Canine Arthritis Treatments - Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (Nsaids) Vs Corticosteroids

Canine arthritis can be very uncomfortable andside affects if taken too much or misused. The
painful for your dog. Arthritis or osteoarthritis is aadrenal gland produces corticosteroids naturally in
condition where the cartilage between jointsdogs. Because this is a natural process, side
begins to wear away and slowly becomes thinner.affects are more common and widespread. Each
Nerves do not exist in cartilage and thereforedog may react differently due to additional
there is no pain with regular joint movement.amounts of the substance entering their body.
However bones have nerves and when theSide affects are more apparent if used for a
cartilage is gone, they touch causing pain for theprolonged period of time and are unlikely if used
dog. There are many treatment options availableonly for short-term use. Some side affects are
when discussing dog care and arthritis. If thediarrhea, vomiting, weight gain, behavioral changes,
condition requires medical treatment, you mightelevated liver enzymes, and diabetes mellitus.
end up asking yourself which treatment is bestDogs under long term use are more susceptible
for your dog. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatoryto bacterial and viral infections because
drugs or NSAID's and Corticosteriods are amongcorticosteroids suppress immune responses.
the most common treatments available. Both ofDog health is important to pet owners and it is
these treatments have their advantages andbetter if these types of medications never have
disadvantages.to be used. By not using them, there are no
NSAID's reduce pain and inflammation caused byadverse affects and only naturally occurring
osteoarthritis and other conditions. When irritationconditions will arise. You may not be able to
or an injury occurs, the body responds byprevent everything, but here are some things
becoming inflamed in that area. This is a sign thatthat can be done. Give your dog regular exercise
something is wrong. NSAID's block the chemicalsthat provides a good range of motion. This way
that cause inflammation and have been approvedfluid will move through the joints lubricating and
for dogs only. Their most common use is forkeeping them healthy. Give your dog the right dog
osteoarthritis and post surgery pain. Before theyfood and the right amount. Use dog nutrition
are prescribed, the dog should have a thoroughsupplements to prevent conditions from occurring
history and physical exam done as well as bloodand also slow down the progression of arthritis
and urine tests. They shouldn't be used inand other conditions. By doing these things, your
conjunction with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids.dog will be healthier and have a life with little pain
When considering giving your dog these medicines,as possible.
make sure they have no pre-existing conditionsNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's)
that may be affected by the medication. It canand corticosteroids are used to treat inflammation
cause kidney problems if dehydration occurs orin dogs caused by osteoarthritis. Both of these
there is a pre-existing condition. Other side affectsmedications have benefits as well as side affects.
such as liver issues, stomach, and intestinal issuesNSAID's have less common and more severe
have been known to occur but are not asside affects whereas corticosteroids have more
common.common and moderate side affects. It is always
Corticosteroids are another form ofbest to avoid medical treatment if necessary and
anti-flammatory drug that reduces swelling,provide a good diet, exercise, and use dog
irritation, and immune deficiencies. They havesupplements for arthritis. Visit to find out more
been proven to be very effective if usedabout preventing dog arthritis.
appropriately but are also known to cause bad