Veterinary Herbal Management of Arthritis

Does your dog have trouble going upstairs, getting into the car, or rising from their bed?

Modification of the course of the arthritic disease processes is the essential first treatment of arthritis, not just attempting to treat the clinical effects of the disease with anti-inflammatories. The patient will be treated with Pentosan polysulfate sodium (Pentosan), a semi-synthetic drug manufactured from beechwood hemicellulose. Pentosan enhances synovial fluid quality, stimulates cartilage repair, improves the quality of soft tissues encompassing the joints, has some anti-inflammatory actions, and provides improvement in subchondral bone lesions.

Secondly, slowly decreasing the amount of NSAID being administered by replacement with herbs that have anti-inflammatory actions. Antirheumatic herbs and herbs with salicylate anti-inflammatories can reduce the severity and danger of NSAID side effects; studies show such herbs can be as effective as traditional drugs such as aspirin and phenylbutazone.

Herbal blends can include herbs to increase blood circulation to tissues, especially skeletal tissue, optimising tissue function, removal of toxins, and support repair processes. Elimination of toxins with depuratives (blood cleansers) and support to optimize liver and kidney functioning in their detoxification processes can prevent the chronic build of wastes and toxins which would cause ongoing anti-inflammatory and immune system triggering. Circulatory stimulants increase blood flow to extremities and joints, improve organ function, and thus patient vitality.

Muscular spasms from musculoskeletal pain will also affect the animal’s mobility, posture,e and gait resulting in a snowball effect of pain, inflammation, reduction in function, and increase in musculoskeletal tissue damage. Herbs to provide relaxation, analgesia and reduction of anxiety can be incorporated into prescription blends. Spasmolytic, antianxiety, and sedating herbs can reduce muscle spasms, allow relaxation,n and provide analgesia.

Gut health is extremely important and Leaky Gut must be repaired and gut tissues maintained in order to prevent the absorption of substances that will trigger inflammation. Gut-related immune tissues must be in optimal condition by ensuring cells lining the gut are not damaged. Weight loss in obese animals is a vital part of arthritis management and ensuring gut health will also optimize nutrient assimilation.

Complementary therapies such as Therapeutic Laser Therapy will also be employed to provide tissue repair, pain relief and reduction of inflammation. Initial treatments in our clinic can be followed up at home with our convenient Laser Hire Service.