Joint Medications for Dogs

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dog jointsThere are several medical conditions that can cause joint problems in dogs. Osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, hip dyplasia, inflammatory joint disease and even in rare cases, rheumatoid arthritis, are all conditions that affect the joints in dogs. In almost all cases, the dog will be put on some type of medication for the symptoms. If you believe your dog is having joint problems, getting a proper diagnosis is advised. Some medications used to treat an infectious type of joint disease can make the symptoms of an immune type of joint disease worse. Here is information on joint medications that are available for dogs.

What’s a Joint?

To first be able to understand the problem your dog is suffering, you need to know the basic function of the joint itself. Think of joints as the hinges to the skeleton as a whole. They hold it together. In order to move, the skeleton needs joints and a dog has three types. Dogs have a ball and socket joint, which is found in the hip. A hinge joint is found in the knee and a gliding joint is found in the ankle. When any of these joints are attacked by disease or injury, it hinders the dog’s ability to move properly.

Cosequin

Cosequin products manufactured for joint care in dogs are quite popular with veterinarians and the general public. It’s available without a prescription and is designed to be both preventative and treat the symptoms of joint conditions in dogs. The basic ingredients are glucosamine hcl, chondroitin sulfate and manganese. Cosequin is available in chewable tablets and you should be able to find them at your local pet supply store or veterinarian office.

Glyco-flex

Glyco-flex is a non-prescriptive treatment and like cosequin is a treatment that is popular with veterinarians. This treatment has been used successfully for more than eight years. Glyco-flex is made with all natural ingredients and includes the perna canaliculus mussel, which is known to be beneficial in treating joint problems in dogs. Glyco-flex is used for treatment as well as preventative measures and comes in a variety of forms. You should be able to find it at your local pet supply dealer or veterinarian’s office.

Rimadyl and Novox

Rimadyl and Novox are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat inflammation in dogs. They treat various forms of arthritis as well as hip dysplasia. These medications can be obtained through prescription only. They are available in caplet or chewable form. Both these medications work well in eliminating the dog’s pain associated with arthritis, but severe side effects are possible. Discuss these problems with your veterinarian before deciding on any specific treatment plan.

Adequan

Adequan is an injectable medication that is available by prescription only. It’s used to treat pain, as well as the disability caused by damage to the dog’s joints. It’s long-term results are good and the medication is fast acting. Within two hours of being injected, all major joints will have the medication working in them. Adequan binds to the cartilage that’s been damaged. Metabolism in the cartilage is then boosted, beginning the repair. A course of treatment, which usually lasts two weeks, has been shown to last as long as six months, with the dog showing no signs of being affected by arthritis.