Hip Dysplasia in Dalmatians

Do you remember when a Dalmatian dog could be seen riding on a fire truck? Or how about the Disney film “101 Dalmatians”? I doubt that as you were watching these magnificent creatures you ever thought that there could be such a thing as hip dysplasia in Dalmatians.

Unfortunately, there is.

Hip Dysplasia in Dalmatians – What Is It?

Hip dysplasia is a degenerative condition, which can affect any dog. Although the causes may vary, the effects are always the same: loss of mobility, increasing pain, impaired gait, and even behavioral and mood changes in your dog (including snappishness and depression).

What Are the Signs of Hip Dysplasia in Dalmatians?

  • Hobbles, or walks/trots with an irregular gait
  • Tries to keep weight off one of the rear legs
  • Starts to slow down or limp on a favorite walk or run
  • Stays in bed instead of playing outdoors
  • Whimpers or yelps when climbing stairs
  • Flinches when the hip area or lower back are touched

What Happens in Hip Dysplasia – Why Does It Hurt?

Dysplasia is simply the dislocation of a bone from its proper place. “Plasia” is the Greek word for molding, so it’s easy to visualize an architectural form, like a beam or column, separating from its stabilizing molding.  Hip dysplasia or displacement is one of the best-known types of dysplasia in dogs.

The degenerative process of hip dysplasia is gradual. The onset of symptoms, specifically pain, is also somewhat gradual taking place over the course of years. In simple terms, the two bones of the hip joint shift out of alignment. The structure of a dog’s hip bones is similar to our human hip formation, consisting of a precisely fitted ball-and-socket joint. This is called a “spheroidal” joint, referring to the spherical head of the distal or articulating bone, which fit into the cup-like cavity of the accompanying bone.

Perhaps because they are such hand-working structures, the ball and socket joints are prone to disease, and simple mechanical wear and damage over time.

Here’s what we’ve learned so far:

  • Hip dysplasia results in several symptoms which reduce mobility and cause pain.
  • The muscles and joints become lax, and the joint capsule, a strong band of connective tissue which circled the bones for added stability, loses its elastic strength.
  • As this happens, the articular (working) surfaces of the two bones lose contact with each other. The bones slowly separate as the soft tissues around the joint degenerate. The disease may affect one or both right and left hips.

With the loss of protective scaffolding between the bone surfaces, the nerves in the bone endings themselves become exposed. When bone touches bone, there is acute pain. In addition, the loss of tensile strength of the supporting tendons, muscle, and cartilage means that other structures in the hip and leg must compensate in terms of weight-bearing and movement. This unnatural compensation may cause fatigue and pain. It may even cause the dog to injure itself—running to catch a Frisbee, or climbing stairs, for instance.

What Causes Hip Dysplasia?

Experts disagree as to the source of hip dysplasia in dogs.

  • Too much food

    One theory is that feeding a young, growing dog too many calories early in its development contributes to the disorder.

  • Too much exercise

    Another theory is that too much exercise, or the wrong kind of exercise, or simply too much high-impact exercise, such as fetching, jumping, and catching a ball or Frisbee on concrete, contributes to hip dysplasia.

A factual observation about this condition is that hip dysplasia tends to affect large breeds more so than smaller dogs. This, too, is relative—it is possible for small dogs to become affected by hip dysplasia, too.  However, we correctly associate the condition most frequently with big breeds.

These breeds do carry a genetic predisposition toward the condition. It is also true that purebreds, especially large dogs, are most likely to become vulnerable to hip dysplasia, therefore calling upon informed and responsible breeding practices.

What You Can Do to Improve Your Dog’s Quality of Life

Our first instinct as dog lovers is to stop the pain. Sometimes our decision-making process is clouded by emotion—guilt, fear, even panic when we see our beloved canine companion suffering. Many conventional treatments for hip dysplasia in dogs have side effects, or simply don’t work.

1) Try Winston’s Joint System and Winston’s Pain Formula

A naturopathic doctor developed Winston’s Joint System and Winston’s Pain Formula. These offer support and relief for many conditions affecting your dog’s joints including hip dysplasia, arthritis, and inflammatory diseases. These are also common in dogs, attacking the cartilage, muscles, and membrane linings of cartilage and joints.

These may offer your dog safe alternatives: calming inflammation as an immediate solution and helping to rebuild joint integrity as a long-range treatment. These trusted products can slow or even stop the degeneration of the hip joint. In many cases, hip replacement surgery which is the last resort may be prevented altogether. For over 30 years, Winston’s formulas have helped thousands of dogs from all over the world.

2) Schedule a visit with your veterinarian

If your dog is clearly in pain, schedule a visit with your veterinarian. An X-ray examination will be recommended as a first step.

3) Monitor your dog’s weight

Obesity makes hip dysplasia worse. If your dog becomes less active, weight gain may become a challenge. Eliminate treats, and if possible, offer your dog low-impact exercises like stretching and swimming.

4) Remove unnecessary physical stressors from your dog’s life

5) Replace stairs with a ramp

While your dog is recovering, this prevents further damage to the damaged hip.

6) Provide a padded dog bed

Sleeping on a hard surface may increase the inflammation associated with hip dysplasia. A gel bed, which actually contains a soft jelly that conforms to your dog’s body, relieves pressure from sore joints.

7) Experiment with low-heat heating pads or fleece-covered hot water bottles

Together with gentle massages, these ways relax your dog and provide comfort during the healing process.

Is Your Dog Experiencing Hip Dysplasia or Other Forms of Pain?

We Can Help.

Does your dog have trouble walking, standing, or getting up? There is an excellent chance we can help your dog.

