tell you how and when to use them. The length of a course of homoeopathics is very individual to each dog. A general rule of thumb is to use a homoeopathic only while it is needed and to stop giving it once a significant improvement occurs.

3. Herbal medicine - Herbs can be very useful as anti-inflammatories and painkillers in arthritis. I have a favourite formula I use for most dogs with arthritis. It includes Devil's claw, Ake Ake, and birch leaves. These herbs are concentrated and taken internally. For a medium to large dog the dose is 5 mls once daily mixed into food. A small dog would take 21/2 mls daily. This has helped get many dogs back into the show ring. But I do recommend using it along with Glucosamine.

4. External rubs - These can be useful to help soothe the pain. Unfortunately many of them will be attractive to the dog's taste buds and get licked off. I have recently acquired a selection of very effecfive aromatherapy rubs which soak into the skin immediately and very little of them gets licked off. These seem to give instant relief and improve mobility. Again I recommend them to be used in conjunction with Glucosamine.

5. Cider vinegar - Adding 1/4 cup of organic cider vinegar daily to a dog's water bowl can be helpful and also some flaxseed oil into her/his moist food. These both have the effect of reducing inflammation.

As you can see there is much you can do for your arthritic dog to keep her/him going and pain free. Explore the options and find what works best for your dog.

Pat Hunter: www.animalherbs.co.nz