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Arthritis

WHAT IS ARTHRITIS?

Arthritis, osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease (DJD) are common inflammatory joint conditions. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling and a reduced range of motion.

Optimal nutrition and gut health support joint health, ideal body condition with good musculature helps to help reduce inflammation.

What causes arthritis?

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Nutritional deficits
  • Size & weight
    • Larger breeds are more predisposed to arthritis
    • Obesity loads the joints
    • Fat cells increase inflammation
  • Trauma, injury, infection
  • Activity
    • Excessive, repeated impact on the joints
  • Dietary grains, starches and additives can cause inflammation and increase intestinal permeability (leaky gut)
  • Autoimmune conditions:
    • The body produces antibodies against foreign proteins. The foreign proteins may be similar in structure to the proteins found in the joint capsule, and the body gets confused and attacks its own proteins.

How can arthritis be relieved?

Cartilage is made up of collagen, water and proteoglycans (a special type of protein). For the maintenance and repair of joints to repair, the body must be fueled with the right building blocks, so our pets need to consume

    • essential fatty acids
    • glucosamine, and
    • chondroitin
    • sulphur containing, free form amino acids

These nutrients are readily available in a well-planned species-appropriate diet. There is substantial evidence that glucosamine and chondroitin (present in its natural form in a species-appropriate diet) effectively relieve arthritic pain and help the body recover from joint trauma.

Bone broth is an easily digestible, readily available source of beneficial nutrients. It contains

    • collagen which helps lubricate joints,
    • the anti-inflammatory amino acid proline to help build healthy cartilage, and
    • glycosaminoglycans and chondroitin sulphate which have lubricating, cushioning and protective properties.

Consuming oily fish or fish oil supplements can also benefit arthritic dogs and cats. The essential fatty acids in these help to dampen the inflammatory response. We recommend animal based oils over vegetable oil supplements (such as flax or evening primrose oil) as carnivores are designed to eat animals that have already converted these vegetable oils to useful substances. Raw rabbit, possum and chicken are also high in usable essential fatty acids.

Always talk to your vet before considering stopping any prescription medications.

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