Spondylosis in Dogs

Spondylosis deformans (spondylitis) is common in middle-age and older animals, including dogs. Like all aging joints, the spine can get arthritic. Spondylosis deformans is similar to dog arthritis, with bone spurs forming on the vertebrae. Many dogs have no symptoms, but if the condition progresses the vertebrae can fuse together, causing pain and stiffness. Although spondylosis deformans is incurable, there are both medical and home-care options to allow the dog a pain-free, active life.

Symptoms
Dogs with spondylosis deformans can be asymptomatic for many years and usually shows up in mid-life or the senior years. This can depend on the size of the dog. A small or toy dog is not considered middle-aged until 7-9 years old, while a large or giant breed dog is middle-aged at about 4, since their average life expectancy is typically 10 years or less.

If your dog is stiff after getting up, appears to be limping (especially after exercise) or begins snapping or licking her lower back, take her to a veterinarian. Occasionally, a bony spur or fusing of the vertebrae will cause loss of bladder control and the dog will become incontinent.

Diagnosis
Spondylosis deformans is usually diagnosed by x-ray of the spine. If the x-ray is inconclusive, a myelogram can check for compression of spinal nerves, or an analysis of the joint fluid can rule out bacterial or fungal inflammation of the spine.

Conventional Treatment
Treatment of spondylosis deforman depends on the symptoms. If the dog shows no signs of pain in dogs or limping, treatment is unnecessary. The most common medications used for pain and inflammation are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Rimadyl, Deramaxx and Etogesic. If the dog does not respond well to NSAIDs, the vet may inject cortosteroids into the lower spine. An injection is typically effective for six to eight months.

Surgical procedures are not usually recommended, as surgery to remove the bone spurs simply result in rapid regrowth of the bone spur. However, several veterinary researchers are working toward different surgical procedures to effect long-term relief. A board-certified veterinary orthopedist will be able to tell you about the latest surgical findings.

Alternative Treatment
Complementary and holistic veterinarians may use other treatments to ease the pain of spondylosis deformans. Acupuncture may help dogs with spondylosis and arthritis dogs. If a dog responds well to acupuncture, gold bead implants provide long-term relief by surgically implanting small gold beads at acupuncture points.

Chiropractic adjustments may help by realigning the vertebrae and easing inflammation caused by pressure from the bony spurs. See Resources below to find a holistic vet experienced in alternative treatments for spondylosis.

Home Care
There are many things you can do in conjunction with veterinary care to keep your dog comfortable. The most important factor is weight control; excess weight keeps pressure on the spine and arthritic joints and keeping your dog lean at any age minimizes or eradicates a lot of pain and stiffness.

Since strong, toned muscles can compensate for weak joints and stiffness, mild daily exercise as tolerated helps keep a dog with spondylosis deformans limber. Swimming is particularly good exercise for any dog. Ask your vet for a referral to a physical therapy clinic that offers controlled swimming in warm water for dogs.

Natural anti-inflammatory supplements such as fish oil, glucosamine and chrondroitin may help a great deal.

Natural anti inflammatory for dogs

Eating right when you're sick is especially important and just like with humans, finding the right foods for your dog when he's ill can be challenging. When your dog is suffering from inflamed joints the impact from what he eats is apparent, crucial and essential for his long-term care.

Canine Joint Inflammation and Prescription Foods
The inflammation causing accumulation of fluids around your dog's bone joints can come from a variety of veterinary issues including degenerative joint disease in dogs, a localized injury, blood clot abnormalities, tumors, systemic polyarthritis disease, bacterial infection or is breed specific. Canine joint effusion, or swelling, causes pain and can lead to long-term illness or deformity. Whenever you wish to change your dog's diet, it is important to consult his veterinarian. Several commercial prescription recipes dedicated to relieve joint swelling in your dog are available. Since the swelling of your dog's joints predicates cartilage destruction, prescription diets for joint inflammation use natural glucosamine and chondroitin for dogs as building blocks for healthy joint cartilage.