Since 1990, Winston’s Joint System and Winston’s Pain Formula have helped heal over twenty thousand dogs from all over the world. Our staff specializes in hip dysplasia, arthritis, and all joint pain & mobility issues.

To start your dog’s pain-free life, please contact us at www.dogshealth.com or call our toll-free number at 888-901-5557.

Hip Dysplasia in Weimaraners

Hip Dysplasia in Weimaraners – What Is It?

Hip dysplasia is a degenerative condition, which can affect any dog. Although the causes may vary, the effects are always the same: loss of mobility, increasing pain, impaired gait, and even behavioral and mood changes in your dog (including snappishness and depression).

What Are the Signs of Hip Dysplasia in Weimaraners?

  • Hobbles, or walks/trots with an irregular gait
  • Tries to keep weight off one of the rear legs
  • Starts to slow down or limp on a favorite walk or run
  • Stays in bed instead of playing outdoors
  • Whimpers or yelps when climbing stairs
  • Flinches when the hip area or lower back are touched

What Happens in Hip Dysplasia – Why Does It Hurt?

Dysplasia is simply the dislocation of a bone from its proper place. “Plasia” is the Greek word for molding, so it’s easy to visualize an architectural form, like a beam or column, separating from its stabilizing molding.  Hip dysplasia or displacement is one of the best-known types of dysplasia in dogs.

The degenerative process of hip dysplasia is gradual. The onset of symptoms, specifically pain, is also somewhat gradual taking place over the course of years. In simple terms, the two bones of the hip joint shift out of alignment. The structure of a dog’s hip bones is similar to our human hip formation, consisting of a precisely fitted ball-and-socket joint. This is called a “spheroidal” joint, referring to the spherical head of the distal or articulating bone, which fit into the cup-like cavity of the accompanying bone.

Perhaps because they are such hand-working structures, the ball and socket joints are prone to disease, and simple mechanical wear and damage over time.

Here’s what we’ve learned so far:

  • Hip dysplasia results in several symptoms which reduce mobility and cause pain.
  • The muscles and joints become lax, and the joint capsule, a strong band of connective tissue which circled the bones for added stability, loses its elastic strength.
  • As this happens, the articular (working) surfaces of the two bones lose contact with each other. The bones slowly separate as the soft tissues around the joint degenerate. The disease may affect one or both right and left hips.

With the loss of protective scaffolding between the bone surfaces, the nerves in the bone endings themselves become exposed. When bone touches bone, there is acute pain. In addition, the loss of tensile strength of the supporting tendons, muscle, and cartilage means that other structures in the hip and leg must compensate in terms of weight-bearing and movement. This unnatural compensation may cause fatigue and pain. It may even cause the dog to injure itself—running to catch a Frisbee, or climbing stairs, for instance.

What Causes Hip Dysplasia?

Experts disagree as to the source of hip dysplasia in dogs.

  • Too much food

    One theory is that feeding a young, growing dog too many calories early in its development contributes to the disorder.

  • Too much exercise

    Another theory is that too much exercise, or the wrong kind of exercise, or simply too much high-impact exercise, such as fetching, jumping, and catching a ball or Frisbee on concrete, contributes to hip dysplasia.

A factual observation about this condition is that hip dysplasia tends to affect large breeds more so than smaller dogs. This, too, is relative—it is possible for small dogs to become affected by hip dysplasia, too.  However, we correctly associate the condition most frequently with big breeds.

These breeds do carry a genetic predisposition toward the condition. It is also true that purebreds, especially large dogs, are most likely to become vulnerable to hip dysplasia, therefore calling upon informed and responsible breeding practices.

What You Can Do to Improve Your Dog’s Quality of Life

Our first instinct as dog lovers is to stop the pain. Sometimes our decision-making process is clouded by emotion—guilt, fear, even panic when we see our beloved canine companion suffering. Many conventional treatments for hip dysplasia in dogs have side effects, or simply don’t work.

1) Try Winston’s Joint System and Winston’s Pain Formula

A naturopathic doctor developed Winston’s Joint System and Winston’s Pain Formula. These offer support and relief for many conditions affecting your dog’s joints including hip dysplasia, arthritis, and inflammatory diseases. These are also common in dogs, attacking the cartilage, muscles, and membrane linings of cartilage and joints.

These may offer your dog safe alternatives: calming inflammation as an immediate solution and helping to rebuild joint integrity as a long-range treatment. These trusted products can slow or even stop the degeneration of the hip joint. In many cases, hip replacement surgery which is the last resort may be prevented altogether. For over 30 years, Winston’s formulas have helped thousands of dogs from all over the world.

2) Schedule a visit with your veterinarian

If your dog is clearly in pain, schedule a visit with your veterinarian. An X-ray examination will be recommended as a first step.

3) Monitor your dog’s weight

Obesity makes hip dysplasia worse. If your dog becomes less active, weight gain may become a challenge. Eliminate treats, and if possible, offer your dog low-impact exercises like stretching and swimming.

4) Remove unnecessary physical stressors from your dog’s life

5) Replace stairs with a ramp

While your dog is recovering, this prevents further damage to the damaged hip.

6) Provide a padded dog bed

Sleeping on a hard surface may increase the inflammation associated with hip dysplasia. A gel bed, which actually contains a soft jelly that conforms to your dog’s body, relieves pressure from sore joints.

7) Experiment with low-heat heating pads or fleece-covered hot water bottles

Together with gentle massages, these ways relax your dog and provide comfort during the healing process.

Is Your Dog Experiencing Hip Dysplasia or Other Forms of Pain? We Can Help

Does your dog have trouble walking, standing, or getting up? There is an excellent chance we can help your dog.

