Avocado and Soybean Unsaponifiables: Nature’s Secret Dog Arthritis Remedy

Nature has its many secret remedies. Who knew that avocadoes and soybeans could be good for arthritis?
The leading and most trusted publication on arthritis, The Journal of Rheumatology,” published a study by a Belgian university on the beneficial effects of avocado and soybean unsaponfiables or ASU on arthritic patients last August 2003. The article mentioned that ASU could increase the production of aggrecans.

Aggrecans are molecules that hold on to water molecules. This action keeps the cartilage tissue spongy, enabling to absorb mechanical forces. When aggrecan production is low, the cartilage tissue becomes dry and can be easily eroded by friction caused when the joints are moving.

There were other clinical studies that revealed the other benefits of ASU. A three-month study showed that patients taking ASU relied much less on pain medication. This is a breakthrough in arthritis treatment since many of these pain medications are very potent and have dangerous side effects. Another study, which was carried out over six-months supported the results of the three-month study. Clinical tests showed that patients treated with ASU felt less pain compared to those treated with a placebo.

The longest of these studies aimed at studying the long-term benefits of ASU use was over a two-year period. Arthritic patients were given ASU and the results of this study revealed less joint space narrowing and healthier cartilage.

The positive results of these studies have made vets consider that ASU can be effective treatment for dog arthritis. In fact, there are now many dietary supplements containing ASU are specifically formulated for dogs. One of the more trusted brands by vets is Maximize ASU. It lists ASU as its main active component; thus, it contains more ASU compared to other products. It is a common practice to use an ASU supplement with other supplements such as GlycanAid or Dasuquin.

Although avocadoes are toxic to dogs, ASU has been found to be very safe. There are no known side effects. Nonetheless some precautions should be considered. Firstly, ASU may interact with levothyroxine, warfarin and may affect iron absorption. Secondly, an allergic reaction should never be ruled out so owners should keep a vigilant eye on a pet being treated with ASU. An allergic reaction most likely will manifest as digestive problems. Before administering any ASU supplement always talk to your vet first.

Practical Tips for Dog Exercises

Dog owners need to provide their dogs with regular exercise. A dog should have enough exercise to keep the animal fit and healthy. Furthermore, exercise helps to improve a dog’s behavior. Dogs that do not receive enough exercise often become restless when bored. This can lead to the animal being destructive.

Therefore, aside from food, shelter, affection, and the occasional bath, a dog should be given sufficient physical activity. It keeps the dog fit, healthy and well-behaved (in most cases).

Nevertheless, exercise can be detrimental to a dog’s health if done incorrectly. There is always the chance for strain or injury. Also, any strenuous physical activity can exacerbate the destruction of cartilage in the joints. This can lead to the early development of dog arthritis. To avoid this, here are some dog exercise tips any dog owner can follow:

1. Exercise in moderation. Dog owners should know when their dog is “dog tired.” Pushing your dog to its limits defeats the purpose of exercise. The goal here is to keep the dog active, not to break records in dog sports.

2. Choose an exercise that is appropriate for your dog. If you are unsure, it would be best to consult your vet before you adopt an exercise for your pet. The dog’s breed, size, age and overall health condition should be considered. 

3. Enrol your dog in obedience classes. These classes provide a healthy amount of physical activity. It also sharpens a dog’s mind. Another advantage is that the interaction with other people and other dogs help transform the animal into a well-adjusted dog. You can take it up a notch by enrolling in a canine agility class. 

4. You do not need to spend a lot of money on exercise for your dog. If you do not have the change to spare for obedience classes, then there are many dog exercises that you can do for free. Walking your dog is a good example. Another example is retrieving. Just be careful with the object or toy used for fetching. Dog owners are advised not to use heavy objects or items that could cause choking hazards. It is also advisable not to throw the toy or object too high. The dog can get injured when the animal jumps and lands on its hind legs.

5. Have fun. Exercise should be viewed as an opportunity to bond with your pet. Exercise, ideally, should strengthen the dog’s body and sharpen the animal’s mind; but above all else, it should be fun.

Dog Dieting Tips

A study carried out in 2008 revealed that there about 30 million dogs in the US that are overweight or obese. The number is equivalent to 44% of the US dog population. This is a significant veterinary health issue since obese dogs are most likely to develop early dog arthritis, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.

There are physiological conditions that can contribute to weight gain; nevertheless, it all comes down to two major factors: overfeeding and a lack of exercise. This means that unless the dog owner makes the necessary changes in how they treat their dog, then weight loss is very difficult.

The first thing dog owners need to do is to accept there is a problem. Some people prefer their pets to be on the heavy side. Again, it is worth pointing out that an overweight pet is not a healthy one.

The second thing they can do is to consult a vet. It would be unsafe to place a dog on a diet that is not recommended by a vet. An overweight dog’s health is already compromised; you do not want the dog’s health to deteriorate further by starving the animal.

During a veterinary appointment, an overweight dog is examined. Sometimes a blood test is carried out. This step ensures that whatever weight loss program is recommended, it will be catered to your dog’s current state of health. Although you want a decrease in calories, you certainly don’t want to deny the dog essential nutrients it needs to stay healthy.

The following are components of a good diet:

1. Essential Fatty Acids. Fat needs to be reduced in a weight loss diet, but it cannot be fully removed. Some forms of fat are beneficial to the body such as omega-3 fatty acids. The best source of essential fatty acids is fish oil.

2. Soluble Fiber. One way of aiding the weight loss process is by increasing the intake of soluble fiber since it increases the dog’s metabolism. Meals rich in fiber are very filling as well.

