Greetings,
Welcome to this month's issue of The Pet Arthritis Chronicle. Please pass this along to your friends!

Table of Contents:

1. Content from The Pet Arthritis Resource Center
2. Nutrition and Arthritic Pets
3. Pet Arthritis Message Boards

Big Dogs: Big Problems - Caution on the Exercise Front In the past, we have talked about certain breeds of dogs that are prone to developing arthritis problems. Generally speaking, it is the larger breeds that are more prone. Of course, arthritis does not discriminate. Maximizing Your Pet's Joint Health Anyone who reads these columns knows by now that I am a big fan of dealing with pet arthritis using liquid glucosamine. Without a doubt, it has changed the way that individuals and veterinarians are viewing safe and effective ways to help arthritic pets. Feline Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is an inherited trait involving multiple gene pairs - it is not congenital (meaning an animal is not born with it). The condition develops over time from instability in the hip joint which results from an improper fit of the femoral head (ball-like structure) into the acetabalum (hip socket).

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Nutrition and Arthritic Pets

We have talked about the importance of both diet and exercise when dealing with a pet that has arthritis. I think that diet is such an important issue that it is one we should discuss in greater detail. It is becoming common knowledge that as humans, our bodies perform better when we "eat right." It is equally important for pets to follow healthy food guidelines as well.

The Generic Foods
There are three "groups" of processed foods and it usually one or more of these that we purchase to feed our pets: 1) the "Generic" group, 2) the "Premium" group, and 3) the "natural foods" group. The first group is the focus of this discussion. All three groups appeal to us for obvious reasons. We like the convenience factor. All we have to do is "scoop and dish it."

This first group that I will call the "generics" is the least desirable from a nutritional standpoint. Of course, that is why they carry the lowest price tag. Unfortunately, when you are trying to provide a healthy diet to an arthritic pet, it frankly does a less than desirable job in my opinion.

What is that stuff?
This is the category of pet foods that contains animal and plant by-products. If you are paying attention, they also contain artificial preservatives and additives. This group of pet foods uses the cheapest possible ingredients. Unfortunately, manufacturers are not held to extremely high standards here.

It is also important to note that pet food is a "spin-off" of the human food industry. As we all know, the standards are certainly higher for food manufactured for humans than it is for pets. What happens is that the pet food segment of this industry gets the opportunity to "unload" ingredients that would not pass muster for humans.

This is where you will find that even the "grains" purported to be in these foods is either over processed or is whole grain that is simply not fit for humans to eat. As well, there are often parts of an animal used in manufacturing pet food that frankly put, is not the least bit desirable.

Measuring Up
You do not have to become a "food expert" to make decisions here. Assuming you can afford to spend a little extra for pet food, use some common sense.

Price is a good guideline. If you see a 40-pound bag of dog food that is on sale for $12.95, it is likely not on the most desirable food list (a least, not from my standpoint.) If you study the label, it likely will tell you that this is correct.

Premium and All-Natural
When you move up in price, you are likely looking at "premium" and "all-natural" offerings. The premium brands are going to be on most store shelves and usually they are sold by veterinarians as well. Even this food group does not necessarily have the finest ingredients. Unfortunately, price alone does not always tell the story here.

The "all-natural" pet foods, generally speaking, are the best of the bunch. These use natural preservatives and you are not going to find artificial flavoring or coloring. Of course, the price corresponds to the quality and for some of you it is not feasible from a budget standpoint.

I have recommended using raw vegetables as part of your pet's diet. It is far less expensive and once they get used to it (and, if you do not overdo it) it is a healthy and less expensive approach.

Pets with arthritis need solid and healthy nutrition. If your budget allows you the luxury of giving them the best, then opt for the all-natural group.

Remember, high-quality liquid glucosamine is only part of the picture. To get an arthritic pet healthier overall, it requires attention to both diet and exercise as well.

See you next time.

For information on arthritis in pets visit our site at http://www.arthritis-cats-dogs.com

For information on glucosamine and the leading products read The Guide to Glucosamine Products. Or you can learn more about glucosamine formula Syn-flex®, our recommended glucosamine product.

A feature to our Pet Arthritis Resource Center is the Pet Arthritis Message Board. You can post messages, ask questions, learn more, and meet friends. You can post messages in any of the following sections.

Dogs

• Canine Hip Dysplasia
• Arthritis in Dogs
• Glucosamine for Dogs

Cats

• Feline Hip Dysplasia
• Glucosamine for Cats
• Arthritis in Cats

Other Animals

• Arthritis in Other Animals

Here's a few sample posts from the Forum...

Kevin
Posted on 14 Mar 2005

I found out my shepard/husky mix was arthritic last year. He is almost 14 years old and is very loved. He didn't really let the arthritis get slow him down, but he did have some trouble standing and laying down. Sometimes we would go out and help him, but usually he manged okay. Anyway, here's the concern, yesterday he came in from outside and layed down in the middle of the floor in the garage (not quite to his bed) and started barking. We kept going to check on him but there didn't seem to be anything wrong. Finally, after 2 hours of barking, I went out and tried to help him up so he could at least get off the cold floor. He tried to bite me and has resisted all help. He is still eating and drinking (though you have to slide the bowl to him). He was on glucosamine, but we ran out (and the vet isn't open on sunday) so we've been giving him aspirin. The aspirin stops him barking for stints, but he still refuses to stand. I don't know what to do, I'm starting to think the worst. I'm so worried, does anyone have any advice?

Post your own message on The Pet Arthritis Message Board now!

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This concludes the March Issue of The Pet Arthritis Chronicle. Look for the next issue in your inbox on April 15th, 2005!

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Have a great March from The Pet Arthritis Resource Center and The Pet Arthritis Chronicle. See you next month!