Since 1990, Winston’s Joint System and Winston’s Pain Formula have helped heal over twenty thousand dogs from all over the world. Our staff specializes in hip dysplasia, arthritis, and all joint pain & mobility issues.

To start your dog’s pain-free life, please contact us at www.dogshealth.com or call our toll-free number at 888-901-5557.

 

Side Effects of Rimadyl in Dogs

 

In the past you may have seen television commercials showing previously lame dogs jumping and running about like young puppies. These commercials were promoting Rimadyl, a drug introduced in 1997 by Pfizer Chemical for the treatment of hip dysplasia and arthritis in dogs. What the commercials carefully avoided was any mention of the side effects of Rimadyl in dogs.

Today it’s no longer possible to see those commercials because the advertising was halted by Pfizer for good reasons.

As a dog owner, we are indebted to dogs like Montana, a six-year-old Siberian husky who had stiff legs. Montana was prescribed Rimadyl by his veterinarian and at first the drug appeared to work well.

But then Montana lost his appetite, wobbled when he walked, and finally was unable to walk at all. He began vomiting and had seizures; eventually his owner was forced to put him to sleep. An autopsy was performed which showed the presence of liver damage that could only be associated with a harmful drug reaction.

Drugs for pets are big business in the United States, as well as in many other countries where pet animals are valued. It is estimated that world-wide, the sale of these drugs total more than 3-1/2 Billion dollars annually. Rimadyl is one of the bestselling drugs included in this estimate.

Rimadyl has been prescribed for more than four million dogs in the United States alone, and has earned Pfizer tens of millions of dollars.

After introducing the drug, the company ran full-page magazine ads and a public-relations campaign that resulted in 1,785 print stories, 856 radio reports and more than 200 television news reports of the benefits of Rimadyl.

What dog owner whose beloved pet was suffering from arthritis or hip dysplasia wouldn’t want such a “miracle drug” for their pet?

But Rimadyl has also resulted in many debates and intense arguments between veterinarians and pet owners who were furious that they were not warned of the risks of giving their pets Rimadyl.

After Montana’s owner contacted Pfizer and the Food and Drug Administration to complain about the early and untimely death of her dog, Pfizer offered to pay her $440 in what they called “a gesture of good will.”

Today we can be thankful that Montana’s owner was insulted by Pfizer’s offer and their lawyers’ stipulation that she tell no one about the payment (or bribe as some would call it).

She refused to sign any of Pfizer’s proffered documents and would not accept any money. She felt it was an affront both to her and to the memory of Montana to absolve Pfizer of any blame.

As additional reports of serious reactions and the deaths of many dogs started pouring into the FDA, the agency recommended that Pfizer list “death” as a possible side effect in a warning letter to veterinarians and also place a warning on the drug labels.

Pfizer indicated this “would be devastating to the product” and after much stalling, eventually was forced to put the word “death” on Rimadyl’s labels and notify all veterinarians in writing.

The strongest blow to Pfizer’s inappropriate labeling and advertising was the FDA’s requirement that they mention the same warning on their television ads. When given an ultimatum about their commercials mentioning “death” or else pulling the ads, Pfizer chose to stop all television ads for Rimadyl.

Although this came too late to save the life of Montana, he and his owner should be credited with bringing pressure to bear on the FDA and Pfizer and forcing them to begin warning of the possible serious side effects of Rimadyl.

Since the introduction of Rimadyl in 1997, the FDA has received reports of more than 1,000 dogs that died or had to be put to sleep, and 7,000 more that had serious adverse reactions after taking the drug.

Despite these serious side effects, the FDA has not ordered the removal of Rimadyl from the marketplace. The FDA requires safety and efficacy testing for animal drugs just as it does for human drugs. However, animal drug tests are conducted with a much smaller number of test subjects. Pfizer used about 500 dogs in their trials of Rimadyl, which is less than one fifth the number of subjects used in most human-drug trials.

During Pfizer’s Rimadyl trials, some dogs developed unusual liver-function readings and one young beagle tested on a high dose of the drug died.

Neither the FDA or Pfizer found these effects alarming, and the drug was subsequently approved. A consumer group has mounted a campaign against Pfizer called BARKS, which stands for “Be Aware of Rimadyl’s Known Side-effects.”

Hopefully this organization will be able to influence more dog owners to carefully consider very seriously whether or not to have Rimadyl prescribed for their pet dog

Since 1990, Winston’s Joint System and Winston’s Pain Formula have helped heal over twenty thousand dogs from all over the world. Our staff specializes in hip dysplasia, arthritis and all joint, pain and mobility issues.

There is an excellent chance we can help your dog, so please contact us at: www.dogshealth.com or call our toll free number at 888-901-5557.

IS YOUR DOG IN PAIN?

Does Your Dog Have Trouble:

  • Walking?
  • Standing?
  • Getting up?

WE CAN HELP

 

How to Tell If Your Dog Has Arthritis

You can tell if your dog has arthritis by watching for a number of symptoms. Arthritis in dogs is a condition affecting the skeletal system causing the joints in the legs to swell up and become painful. The disease can severely limit the ability of the dog to perform certain movements.

 

WHAT IS DOG ARTHRITIS?

Dog arthritis is one of the most common canine medical conditions. Arthritis affects the skeletal system, with erosion of the cartilage, which cushions our bones, or inflammation of the lining of the cartilage-membrane, being key symptoms.

The chief causes of arthritis are genetics, previous injuries/accidents, infection and immune system problems.