3. Protein. Overweight dogs undergoing a weight loss program will likely have an exercise program. The dog must receive the recommended amount of protein to prevent muscle loss and promote fat burning.

4. Vitamins and minerals. The main objective of any weight loss diet is to promote weight while making sure the dog is healthy. Vitamins and minerals ensure that dog’s bodily functions are unaffected even though animal is eating less food.

For more information on how to treat and care for dog arthritis, visit: http://www.dogarthritisblog.info

The 2012 Arthritis Walk

Here is some information from the Arthritis Foundation. Human Arthritis that is, but the work they do helps our dogs as well. Plus they would love to get our dogs active and involved.

Continue on reading just visit our site Dog Arthritis or click here.

Are Dog Foods With Glucosamine Supplements Effective?

Dog arthritis is very common in older dogs. With more than 5 million dogs affected in the U.S.A. alone, there are plenty of companies looking to grab a share of the money that’s spent every year on dog arthritis treatments.

One industry that’s really trying to grab some market share is pet food manufacturers. In order to attract dog arthritis business, some pet food companies are selling products that contain glucosamine, chondroitin and Omega 3 fatty acids.

Visit our site just click here.

A Dog Owner’s Overview for Grade 2 Dog Arthritis

Some people view dog arthritis as a natural part of the ageing process. Although there is some truth to this, it often leads to a belief that the disease does not require treatment. However, dog arthritis does require veterinary attention, and if it is treated in its early stages, the damage done to the joints can be reversed.

In my veterinary practice, I have created a grading system to assess the severity of a dog’s arthritis. This grading system has proven to be helpful because it helps owners have a better grasp of their dog’s condition plus it serves as a guide for me, so I can recommend treatment options that can specifically address the medical needs of the dog at a certain grade of arthritis. This article will be a brief but detailed discussion on grade 2 dog arthritis.

Grade 2 Dog Arthritis Symptoms and Treatments 

X-rays and arthroscopy will reveal the early signs of bone spurs or osteophytes. The joint space will also be narrower and some scar tissue will start to build up around the affected joint. Hence, some swelling and thickening of the joints will be noticed in the affected joints.

In grade 2 dog arthritis, the dog will be experiencing mild lameness more frequently especially after some physical activity or after period of rest. Also, the dog will become less active. The arthritic dog may move slower, avoid jumping or running, and will go around obstacles instead of going over them.

If arthritis is caught at this stage, the window of opportunity to reverse the effects of the disease still exists. Treating grade 2 dog arthritis requires treatments used in grade 1 dog arthritis with the addition of Tramadol and dietary supplements.

Tramadol is a prescription painkiller that is considered to be one of the most reliable analgesics and can even be considered as a replacement for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, the drug is not available in some countries and states as local laws have labelled it as a controlled substance.

For dietary supplements, look for products containing fish oil omega-3 fatty acids. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid, which can reduce inflammation that can only be found in fish oil. Studies have also revealed that omega-3 helps to protect the existing cartilage from further damage. Another nutrient you should look for in a supplement is Niacinamide or Vitamin B3. This vitamin improves cartilage production, prevents further cartilage damage, and improves joint mobility. Lastly, look for supplements containing Avocado and Soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU). This substance has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and can help improve chondrocyte metabolism.

Assessing and Treating Dog Arthritis

An effective treatment plan for dog arthritis must have the following objectives: (1) cartilage repair and protection, (2) inflammation management and (3) pain relief. However, the treatment plan must be based on an accurate assessment of the patient’s condition. In human medicine, a grading system is used to assess a patient’s stage of arthritis. This helps the patient better understand his or her condition and makes it easier for the doctor to formulate an appropriate treatment that can be catered to the patient’s condition. In my veterinary practice, I have formulated a similar grading system for dog arthritis. In my grading system, I use four grades with one describing the mildest form through to four which refers to the most severe form.

Grade 1 Arthritis 

This grade refers to the onset of the disease where damage to the joint cartilage is quite minimal. From time to time, the dog will be experiencing mild lameness, however, it will hardly be noticeable. The dog will be experiencing minor pain as well, but will hide this so the owner will barely notice anything wrong with their dog. If you are lucky enough to catch the disease in this early stage, weight management, exercise and supplements will be helpful to prevent the disease from progressing to the next stage. Preventing surgery can also be an option.

Grade 2 Arthritis

In this grade, the mild lameness will be more frequent especially after resting or doing some physical activity. X-rays and endoscopy will reveal the early signs of bone spurs, the growth of scar tissue around the joint and the narrowing of the joint space. For treatment, options used for grade 1 arthritis should be reinforced with Tramadol and omega- 3 supplements.

Grade 3 Arthritis

When your dog’s arthritis reaches this stage, the dog will be experiencing severe and frequent lameness, pronounced joint inflammation and chronic joint pain. X-rays and endoscopy will show large bone spurs, more scar tissue and cracks in the cartilage. Treatment of grade 3 arthritis should compose of grade 1 and 2 arthritis treatment options with the addition of neuropathic pain medicines, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and dietary supplements containing bioflavanoids and potent anti-oxidants.

Grade 4 Arthritis

The last grade describes the most severe form of dog arthritis. X-rays and endoscopy will show the presence of large bone spurs, extensive cartilage damage and dense scar tissue surrounding the affected joint(s). In this stage, the dog will be rendered almost totally immobile. Treatment for this grade will include grade 1, 2, and 3 arthritis treatments, stem cell therapy, doxycycline, stronger opioids, biophosphonates and cortisone injections.