Montrose, CO 81403
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Treatments of Osteoarthritis
There is no “cure-
1. Glucosamine/Chondroitin Supplements
• Provides "building blocks" for hyaluronic acid and polysulfated glycosaminoglycans
• Protects cartilage, reduces inflammation naturally
• Very safe, minimal to no significant side effects
• We carry Cosequin, Synovi-
• MSM is methylsulfonyl methane -
2. Adequan (polysulfated glycosaminoglycans)
• Protects articular cartilage, increases production of hyaluronic acid
• Intramuscular injection or subcutaneous injection
• Dosing schedule is one injection every 4 days X 8 treatments, then every 3-
• Very safe, minimal to no significant side effects
• FDA approved for dogs and horses
• Highly recommended
3. Legend (hyaluronic acid)
• Naturally reduces synovitis, inflammation of joint capsule
• FDA approved for horses, extra label use in dogs and cats
• Intravenous injection or subcutaneous injection
• Dosing schedule is one injection every 7 days X 4 treatments, then every 3-
• Very safe, minimal to no significant side effects
• Highly recommended
4. Non-
A. Prescription NSAIDS -
- Best ones spare COX-
1 enzyme and selectively inhibit COX- 2 enzyme - Gastric/Stomach upset is the most common side effect -
watch for anorexia, vomiting, black/tarry stools - Very low incidence of liver or kidney toxicity -
less than 1% of cases - Baseline bloodwork/urinalysis and periodic monitoring of bloodwork/urinalysis
B. Non-
- The ONLY over-
the- counter NSAID that is potentially usable in dogs - **Frequently causes side effects in dogs, not as safe as Rimadyl, can cause liver, kidney and bleeding problems.
- Common side effect is stomach ulceration -
watch for vomiting, anorexia, black/tarry stools
5. Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic adjustments may be of benefit to dogs that are suffering from arthritis.
6. Acupuncture Therapy
Acupuncture has been shown to decrease the pain associated with arthritis and muscle changes caused by chronic pain.
7. Weight Management
Excess body weight is extremely detrimental to joint and overall body health. The less weight the animal is carrying the fewer medications and treatments that will be needed.
8. Stem Cell Therapy (the mature patient’s own cells, NOT EMBRYONIC)
Fat cells are harvested from the patient, sent to a laboratory to asepticly purify and collect mesenchymal stem cells. These cells are then administered to the patient that they were harvested from. These cells have the unique ability to differentiate into cell types that are needed in the site they are injected to.