When cartilage, which protects the bone and makes up the joint, is destroyed, it is called degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis. This is a progressive disease that affects the weight-bearing joints such as hips, spine, knees and elbows.  About 25-30% of pets suffer with the same pain and debilitation as people. Normal stress on abnormal joints or abnormal stress on normal joint can result in cartilage destruction and changes in the bone.

WILL MY DOG GET ARTHRITIS?

NEWS ALERT:  Veterinarians estimate that around 1 in 4 dogs will experience arthritis, generally as a condition of old age.

Technically, there are different kinds of dog arthritis, and the causes may be slightly different. But what’s most relevant is how arthritis feels to your dog. It doesn’t feel good: chronic and acute pain, which generally increase as the condition progresses, define all types and degrees of dog arthritis

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ARTHRITIS, AND JUST FEELING SORE?

Everyone knows the feeling of waking up with “creaky bones.” Though this is a conversational, not medical, term, it pretty well describes what arthritis is all about.  As humans, we often experience this “creaky” feeling after a particularly hard bike-ride or other athletic work-out.  Salespeople and wait-staff may experience the feeling after a long day or hard night standing and walking on concrete floors.

We may wake up with this feeling, with its accompanying stiffness and soreness, after sleeping in a sleeping bag, or on an especially unforgiving futon or hide-a-bed. The reason, in these cases, is that our skeletal weight has not been properly supported and cushioned, either during a period of extreme exertion, or during the relative immobility of sleep.

When we are young and healthy, and our joints are well-lubricated and padded, this discomfort will naturally go away, usually with no more than the help of a deep stretch, a massage, a warm bath, and rest. In the case of humans, a couple of aspirin or ibuprofen may also help to dissipate the pain, although neither of these human remedies is recommended for dogs.

Winston’s Pain Formula and Winston’s Joint System are all-natural products formulated by a naturopathic doctor for his cherished dog. These products are trusted by dog-owners worldwide as a safe, effective treatment for joint issues, hip dysplasia, dog arthritis, and the pain, which dogs experience as the result.

As with humans, when dogs are young, and their joints are intact and healthy, they can generally rebound from trauma. With age, this capacity to recover diminishes. Many dogs will experience some form of dog arthritis as they age.

Arthritis is a degenerative condition, which worsens over time. There is no cure, although there are many possible treatments.

The bodies of many mammals, humans and dogs included, are made for endurance. Our muscles and skeletons literally are formed for long-duration running and climbing, because we are predators.

In many breeds of dogs, the skeleton and muscle-mass have evolved, or have been specifically bred, for hard work over long duration. Think of hard-working sled dogs, farm dogs and Shepherd breeds as an example.

Weight-bearing exercise tones our muscles and places stress on our bones. When we are young, this exertion makes us strong. Yet, with many thousands of repetitions, over the course of decades, the same mechanical process may contribute to arthritis.

For instance, when we lift weights, run or work out hard, we inflict microscopic “micro-tears” in our muscles. This is normal. Healthy, responsive muscle rebuilds itself quickly with a little nutritional support and rest. In fact, body-builders are keenly aware of this process, and are continuously balancing short-term damage self-inflicted on their muscles in order to build greater mass and strength. Likewise, walking, running and lifting weights actually stresses our bones. In fact, some stress is good for bone-density. A universally accepted treatment for osteoporosis is controlled, weight-bearing exercise.

All of the above applies to dogs as well as humans. What makes us tough and resilient when we are young can cause pain as the years pass.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY DOG HAS ARTHRITIS?

Look for behavioral changes. In the beginning, these changes will be subtle. If you ignore them, the symptoms will be unmistakable. If left undiagnosed and untreated, dog arthritis can do permanent damage to your dog’s joints and bones, to the degree that even an easy-going walk around the block may no longer be possible.

Look for these signs of dog arthritis in your pet:

  • Slowing down. If your dog can’t keep up on regular walks, the reason may be that the dog is experiencing discomfort, meaning chronic, low-level pain.  Untreated dog arthritis inflammation gets worse with exertion. Snapping, yelping, irritability, mood-changes, biting. These often indicate acute, sharp pain. The sudden spike of acute pain is often what causes a loyal canine companion to snap at strangers—or even a trusted, familiar human friend.
  • Sleeping more and sleeping longer. Unlike cats, which tend to be more naturally nocturnal, dogs love the sunlight and are genetically programmed to be active during the day. If a dog sleeps the day away and is active at night, the reason may be the pain of dog arthritis.
  • Your dog lowers its rear end, and holds its hind legs closer together. This may be one of the more subtle signs of dog arthritis in its early stages. If your dog has arthritis in its rear hips or knees, the animal will try to relieve pain and pressure by shifting its weight forward, to its front end, while standing. You may also observe a downward, “slumped” posture, where the rear end seems lowered—this is commonly seen in German Shepherds. 
  • Your dog stands with its front legs more wide-apart than usual. This posture may be part of the same sign as the above. The dog is experiencing joint pain, and attempting to re-distribute its weight. This stance may be subtle at first, with the dog’s elbows pushed out instead of directly beneath its body. 
  • “Bunny Hopping”. This means that the dog presses its back legs together when it runs or trots, attempting to use its two hind legs as one. This is often a telltale sign in younger dogs of hip dysplasia, which often accompanies dog arthritis. If you observe even slight bunny-hopping, call your vet immediately.
  • Licking a painful joint. Obsessive licking is an animal’s attempt to soothe nerve-distress. If you’re not sure if your dog’s licking is simply normal grooming, take a close look at the color of your dog’s fur around its joints. A “bleached” or lightened appearance of the fur around a joint suggests that the dog is licking to ease pain (the enzymes in the animal’s saliva actually bleach the dog’s hair).
  • Difficulty getting up. When your dog struggles to its feet, and has trouble lifting its own weight securely, it’s usually a sign of stiffness which signals dog arthritis. Also watch the dog when it does stand up. Shaking of a limb, or wobbly posture, may signal weakness or pain in a hip or leg.
  • Doesn’t want to walk or play. Humans who share their lives with healthy, active dogs don’t even dare to utter the word “walk” (we spell it out, “W-A-L-K”) unless we’re ready to clip on the leash and head for the door. Dogs love to walk and run. It is in their nature as a species, and over many centuries of co-habitation, they have learned to share this love with us as their humans. A dog which does not literally jump for joy at the chance to walk with its human is not a happy, healthy, normal dog. 
  • Avoids stairs, jumping on the couch, jumping on the bed, jumping in the car. While initially you may appreciate the idea of less dog-hair on your couch or bed, an unwillingness to jump – requiring a forceful muscular propulsion using the rear legs and hips—signals trouble, most likely dog arthritis, hip dysplasia, or both. 
  • Limping. This is a clear indicator of dog arthritis, hip dysplasia, or both. You may also observe an overall tension in the dog’s body, as well as vocalizing (whining, whimpering, crying!). Your dog may also seem to favor one side, keeping its weight off the “bad” leg or hip.
  • Muscle loss (Muscle Atrophy). This is an effect of dog arthritis, which develops over time. In a healthy animal, both sides of the body are evenly matched in terms of size, bulk, shape and muscular development. A disorder such as dog arthritis may cause your dog to constantly take its weight off a painful limb. Over time, this may cause the muscles of that leg, or the leg on the side of an affected hip, to shrink from lack of use.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP MY PET WITH DOG ARTHRITIS?