Natural Anti-Inflammation Foods
A serious consideration when thinking about an anti-inflammatory diet for your dog is meeting his nutritional requirements. The first and most prominent ingredient in any dog's diet should be protein. Lean protein with omega-3 fatty acids such as chicken, and fish, including sardines and salmon, are among the strongest anti-inflammatory foods. According to the administration at the Natural Home Remedies Site, research into what foods have an anti-inflammatory effect on dog joints is based on the same science conducted on people. In accordance to such data, an anti-inflammatory canine diet includes vegetables like sweet potatoes, butternut squash, broccoli, spinach, kale and fruits such as mango, pineapple and papaya.

Herbal and Supplemental Dietary Additions
Adding herbal and natural supplements for dog arthritis to your dog's food is based on his size and the extent of his joint inflammation. Since dogs afflicted with joint inflammation show relief from foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, adding fish oil to his diet helps. Liquorice, used as an oil infusion, is a popular natural anti-inflammatory dietary addition with few known side effects. Add OmNutra Pet Essentials Advanced Pet Joint Care to his diet. Its advanced formula with Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C & E will help rebuild the worn out cartilage causing the difficulty in mobility. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties close to cortisone, and dog owners use this dried spice by sprinkling it onto their dog's food.

Foods to Avoid
Almost as important as anti-inflammatory foods are for dogs with joint inflammation, are foods that are definite no-nos. Foods that exacerbate joint inflammation include those with omega-6 fatty acids. Foods containing linoleic acid and gamma linoleic, such as the fat found in corn oil, should be avoided. These foods have a catalytic effect to the inflammatory chemicals naturally occurring in your dog's body. Many grains are considered pro-inflammatory and grain-free diets prove beneficial for dogs suffering with inflamed joints. Many nonprescription commercial pet foods contain an unhealthy imbalance of omega-6 fatty acids, leaving common store bought foods for dog's with joint ailments, undesirable.

How much glucosamine for dog?

Glucosamine is often recommended for aging dogs with degenerative arthritis and cartilage problems. It is a dietary supplement that helps reduce inflammation and retard cartilage damage. There are occasionally some side effects, and dogs can become ill if they get an overdose of glucosamine. However, the problems are minimal.

Glucosamine Tablets
Glucosamine tablets for dogs contain glycosaminoglycans, which aid in building cartilage and in bolstering fluid in the joints. They should not be the only remedy for dogs suffering from osteoarthritis, but should be used in combination with mild exercise and weight control. The tablets can include cartilage from cows and sharks and crustacean chitin. Similar tablets are available at pharmacies for people. A typical dose for a 25-lb. dog starts at roughly 500 mg of glucosamine and 400 mg of chondroitin. This is doubled for every 25 pounds of weight. Dosing frequency is typically daily initially, with tablets given less frequently after a few weeks. Consult a veterinarian for recommended dosage based on the dog.

Overdosing Has Minimal Problems
Glucosamine is considered a safe dietary supplement, with little to no side effects. Some dog owners have reported mild stomach upsets and diarrhea. The product package lists dosing recommendations. The tablets are not licensed by the FDA, therefore you should take care when purchasing glucosamine tablets and buy from quality manufacturers. Generic, inexpensive products on the market might not be as effective.

Dogs With Diabetes Should Avoid Glucosamine
Do not give dogs with diabetes pills or food with glucosamine unless approved by a veterinarian. The severity of the dog's diabetes can play a part. Glucosamine can block insulin formation and can trigger insulin resistance. As a result, sugar can build up to dangerous levels. Veterinarians might suggest lesser doses of glucosamine or might periodically monitor a diabetic dog's blood sugar while on glucosamine tablets.

Costly Treatments
The cost of glucosamine tablets and powders might be prohibitive for some dog owners. For example, a 50-lb. dog could take $1.50 worth of supplements a day initially, until the dose is cut back. The dose is typically lowered after the first several weeks as the dog's condition improves.

