info@burtsrx.com
Seniorhood is a wonderful time in a dog’s life. In the home of a beloved family, he can relax, unwind, and just really enjoy being himself. By now, you know your pup’s personality, her little quirks, and everything that makes her the special and treasured family member she really is.
For all its wonder, seniorhood can also create some pretty serious challenges for dogs. Canine arthritis is by far the most commonly diagnosed condition in senior pups, and when it strikes, it can range from mild to severe enough to impact mobility. Though the situation really isn’t reversible, it is possible to tamp down the symptoms associated with canine arthritis to improve your dog’s quality of life.
Today’s vets often turn to compounding to produce safe, reliable canine arthritis medications for dogs. These treatments are affordable, easy to access, and usually, available right at your local pharmacy.
Exactly which option your vet chooses will depend on your pup’s needs, but he or she is likely to choose an option from this list of five compounded medications for canine arthritis.
1. Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a naturally-occurring substance found inside your dog’s joints and synovial fluid. This molecule tells the body to rebuild or repair cartilage and other soft tissues like spinal discs.
Every animal on earth that has cartilage produces some level of glucosamine from birth (barring certain genetic disorders). As your dog ages, his ability to produce glucosamine wanes, and that can increase the risk for arthritis or speed the rate of joint destruction.
Research shows that compounded glucosamine supplements may replace that lost self-production, especially if paired with the substance chondroitin, to once again boost reparative levels of glucosamine in the body. While it won’t reverse existing damage, it certainly can prevent or slow future damage — and that just might mean an extra few years with your beloved pup.
Many dog owners give their pups glucosamine in the form of human-formulated tablets. Though this isn’t really dangerous (the substance is exactly the same, and it’s difficult to overdose), it may not be effective. Through compounding, your pharmacist can target the recommended dose for your dog’s weight, size, and arthritis severity for improved results.
2. Tramadol
Tramadol, sometimes referred to as Ultram, is a relatively new drug on the market that relieves pain by acting on opiate receptors in your dog’s brain. Though it is an opioid drug, it isn’t a full opiate, and thus, it has a lower risk profile for both tolerance and side effects. Tramadol also boasts selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) properties, acting as an antidepressant in humans, and possibly, dogs, too.
What makes Tramadol so suitable for dogs is two-fold; first, the opioid drug relieves arthritis pain by reducing pain levels in the brain. The additional SSRI properties may also relieve anxiety or irritability caused by arthritis pain in the first place, resulting in a calmer, happier pup that’s isn’t experiencing nearly as much pain.
Because Tramadol isn’t available in anything but standardized human doses (generally too large for a dog), a pharmacy must compound it into a new dose from scratch. Most vets recommend treating your dog with the lowest possible successful dose. Doing so lowers the risk of side effects, excessive sedation, or constipation.
3. Prednisolone
Prednisolone (also known simply as Prednisone) is a steroid drug used only in cases of extreme symptoms or advanced canine arthritis. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory drug that also has the ability to suppress the immune system, either locally or systemically.
Prednisone’s immune-suppressing properties can be positive or negative; in a dog with an autoimmune disease, it can prevent or halt flares and relieve symptoms. However, in a dog with an infection, it can suppress the immune system and worsen infection. For this reason, you should only give your dog prednisone under your vet’s strict guidance.
Vets sometimes give prednisone by injection directly at the source of a joint to relieve redness, swelling, pain, and other canine arthritis symptoms. Some dogs benefit from a temporary improvement in mobility after steroid treatments like these.
Depending on your dog’s condition, topical pain relievers containing a close cousin to prednisolone, dexamethasone, may also be prescribed. These compounded topical treatments absorb into the skin to reduce local inflammation, and are usually best used on joints close to the skin.
Though Prednisolone tablets are available, it is exceptionally common to have this medication compounded. Experts often recommend tapering dose down slowly over time, and maintaining your dog on the lowest possible dose to maintain healthy immune function.
4. Turmeric
Turmeric spice comes from the Curcuma plant. The bright orange-yellow spice flavors curries and just might relieve your dog’s arthritis symptoms and pain, too. That’s because research shows that turmeric has both anti-inflammatory and painkilling properties, both on topical application and upon oral ingestion.
However, any pet owner who’s tried to give a dog a pill knows that you can’t just ask your pup to take a teaspoon of turmeric. You’re likely to wind up with more on the floor (or on you) than you ever get inside your dog. As a powder, it’s pretty unpleasant to eat plain.
You can mix turmeric into your dog’s food — start with just a teaspoon a day. However, it’s much easier to have your pharmacy compound a flavored turmeric paste. Loaded with tempting doggie flavors, many dogs lap up these pastes with great ease (or at least less indignation).
5. Amitriptyline
Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant drug for humans that has also shown efficacy in treating pain, anxiety, and irritation due to chronic arthritis in dogs. The drug may also have a mild muscle relaxant effect, reducing muscle tension around irritated joints.
Furthermore, research shows that amitriptyline may dull nerve sensations and lower overall perceived pain levels, especially neuropathic pain in small and large nerve bundles in and around affected joints. It is particularly effective for arthritis in the hips and spine, where pressure on nerves can produce burning pain.
The drug’s ability to relieve anxiety may also make it easier for pet parents to help dogs through rehab, vet visits, and cuddles, too, improving life for everyone at home.
Your pharmacy can compound amitriptyline in one of three ways:
- by tablet
- by liquid
- by injection
Injections are almost unheard of because amitriptyline takes several weeks to really take effect. Single-dosing isn’t usually recommended.
If you still struggle with giving this med, even in liquid form, ask your pharmacist to include flavoring. Meaty flavors do effectively mask amitriptyline bitterness, and can make dosing easier for all involved.
Start Treating Canine Arthritis Today
Treating your dog’s arthritis starts with feeding him a healthy diet and seeing your vet for regular check-ups. Fortunately, early intervention often holds advanced canine arthritis off for many years. With attention, love, and the right compounded pet medications, your dog can maintain a happy, healthy life well into the future.