Medications And Alternative Treatments For Canine Rheumatoid Arthritis

Continued From << Canine Rheumatoid Arthritis

What types of Medications are used for Canine Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs are often prescribed to treat the symptoms of your dog's condition.  Some of the most commonly prescribed include carprofen (Rimadyl), buffered aspirin (Palaprin) and polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (Adequan). 

Other medications used to treat canine rheumatoid arthritis include NSAIDs such as aspirin, which is effective against inflammations, although it causes stomach upsets when used over a period of time.  Another drug is etodolac, also effective as an analgesic.  Chondroprotective agents may also be prescribed to help repair cartilage.

Of these medications, Rimadyl is often the most commonly prescribed because it has shown to be effective as a painkiller with very few adverse reactions in dogs.  Adequan is usually given as an injection to help repair damaged cartilage and encourage the growth of healthy joints.  Palaprin is also effective as a pain reliever, with effects that are similar to aspirin but it does not produce the same side effects.

Alternative and Supplementary Treatments for Canine Rheumatoid Arthritis

Canine rheumatoid arthritis tends to be a chronic and progressive disease so it's important that treatment is not limited to medications alone.  It would help your dog a great deal if you try to improve his condition by using other treatments that may help relieve symptoms. 

Sidebar: The next article is about cat arthritis.

Changing your dog's diet, for example, will help reduce his weight and relieve his joints of excess load.  If you're tempted to use herbal or dietary supplements, ask your vet for advice first.  Supplements usually do not have the approval of regulatory agencies and some ingredients may not be beneficial for your dog.

Exercise may be difficult once the condition has progressed but mild activities may be helpful to help your dog maintain his weight and promote mobility, something that canine rheumatoid arthritis usually affects.  Gentle walking exercises and swimming offer low-impact alternatives to more active physical activities.

It is also important to make sure that your dog has a comfortable surrounding.  An orthopedic bed especially designed for your dog's use can offer so much more than a regular blanket or rug.  To ensure that your dog is relaxed, try regular massages to help relieve pain and encourage blood circulation in the muscles.  Your dog might have to live the rest of his life with canine rheumatoid arthritis but it doesn’t mean he has to suffer needlessly.