Arthritis And Rheumatism In Pets
By John Burns BVMS MRCVS, Fri Dec 9th

ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM means inflammation/ pain ofthe joints

Rheumatism means pain associated with joints and muscles

The two are linked because muscles attach to the bones at ornear the joints. When a muscle is tensed it exerts its pull onthe joint; if the tension is excessive or prolonged this willgive the sensation of pain in the joint even if the joint ishealthy and normal.

Arthritis and rheumatism are most commonly seen in the older dogand this gives rise to the misconception that the problems arecaused by wear and tear of the joints. In fact, much of the painand restriction of movement is due to muscle spasm rather thanto joint disease. This muscle tension is caused by

(1) the accumulation of waste metabolic products in the muscles

(2) weakness of a major internal organ system. This is aviewpoint which will be familiar to students of acupuncture butsuffice to say

that certain muscles relate to specific organse.g. a weakness in stomach function affects the muscles on thefront of the (hind) leg or the lumbar muscles at the level ofthe stomach.

These effects may be due to unrecognised adverse reaction tofood ingredients. When the pet changes to a high quality foodwhich avoids damaging ingredients, the beneficial effect on thefunction of the internal organs and the elimination of toxicwaste from the system will often lead to the relief ofrheumatism/arthritis.

Benefits are possible even when there is degenerative jointdisease e.g. hip dysplasia but are less likely if there isstructural damage which needs surgery e.g. ligament damage.

A programme of controlled exercise is usually helpful. It isusually best to have four or five short walks each day ratherthan one long walk as this will maintain mobility withoutovertaxing the muscles. see http://www.burns-pet-nutrition.co.uk

About the author:Veterinary Surgeon and CEO of Burns Pet Nutritionhttp://www.burns-pet-nutrition.co.uk