Arthritis Can Be a Real Pain in the Liver

Arthritis is a common problem that plagues many of us.  There are many ways to promote joint health and ease arthritic discomfort.  Acupuncture, massage, and joint supplementation provide relief for pet and people alike.  Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Rimadyl, Deramaxx and Previcox can offer great pain relief for arthritis and other inflammatory processes.  Injectables are also available that help prevent disintegration of cartilage between bones, helping eliminate pain from bone rubbing together.  At Northstar Animal Care (488.4121) and Upper Arlington Veterinary Hospital (481.8014), we strive to keep your pet feeling comfortable through all their stages of life.                                                                                                                        

NSAIDs reduce swelling, pain, and tenderness, while improving motion.  Unfortunately, NSAIDS may also have a poor side effect on liver function.  At Northstar and Upper Arlington, your pet’s whole health is always our focus.  Prior to NSAID prescriptions, liver values via in-house blood work will be assesed to make sure your pet’s liver is healthy to start with.   We will then follow your pet’s liver function intermittently.  If values begin to rise, the drug will be discontinued and liver function typically returns to normal.  Many nutracudicals containing glucosamine, avacado and chondroitin offer lubrication and strength to joints without potential side effects.   Maintenace diets like Purina JM (joint maintenance) offer  supplements with every meal.  Highly active dogs or those with a genetic predisposition to hip and arthritis trouble/most large breeds, can benefit greatly from supplementation early in life.  Contact us today to get your pet started on a joint health plan that’s right for them! 

P.S.  Anti-convulsant medication like phenobarbital, and chronic steroid prescriptions (prednisone, depo, medrol, etc) can also cause liver disfunction. 

P.S. Go to www.natvetlab.com for complete and emerging information about Bartonella. This is home to the National Veterinary Laboratory, which Northstar uses for all Bartonella testing.