Where to Buy Glucosamine
Glucosamine tablets for dogs are available from veterinarians, at pet shops, and via many online suppliers. Many are sold under "dog joint pain relief" formulas. Consult the ingredients and dosing information before administering them. Some veterinarians recommend glucosamine products from pharmacies which are packaged for human use. Ask the vet for dosing information. Glucosamine is often recommended for aging dogs with degenerative arthritis and cartilage problems. It is a dietary supplement that helps reduce inflammation and retard cartilage damage. There are occasionally some side effects, and dogs can become ill if they get an overdose of glucosamine. However, the problems are minimal.

Glucosamine Tablets
Glucosamine tablets for dogs contain glycosaminoglycans, which aid in building cartilage and in bolstering fluid in the joints. They should not be the only remedy for dogs suffering from canine osteoarthritis, but should be used in combination with mild exercise and weight control. The tablets can include cartilage from cows and sharks and crustacean chitin. Similar tablets are available at pharmacies for people. A typical dose for a 25-lb. dog starts at roughly 500 mg of glucosamine and 400 mg of chondroitin. This is doubled for every 25 pounds of weight. Dosing frequency is typically daily initially, with tablets given less frequently after a few weeks. Consult a veterinarian for recommended dosage based on the dog.

Overdosing Has Minimal Problems
Glucosamine is considered a safe dietary supplement, with little to no side effects. Some dog owners have reported mild stomach upsets and diarrhea. The product package lists dosing recommendations. The tablets are not licensed by the FDA, therefore you should take care when purchasing glucosamine tablets and buy from quality manufacturers. Generic, inexpensive products on the market might not be as effective.

Dogs With Diabetes Should Avoid Glucosamine
Do not give dogs with diabetes pills or food with glucosamine unless approved by a veterinarian. The severity of the dog's diabetes can play a part. Glucosamine and chondroitin for dogs can block insulin formation and can trigger insulin resistance. As a result, sugar can build up to dangerous levels. Veterinarians might suggest lesser doses of glucosamine or might periodically monitor a diabetic dog's blood sugar while on glucosamine tablets.

Costly Treatments
The cost of glucosamine tablets and powders might be prohibitive for some dog owners. For example, a 50-lb. dog could take $1.50 worth of supplements a day initially, until the dose is cut back. The dose is typically lowered after the first several weeks as the dog's condition improves.

Where to Buy Glucosamine
Glucosamine tablets for dogs are available from veterinarians, at pet shops, and via many online suppliers. Many are sold under "joint relief" formulas. Consult the ingredients and dosing information before administering them. Some veterinarians recommend glucosamine products from pharmacies which are packaged for human use. Ask the vet for dosing information.

What is the best medicine for dogs arthritis

If your dog is suffering from arthritis or other nonlife-threatening painful conditions, an anti-inflammatory medication might offer relief. Although you can purchase anti-inflammatory medications for your dog over the counter, always check with your vet before buying and administering these drugs. Many of these supplements require daily administration for days or weeks before having any noticeable affect on your dog.

Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane
Methyl-sulfonyl-methane, or MSM, contains antiinflammatory for dogs and antioxidant properties. This sulfur source, found naturally in many foods -- including fruits and vegetables -- helps support cartilage repair. MSM dogs also might benefit dogs with skin and respiratory issues, and possibly slow tumor growth. As an antioxidant, it might slow the aging process. Commercial MSM supplements usually are well-tolerated by dogs and considered safe when given in appropriate doses. Your vet can recommend MSM brands and the correct dosage for your pet, taking into consideration his age, weight and overall health.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, often included in the same supplement, fall into the category of nutraceuticals. These are food additives with healthy benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties. Glucosamine supplements for dogs, extracted from mollusk or crustacean shells, aids in joint lubrication production and helps to repair damaged cartilage. In addition, it benefits the urinary tract, along with nail and skin formation. Chondroitin sulfate, which occurs naturally in the body, dissipates in aging animals, so supplementation can restore this substance with inherent pain-killing qualities. Chondroitin sulfate aids to repair and protect cartilage.