  • Visit your vet. While your own observations and intuitions about your pet are invaluable, an examination by a licensed professional is the only way to know for sure whether your pet is suffering with dog arthritis. Consult with your veterinarian about Winston’s Pain Formula and Winston’s Joint System.  Glucosamine, NSAIDs and other more conventional treatments have a definite downside.
  • Remove obstacles from your pet’s path to recovery. Provide a ramp to the front door, so your dog doesn’t have to climb steps when in pain. Provide a doggie-ramp to your bed and couch so your pet can snuggle with the family.
  • Don’t make your dog sleep on a hard surface. Lack of support results in soreness and stiffness. Provide a padded bed, possible a gel-filled pad and low-level heating element for soothing, relaxing warmth as your pet heals.

There are genetic factors, which contribute to dog arthritis, but this process is primarily related to the aging process. Cell-turnover in both muscle-fiber and bone slows down with age, and recovery is less consistent. Injuries, such as a broken bone, and infections also may contribute to conditions associated with aging, including dog arthritis.

Since 1990, Winston’s Joint System and Winston’s Pain Formula have helped heal over twenty thousand dogs from all over the world. Our staff specializes in hip dysplasia, arthritis and all joint, pain and mobility issues.

There is an excellent chance we can help your dog, so please contact us at: www.dogshealth.com or call our toll free number at 888-901-5557.

IS YOUR DOG IN PAIN?

Does Your Dog Have Trouble:

  • Walking?
  • Standing?
  • Getting up?

WE CAN HELP

 

Rimadyl For Arthritis in Dogs

What is Rimadyl? Rimadyl (generic name: carprofen), is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat the pain and inflammation of hip dysplasia and arthritis in dogs. Rimadyl provides 24-hour relief from these debilitating diseases by reducing a dog’s hormones that cause the pain and inflammation.

Rimadyl is available in three forms for easy administration of the drug: caplet, chewable or injection. Rimadyl chewable tablets taste like liver, which is tasty to most dogs, so the medication needs to be kept where the dog cannot gain access to it.

Cautions & overdose

Rimadyl overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headache, drowsiness, stomach pain, seizures, or difficulty urinating.

Veterinarians prescribing Rimadyl warn that the drug should not be administered along with aspirin or any other NSAID. It also should not be used when a dog is taking steroids or corticosteroids like prednisone, prednisolone, or dexamethasone.

Rimadyl is not safe for a dog who has kidney or liver disease, or inflammatory bowel disease. A dog should be prescreened by a veterinarian for these diseases before the drug is prescribed.

A dog who is on Rimadyl for a prolonged time should also have its liver and kidney enzymes monitored on a regular basis.

Rimadyl Side-effects

There are side effects associated with Rimadyl. Some are common, and some are rare. Rimadyl has also been traced to the death of some dogs that have taken the medicine.

A dog owner whose pet is being given Rimadyl is advised to watch closely for any of the following symptoms:

  • loss of normal appetite
  • vomiting (sometime stained with blood)
  • diarrhea
  • black, tarry stool
  • unusual lethargy or drowsiness for extended times
  • hyperactivity
  • loss of balance, dizziness or weakness in legs
  • drastic or very unusual changes in eating habits
  • increased aggressive behavior
  • partial paralysis
  • seizures
  • jaundice

Any of these symptoms, especially several at the same time, can be an indication of a very serious problem. If these symptoms occur, stop administering Rimadyl and immediately contact your veterinarian.

Rimadyl Alternatives

If your dog is suffering from arthritis or hip dysplasia, there are safer alternatives to Rimadyl.

Supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin will work for some dogs, some of the time.

A much more effective treatment for arthritis and hip dysplasia is Winston’s Joint System, an all-natural formula developed by a Naturopathic Doctor to heal his own beloved dog. For over 20 years, this long-proven formula has been providing relief from the pain and stiffness of arthritis and hip dysplasia to all breeds and ages of dogs.

