NSAIDs For Canine Osteoarthritis Prove Effective But Not Without Major Risks

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the standard form of treatment for dogs suffering from osteoarthritis. For years, NSAIDs have been prescribed to dogs with this ailment because of their effectiveness in dealing with joint pain.

Over the years, however, more and more studies are emerging that NSAIDs may not be the best treatment for canine osteoarthritis after all. NSAIDs do work by blocking the formation of chemicals in a dogs body which cause inflammation of the joints and joint pain in the affected area. Just like in any disease, the best form of treatment for osteoarthritis should be something that works to repair the source of the disease itself, in this case, degenerating cartilage in the joints. NSAIDs cannot do that. All it can do is to try to stop the inflammation and control the pain. Common names of pain killers used in treatment are Rymadol, Tramadol, and Deramaxx. But take a look at these side effects direct from the Deramaxx web site:

Vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, melena, inappetence, hematemesis, hematochezia, weight loss, nausea, gastrointestinal ulceration, gastrointestinal perforation, salivation. Hematological: Anemia, thrombocytopenia. Hepatic: Hepatic enzyme elevations, decreased or increased total protein and globulin, decreased albumin, decreased BUN, hyperbilirubinemia, icterus, ascites, pancreatitis. Neurological: Lethargy, weakness, seizure, ataxia, tremor, nystagmus, mydriasis. Sensory: Vestibular signs, glazed eyes, uveitis. Behavioral: Aggression, apprehension. Urinary: Azotemia, polydipsia, polyuria, hematuria, low specific gravity, urinary incontinence, urinary tract infection, renal failure. Cardiovascular: Bradycardia. Respiratory: Tachypnea, coughing. Dermatological/Immunological: Fever, edema, facial/muzzle edema, pruritis, urticaria, moist dermatitis, erythema, dermal ulceration/necrosis.

Half of these symptoms, I have no idea what they are, but I am certain they are of a detrimental nature to the happiness of your pet. Moreover, studies are also stating that NSAIDs may pose even more serious side effects that can lead to permanent damage in dogs. Such damages include ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver damage and kidney damage which can lead to death. While we will do anything to help our pets feel happy and pain free, this path of powerful drugs for treatment may be more than we bargained for.

Because of these side effects, more dog owners and more veterinarians are looking for alternatives to NSAIDs to help in dealing with canine osteoarthritis. The one that stands out as most effective and with few, if any, side effects, are natural supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin. Studies have concluded that the combination of these two supplements effectively control joint pain better than NSAIDs. Glucosamine treats osteoarthritis right at its source, the degenerated cartilage tissue in the dogs joints. Glucosamine is a building block of cartilage tissue and also acts as a catalyst to the formation of new cartilage tissue. In effect, glucosamine helps treat osteoarthritis by assisting in the repair of damaged and degenerated cartilage tissue.

As for chondroitin, chondroitin works by keeping harmful enzymes that cause inflammation away from the joints. It also aids in the tasks to be done by glucosamine by attracting liquids that will provide lubrication to the joints.

Glucosamine and chondroitin, as clearly stated above, treat osteoarthritis by dealing with the source of the ailment. Pain relief comes from healing, not masking pain.

Do glucosamine and chondroitin display side effects on the same degree as those of NSAIDs? The answer is that none are discovered yet, and most likely, there will be few and not nearly as severe as the side effects of NSAIDs. Glucosamine and chondroitin are natural compounds both found naturally in the dogs body.