Fatty Acid Supplementation
The fatty acids found in fish and flaxseed oils sport anti-inflammatory properties. If your dog is suffering from pruritus, or itchy skin, these omega-3 fatty acids can offer help from dryness and scratching. They also aid canines with degenerative joint disease. For dogs, fish oil makes more sense than flaxseed oils. While both are safe, canines convert fish oil to omega-3 fatty acids in their body much more efficiently than flaxseed oil. Give your dogs fatty acid supplements for at least one month before expecting results. Your vet can recommend specific brands and the correct dosage for your pet.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
If you want to relieve aches and pains, you might take an aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen or naproxen tablet or gelcap to ease your discomfort. Those over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should never be given to your pet without veterinary recommendation. If your dog accidentally consumes any NSAIDs designed for people, call your vet immediately. Without prompt treatment, your dog could develop NSAID toxicosis, possibly resulting in death.

How to Tell if your Dog has Arthritis

Dogs can develop arthritis gradually as a result of aging, or they can exhibit arthritis like symptoms suddenly, usually due to injury. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are ways to manage the condition and make your dog more comfortable. As some serious medical conditions mimic the arthritis in dogs symptoms, it’s always best to check with your vet for a formal diagnosis and to discuss treatment options.

Arthritis Symptoms
Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints, which is typically seen in older dogs. Large and giant breeds are more susceptible to the condition because of their size and weight. Obese dogs are more prone to arthritis because of the excess strain on joints. Primary symptoms include a slowness to movement, stiffness when standing and a reluctance to run, climb and jump onto elevated surfaces.

Arthritis Diagnosis
Your vet likely will perform an orthopedic exam manipulating your dog's limbs to assess mobility, stiffness and potential ligament or bone injuries. He’ll also watch your dog walk on different surfaces and ask you for information about his physical behaviors. X-rays and ultrasounds may be used in the diagnostic process as well.

Sudden Onset Arthritis
If your dog exhibits arthritis like symptoms suddenly, he could have an injury, such as an anterior cruciate ligament tear, a soft tissue injury, broken bone or dislocated hip. These injuries require immediate veterinary treatment to prevent further damage. Sudden lethargy, lameness and difficulty with movement are also signs of numerous other medical conditions, including neurological problems, and should be evaluated by a medical professional.

Arthritis Prevention
Keeping your dog at a healthy weight may help to reduce the severity of arthritis. Regular exercise and a well-balanced diet can keep your dog in good overall health. Reduce the pressure on knees, hips and shoulders by limiting stair climbing, especially in older dogs or breeds prone to arthritis. Your vet may recommend joint supplements containing glucosamine chondroitin dogs and omega-3 fatty acids to lubricate arthritic joins.

Arthritis Treatment
Dogs with arthritis often can have a good quality of life with a little help from you. Your vet may recommend anti inflammatory drugs for dogs to reduce pain and swelling or cortisone shots to improve joint mobility. Give your dog a low, soft, warm and supportive sleeping space and avoid prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. Physical therapy exercises, heat and water therapy and even massage can help reduce symptoms as well. In some cases, joint replacement surgery can help improve mobility and reduce pain.

What to Give Dogs for Arthritis

Arthritis is common in older dogs. Symptoms of arthritis in dogs include stiffness in all four legs, difficulty negotiating stairs and being reluctant to move. These symptoms tend to be worse right after the dog wakes up, or when he is cold. All dogs with these symptoms should see a vet to be sure it is arthritis and not something else. After a diagnosis, treatment can begin.

Diet
Arthritis is worse in overweight dogs. According to both The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats and the Arthritis Foundation, the best thing any owner of an dogs arthritis can do is make sure she is put on a low-fat diet to lose any extra weight. As the dog loses weight, she will have more energy to exercise, which will in turn boost her weight loss.

Exercise
Stiff dog joint pain become more supple with gentle exercise. Avoid exercising the dog in cold and damp weather, because that may be asking too much of the joints. If the dog is resistant in the morning, go for a walk in the afternoon or evening, once his limbs have a chance to warm up. Swimming is great, non-impact exercise for a dog.