If your pet suffers from any of the following joint problems, I recommend that you try Winston’s Joint System to give your dog welcome relief from its pain:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Arthritis
  • Osteochondritis (OCD)
  • Stiffness/Inflammation
  • Ligament Tears
  • Growing Pains
  • Mobility Problems
  • Joint Pains
  • Back/Spinal Problems
  • Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD)

Rimadyl for arthritis in dogs can be dangerous to an animal’s health. It is much safer for your pet to be placed on a daily regimen of Winston’s Joint System. Within the first 30 days of treatment, dogs show noticeable and often remarkable improvement. And, unlike drugs such as Rimadyl, Winston’s is safe for any dog.

Since 1990, Winston’s Joint System and Winston’s Pain Formula have helped heal over twenty thousand dogs from all over the world. Our staff specializes in hip dysplasia, arthritis and all joint, pain and mobility issues.

There is an excellent chance we can help your dog, so please contact us at: www.dogshealth.com or call our toll free number at 888-901-5557.

IS YOUR DOG IN PAIN?

Does Your Dog Have Trouble:

  • Walking?
  • Standing?
  • Getting up?

WE CAN HELP

 

Dogs Who Develop Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a genetic disease that primarily affects large and giant breeds of dogs but can also affect medium-sized breeds, and some small breeds. It is primarily a disease of purebreds, although it can also occur in mixed breeds.

Dogs who develop hip dysplasia suffer from an abnormal joint structure and a laxity of the muscles, connective tissue, and ligaments that would normally support the dog’s hip joints.

As the disease progresses, the articular surfaces of the two bones lose contact with each other. This separation of the two bones within the joint causes a drastic change in the size and shape of the articular surfaces.

Most dogs who develop hip dysplasia are born with normal hips, but due to their genetic make-up the soft tissues surrounding the joint develop abnormally. This leads to the symptoms associated with hip dysplasia. The disease may affect both hips, or only the right or left hip.

The symptoms of hip dysplasia cause afflicted dogs to walk or run with an altered gait, similar to a bunny-hop. They begin to resist any movement that requires full extension or flexion of the rear legs. They will experience stiffness and pain in their rear legs after exercising and on first rising in the morning. Climbing stairs becomes difficult if not impossible. Some dogs will limp and are less willing to participate in normal daily activities, including walks they formerly enjoyed.

Because hip dysplasia is primarily an inherited condition, there are no products that can prevent its development.

Through proper diet, exercise, and a supplement such as Winston’s Joint System, you can slow, and sometimes halt, the progression of these degenerative joint diseases while providing your dog with relief from its pain. Winston’s provides many of the raw materials essential for the synthesis of the joint-lubricating synovial fluid as well as the repair of articular cartilage and connective tissue.

Dogs who develop hip dysplasia

Dogs who are prone to develop hip dysplasia include the following (alphabetical order):

  • Afghan Hound
  • Airedale Terrier
  • Akita
  • Alaskan Malamute
  • American Eskimo Dog
  • American Staffordshire Terrier
  • American Water Spaniel
  • Anatolian Shepherd
  • Australian Cattle Dog
  • Basset Hound
  • Beagle
  • Belgian Malinois
  • Belgian Sheepdog
  • Bernese Mountain Dog
  • Bichon Frise
  • Black and Tan Coonhound
  • Black Russian Terrier
  • Bloodhound
  • Border Collie
  • Border Terrier
  • Bouvier des Flandres
  • Boxer
  • Brussels Griffon
  • Bulldog
  • Bullmastiff
  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi
  • Chesapeake Bay Retriever
  • Chinese Shar-Pei
  • Chow-Chow
  • Collie
  • Curly-Coated Retriever
  • Dalmatian
  • Doberman Pinscher
  • English Cocker Spaniel
  • English Foxhound
  • English Setter
  • English Springer Spaniel
  • French Bulldog
  • German Shepherd
  • German Shorthaired Pointer
  • German Wirehaired Pointer
  • Giant Schnauzer
  • Golden Retriever
  • Great Dane
  • Great Pyrenees
  • Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
  • Irish Setter
  • Irish Water Spaniel
  • Irish Wolfhound
  • Keeshond
  • Labrador
  • Lhasa Apso
  • Mastiff (and American Mastiff)
  • Newfoundland
  • Norwegian Elkhound
  • Old English Sheepdog
  • Pembroke Welsh Corgi
  • Pointer
  • Portuguese Water Dog
  • Pug
  • Rhodesian Ridgeback
  • Rottweiler
  • Saint Bernard
  • Samoyed
  • Shetland Sheepdog
  • Shiba Inu
  • Shih Tzu
  • Siberian Husky
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • Standard Schnauzer
  • Weimaraner
  • Welsh Springer Spaniel

** This is by no means a complete list of dogs who can develop hip dysplasia.

It is also important to understand that just because your dog’s breed is on this list, it does NOT mean that it will develop hip dysplasia at some point in its life.

Since 1990, Winston’s Joint System and Winston’s Pain Formula have helped heal over twenty thousand dogs from all over the world. Our staff specializes in hip dysplasia, arthritis and all joint, pain and mobility issues.

There is an excellent chance we can help your dog, so please contact us or call our toll free number at 888-901-5557.

IS YOUR DOG IN PAIN?

Does Your Dog Have Trouble:

  • Walking?
  • Standing?
  • Getting up?

WE CAN HELP

 

BEWARE: PAINKILLERS FOR DOGS HAVE RISKS AND SIDE-EFFECTS – Natural Alternative Offers Safer Pain-Relief for Your Dog

Does your dog suffer with joint pain?

Our first instinct when we experience pain is to make the pain stop, right now. As dog-lovers, this is our first instinct when our dog is in pain, too.

