We introduce vet Karen Goldrick BVSc CVA (IVAS) with holistic support for arthritis

It has been said that given the opportunity to live long enough, all mammals will develop osteoarthritis (SM Fox 2007). Chronic degenerative joint disease in older dogs results from years of wear and tear on joints. The signs of arthritis reluctance to move and stiffness upon waking - become more obvious in cold winter months.

Dogs are not the only pets to suffer from arthritis. Older cats can have painful elbows from years of jumping off the couch, and frequently also have painful stiff lower backs.

Conventional treatment for dogs and cats consists of rest, anti-inflammatory medications chondroprotective injections and, in some cases, surgery. These can work well, but anti-inflammatory medications can cause side effects in some pets, especially effects on kidneys, liver and in some cases gastric ulceration.

Rest is not always best. Many dogs with painful joints will move more freely given short frequent periods of low impact exercise.

Holistic vets use a multimodal approach including weight loss, oral supplements such as omega three essential fatty acids and glucosamine and chondroitin, and physical therapies to reduce the impact of arthritis on the lives of pets and their owners. These are treatments such as acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments and massage, which reduce pain and anxiety and improve joint function and mobility.

Changes to diet can help. Feeding a diet lower in cereals, and higher in antioxidants and omega three essential fatty acids not only supports overall wellness in most patients, but also can assist with weight loss and also reduce joint inflammation. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, foods have different energetics (warm, hot, cool or cold) and flavours (salty, sweet, bitter, pungent or sour), which can be used to correct the underlying disharmonies that may lead to arthritis.

So in the chilly months ahead, try some warming foods such as squash, sweet potato, trout, anchovy, basil, chicken, garlic, ginger, rosemary, turnip and vinegar for your arthritic pooch.

Karen Goldrick BVSc CVA (IVAS)
All Natural Vet Care
02 9712 5844 
www.naturalvet.com.au

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