Heat Therapy
The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats also recommends hot water bottles or hot compresses for dogs having an arthritis flareup. Hot water bottles or warm water compresses can be placed next to or on top of a stiff joint. If the dog yelps or shrinks away from the bottle or compress, it is too hot.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the use of hair-thin needles placed at strategic points. Sometimes these needles are given a mild electric current. Many dogs fall asleep during treatments. These treatments are done periodically and combined with diet, exercise and other therapies. According to one study (see Resources), the use of acupuncture alone did not significantly help dogs with elbow arthritis.

Warnings
Do not give dogs human arthritis medications, painkillers or nutritional supplements. These will be far too powerful for dogs, especially small dogs. Doses of medications are based on body weight. Know what your dog weighs. The general rule for aspirin dosage in a dog is 325 mg for every 10 pounds the dog weighs. Never give your dog a human medication of any kind without your vet's approval.

Natural Remedies for Dog Arthritis

Once your dog reaches late middle age, it's likely he's affected by arthritis to some degree. While your veterinarian can prescribe medication to ease symptoms of arthritis in dogs, some of these drugs are expensive and side effects -- often serious -- are common. Unless your dog is severely afflicted, natural remedies often can alleviate arthritis pain with fewer potential side effects. Natural remedies for canine arthritis include therapies, such as acupuncture and massage, and nutritional pet supplements. Consult your vet before using any natural therapies or supplements on your dog.

The Right Diet

If your arthritic dog is overweight, relieve some of the stress on his joints by putting him on a diet. Your veterinarian can recommend a regimen for your pet, combined with the proper amount of exercise for his age and condition. Your vet might suggest changing your dog's food to one containing natural arthritis-fighting ingredients, such as omega-3 fatty acids. She also might recommend switching to a grain-free food, as grain might aggravate arthritis.

Brace, Wraps, Pads and Beds

Ask your vet if a canine orthopedic wrap, brace or pad would help relieve your dog's arthritis-related aches and pains. She can recommend products marketed by reputable manufacturers. Consider buying your dog a specially designed orthopedic bed to help ease joint pain when sleeping. An alternative, for colder weather, is placing a heating pad designed for dogs on his bed.
Canine Acupuncture

Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese therapy, can benefit dogs with arthritis. If your veterinarian doesn't offer acupuncture, she probably can recommend a veterinary acupuncturist. For dogs with arthritis, regular acupuncture treatments can relieve some of the pain associated with degenerative joint disease. The acupuncturist will insert small needles into areas of your dog's body containing blood and nerve tissues. Acupuncture has virtually no side effects, so is a safe therapy when performed by a trained professional.

Canine Massage

Regular massage can help ease your dog's arthritis pain, and you can learn to do it yourself. If possible, give your pet a good massage for about 10 to 20 minutes twice daily, in the morning and evening. Begin by thoroughly petting your dog, then gently knead his muscles. Follow the kneading by rubbing your hands against his skin, which helps loosen tight muscles. Switch back and forth between kneading and rubbing, making firm downward strokes every 10 seconds to aid drainage. Avoid actually massaging his joints, but concentrate on the areas near them.

Vitamins and Herbs

Vitamins C and E can help relieve arthritis pain, as can several herbs. Yucca, boswellia and turmeric all have anti-inflammatory properties, as does bromelain, a pineapple enzyme. Although herbs are natural, that doesn't mean they're risk-free, so understand potential side effects and contraindications before administering them to your dog. If your own vet isn't familiar with herbs, try contacting a holistic veterinary practitioner.

Arthritis Nutraceuticals

You've probably seen "nutraceuticals," or supplements with medicinal benefits, on drugstore and supermarket shelves. Many of the products marketed for human arthritis also come in canine arthritis versions. These include methyl-sufonyl-methane, or MSM, and glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. Many canine joint products contain all three of these substances. MSM is a form of sulfur and sports anti-inflammatory properties. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, which protect cartilage and aid in joint lubrication, also have anti-inflammatory components. Don't expect overnight results from nutraceuticals. It can take several weeks of daily administration before you notice a difference in your dog's movement.