But unfortunately, drugs which immediately stop pain in dogs, especially if your dog is experiencing joint-pain or osteoarthritis. In fact, sometimes the risks associated with these pain-killing drugs are worse for your dog than the original condition.

DOES THIS DESCRIBE YOUR DOG?

  • Difficulty getting up from a nap
  • Stiffness lower back, hips or back legs
  • Sits down more often, to take weight off back legs
  • Stands and sits with front legs very wide-apart
  • Won’t chase ball
  • Not interested in playing
  • Pauses at stairs, avoids climbing steps
  • Not able to jump after a frisbee
  • Gets tired mid-way through a favorite run or walk
  • Lowers head
  • Whines or whimpers (or snaps) when hip or leg is touched

If you answered “Yes” to one or more of these symptoms, your dog may be in need of help to repair and improve joint health.

When someone is hurting, whether it’s ourselves or a loved one, including a beloved family pet, our initial impulse is to dull the pain. For a dog with joint pain, steroids, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) or aspirin all may be prescribed by your vet.

But these are powerful drugs with potential side-effects. They may offer benefits in the short-term, if your pet is in severe pain. But as a long-term solution, the risks of taking these drugs often outweigh the benefits.

Winston’s Joint System offers a safe, effective, healthy long-term solution to canine joint pain and arthritis. This unique formula has helped literally thousands of dogs boost their immune system for more robust health, and regain their mobility and strength to walk, run, and play longer and happier. And this makes their human happy, too.

Winston’s is a food-grade joint supplement developed to do more for your pet than simply treat painful symptoms. It actually helps rebuild joint strength and health, and keeps tails wagging without putting your dog on a lifetime regimen of potentially dangerous drugs.

ARE YOU OVERLOOKING THE SOURCE OF YOUR DOG’S PAIN?

If you’re just treating symptoms, then the answer is yes. This means that your pet will never experience complete healing, and that the pain-symptoms will persist.

Conventional Western medicine for both humans and dogs tends to address symptoms rather than root-causes. Some of this has to do with our modern insistence on instant gratification. We want the quick-fix, and we want it now!

No one wants to see a pet suffer. But there is more to effectively treating canine hip dysplasia, joint degeneration, osteoarthritis and related conditions than just making the painful symptoms go away.

WOULDN’T YOU LOVE TO SEE YOUR DOG PAIN-FREE AND BACK IN TOP FORM—NATURALLY?

Winston’s Joint System repairs and rebuilds healthy joints, at the same time it relieves pain. The formula reduces swelling and inflammation, which immediately makes your dog feel better.

What’s even more important is that Winston’s Joint System gets to the root-cause of the pain. The formula helps rebuild cartilage and sinew, for greater strength and flexibility. And the system also replaces synovial fluid, which is essential to full movement and mobility in a damaged joint. Helping the joint-structures to repair themselves naturally, without toxic drugs, is the key to reducing inflammation and pain in the short term, and keeping your dog mobile and active in the long term.

DO YOU REALLY UNDERSTAND WHAT YOUR VET IS PRESCRIBING?

Rimadyl is the most commonly prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS) drug intended for the relief of pain and inflammation in dogs. The generic name for this compound is carprofen. Rimadyl, Deramaxx, Medican and aspirin are often prescribed for dogs with osteoarthritis, or other forms of degenerative joint disease and the resulting pain. These drugs often prescribed for older dogs, as well as for big breeds which may be more prone to hip dysplasia and other joint-related pain.

Rimadyl in particular was identified as a “miracle drug” and a godsend when it was introduced by the drug-maker Pfizer in 1997. But as with so many allopathic or palliative drugs, the “miracle” of the miracle drug now is known to have a dark side. One of the primary reasons is that painkillers like Rimadyl, or even aspirin, mask pain without addressing the deeper sources of what causes the pain. So the originating cause is never addressed, and the pain persists, diminishing the quality of life for your pet.

HOW RIMADYL WORKS, AND WHY IT MAY BE DANGEROUS TO YOUR DOG

Rimadyl acts by inhibiting prostaglandins that cause inflammation in injured or aging joints. Prostaglandins are also necessary for normal body functions, however. When their production is stopped, normal body functions (digestion, liver and kidney function, for example), also cease. This obviously poses a tremendous risk to the overall system.

Rimadyl may erode the stomach lining and cause ulcers, resulting in internal bleeding. The action of the drug may reduce circulation to the liver, which may cause toxins to build up in the body. The resulting hemorraghing and/or toxicity may be fatal to your dog. It’s important to know that the drug residue remains in your dog’s body even after your stop giving your dog the drug. Just how long this residue lasts has not been conclusively proven.

  • Numerous deaths have been attributed to the use of Rimadyl. Some veterinarians prescribe this powerful drug over the phone, without ever examining your dog. Why? This drug has been aggressively and successfully marketed, with multi-million dollar ad campaigns backed by the huge Pfizer corporation (which also manufactures Viagra, along with many other highly profitable drugs for humans).
  • Before agreeing to give your dog any pain-killing drugs, have the veterinarian test your dog’s kidney and liver function, and discuss other blood panels which may be recommended. After a preliminary period determined by you and your vet, have these tests run again. Any changes in these results, indicating organ-function distress or damage, are indicators to stop the drug program.
  • Veterinarians sometimes mistake Rimadyl toxicity reactions for simply “old age” in your dog. If you do choose to begin a regimen of Rimadyl or other pain-killing drugs for your dog, keep a daily journal – like a diary—of your dog’s eating and drinking habits, bowel and bladder habits, breathing, energy, activity and overall behavior. BE SURE TO NOTE ANY CHANGES IN YOUR DOG, and bring your dog back to the veterinarian if you have any concerns. Closely observing and immediately noting changes immediately will help you and your vet identify symptoms of toxicity—not to be confused with healthy aging.

