by Teresa Garden, DVM

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
At Animal Health & Healing we prefer to start using nutraceuticals as soon as symptoms occur or even before if a particular pet may be at greater risk for developing joint disease. These supplements are not only effective but are safe and avoid the nasty side-effects of NSAIDS. Fish oil containing the omega-3 essential fatty acids EPA and DHA can decrease bone and joint inflammation thereby reducing pain. Glucosamine sulfate stimulates the production of glycosaminoglycans which help repair damaged cartilage. The clinical benefits of this nutrient have been well documented. Glucosamine promotes cartilage synthesis, repairs damaged joints, and provides long-term relief of pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis. Manganese is an antioxidant needed for bone and cartilage growth and collagen formation. Studies have shown animals lacking manganese produce less glycosaminoglycans. Perna Mussel, a natural source of glycosaminoglycans, provides hyaluric acid which aids the body in maintaining synovial fluid viscosity for proper lubrication of bones and joints. Perna Mussel has been shown to decrease the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative joint disease of the stifle joint. MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane) is an organic form of sulfur absorbed and utilized by the body. It is an important nutrient for making collagen and maintaining connective tissue function. MSM has both analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been shown to decrease pain by 82% in double-blind studies. It can help to repair worn or damaged cartilage in joints, ligaments, and tendons. Sea cucumber will inhibit production of prostaglandins which will then decrease musculoskeletal inflammation. There are nutraceuticals on the market that combine these nutrients together. After feeding such a supplement for 4-6 weeks an improvement in ambulation should be evident in your pet.

HERBS
Herbs are generally safer and healthier than some conventional medical treatments. They promote a balanced state of health throughout the body. Herbs support the body's own efforts to achieve an optimum state of health. When used properly, herbs can be just as powerful and effective in relieving pain as western drugs. Boswellia contains terpenes which reduce inflammatory products such as leukotrienes. Boswellia also promotes integrity of cartilage leading to healthy joint function. Yucca contains saponins which decrease prostaglandins and improve blood flow to joints. Meadowsweet contains salicin (an aspirin-like chemical) which inhibits prostaglandin formation and inflammation. Ginger decreases production of leukotrienes and prostaglandins. Alfalfa and Angelica (a member of the parsley family) will improve blood flow to bones and joints and will decrease inflammation. Tumeric supplies antioxidant activity to protect cells from excessive free radicals. Celery seed will clear toxic waste products away from joints.

ACUPUNCTURE AND ALPHA-STIM
Acupuncture has been used for 3,000 years to treat animals and people throughout the world. It recently has been gaining in popularity in the USA. Acupuncture promotes deep healing by stimulating nerves, increasing blood circulation, relieving muscle spasms, and causing the release of endorphins. This wonderful modality allows energy in the body to find its proper balance thereby producing the desired healing effect. Acupuncture should only be performed by a veterinarian certified by IVAS (International Veterinary Acupuncture Society). At Animal Health & Healing we have used acupuncture to successfully treat hip and elbow dysplasia, disc disease, arthritis, stifle injuries, paresis, and paralysis. Most animals become very relaxed and may even become sleepy during treatment. When used by a properly trained veterinarian, acupuncture is one of the safest forms of medical treatment.

Alpha-Stimulation is a prescription medical device that combines microcurrent electrical therapy (MET) and cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) to treat both medical and behavioral disorders. This treatment can be performed at our veterinary clinic or by you in your own home. This is a drugless treatment modality that can help pets suffering from chronic pain. The pain relief from Alpha-Stim is residual and cumulative, resulting in less frequent use.
Osteoarthritis is a chronic progressive disease if left untreated. This disease can limit your pet's quality of life by impairing simple body functions such as walking, urinating, and defecating. With sound holistic treatment the progression of arthritis can be halted or even reversed. The above therapies can also help to reduce or eliminate the need for NSAID use thereby avoiding their potentially damaging side-effects.

Dr. Teresa Garden is chief veterinarian and owner of Animal Health & Healing, a full-service holistic and conventional veterinary practice in the Maplewood/Richmond Heights area. AnimalHealthandHealing.com; phone: 314-781-1738.