SYMPTOMS OF DRUG TOXICITY

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Bloody diarrhea or stool
  • Lack of appetite
  • Extreme changes in water-dish habits (refusal to drink, or gulping water)
  • Excessive urination, or “marking” new spots
  • Incontinence
  • Listlessness or lethargy
  • Hyperactivity or restlessness
  • Aggressiveness
  • Panting
  • Pacing
  • Collapse
  • Paralysis
  • Seizures
  • Disorientation
  • Sudden or excessive shedding
  • “Hot spots” forming on skin
  • Facial swelling
  • Jaundice (yellowing) of eyes
  • White gums (may indicate internal bleeding)

EMERGENCY!
Please be aware that all of these symptoms have been reported in dogs on a prescribed program of Rimadyl, Metacam and Deramaxx, and may occur with other pain-killing drugs. In particular, ulcers, gastro-intestinal bleeding and hemorrhaging are common side-effects. If your dog exhibits any of these conditions, take your pet immediately to a veterinarian.

BE SURE THAT YOU READ THE FINE PRINT!

By law, ads for drugs, like ads for cigarettes, are required to identify health hazards and established risks. These warnings are present in the ads for the pain-killing drugs commonly prescribed for dogs—but you have to really look for them. Read the fine print before making your decision to use any drug.

  • Likewise, veterinarians have a lot of confidence in major brand and product, but may not share the full story with you. Rimadyl is packaged with a “PIL” or “Patient Information Leaflet”. The product also is accompanied by a “Client Information Sheet”, but when vets repackage the drugs into smaller vials, they may not pass along this vital consumer information to you. Be sure to obtain both of these documents, and read them carefully, before giving your dog any drug.
  • Never accept a phone-diagnosis or prescription for these powerful drugs. In fact, it might be wise to take your “Patient Information Leaflet” and “Client Information Sheet” documents home and read them in a relaxed, private setting before making the decision to give any drugs to your dog.
  • Be sure to discuss and fully understand dosage requirements. When treating pain with powerful drugs, lower dosage may lower risk of toxicity. Also, be informed that many veterinary authorities consider mixing NSAIDS with aspirin a high-risk practice.

IF YOU’D RATHER NOT TAKE THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH PAIN-KILLING DRUGS FOR YOUR DOG, READ MORE ABOUT THE ALTERNATIVE: Winston’s Joint System

Hip Dysplasia in a Golden Retriever named Wotan – Part 3

This is the third part of our 5-part series “Hip Dysplasia in a Golden Retriever named Wotan”, the true story of Wotan, a Golden Retriever suffering from hip dysplasia.

Wotan’s treatment with Winston’s Joint System continues and the results are amazing!

When I last wrote about hip dysplasia in a Golden Retriever, it was about my own beloved dog, Wotan, and I was really concerned about his hip problem and I was hoping that the recovery he had begun to show would continue. I’m happy to say that it has.

Last time I wrote about Wotan, he was starting to show improvement in his hip dysplasia after only one month on Winston’s Joint System. I am so happy to see him get up and walk around with ease again and a few times I’ve seen him get up so fast it looks like he levitated – this happens if I’m tempting him with one of his favorite treats in my hand. He does the resting and sleeping routine that all dogs are lucky enough to be able to enjoy, but when he’s ready to go, he’s really ready!

There’s no holding him back from his intended purpose, whether it’s time to eat, time to relief himself, or time to go for an adventurous walk. When he’s ready I’d better be ready, whether I want to be or not. Otherwise if he’s hungry he’s pushing at my leg and giving me that feed-me-right-now look or he’s standing at the door, dancing around, looking at me like ‘what are you doing – you know it’s time to go for a walk.

I have been faithfully giving him Winston’s Joint System once in the morning and once at dinnertime, just as the instructions indicate. He’s a big dog (85 pounds at the last vet visit) so he takes this formula once with his morning meal and again with his evening meal.

I also bought Winston’s Pain Formula at the same time I bought the Joint System, and for the last month, I have been also giving him the Pain Formula twice a day to help relieve the suffering he was going through.

I’ve now been able to cut back on giving him the Pain Formula and only give it to him if he seems to be having a little more difficulty on some days. His overall health has vastly improved. I know Winston’s Joint System isn’t some “miracle cure” but he sure has gotten better in all areas of his life, not just in his mobility and pain relief.

I believe that if Winston’s Joint System saved my dog, it can bring hope to your life too. The best solution I have found for hip dysplasia in a Golden Retriever is this formula.

Here I am writing about Wotan and I look down where he’s sitting patiently at my feet. He wags his tail and lifts his head in that regal way he has, and lifts a paw to me. I can imagine he’s thanking me for helping him get so much better, but then again, he may just be thinking “If I’m nice to him he’ll give me a couple of milkbones.”

I hope to have a lot more good news to share with you as Wotan continues to regain his strength and fully recover from the ravages of his hip dysplasia. I’ve decided to buy a new video camera and make a short video of him so you can see for yourself how well he’s doing now that Winston’s Joint System has done so much to help him. Have some patience and you’ll have a chance to see my great big beautiful boy at his best.

Since 1990, Winston’s Joint System and Winston’s Pain Formula have helped heal over twenty thousand dogs from all over the world. Our staff specializes in hip dysplasia, arthritis and all joint, pain and mobility issues.

There is an excellent chance we can help your dog, so please contact us at: www.dogshealth.com or call our toll free number at 888-901-5557.