Keep Them Mobile

Over 14 million pets in the U.S. have arthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common health challenge affecting approximately 20% of dogs of all ages, though the risk increases with age. 60% of cats over the age of 6 years show signs of osteoarthritis, though it is often underdiagnosed because cats may not show obvious signs of discomfort. Approximately 15-20% of dogs are affected by hip dysplasia, a developmental condition that can progress to osteoarthritis if not properly managed. Around 10% of dogs will experience intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) at some point in their lives, with certain breeds, such as Dachshunds, experiencing a much higher prevalence of up to 25-30%.

Keep Them Mobile: Proactive Solutions for Your Pet’s Lifelong Joint Health

By, Dr Marlene Siegel – DVM

Our western culture leads us to think dis-ease is normal and expected, especially as we age. We treat “symptoms” with a pill for the ill, never questioning, understanding, or addressing the root cause of the dis-ease. This broken mindset has spilled over to our pets, creating a multibillion-dollar industry of “solutions” in the form of “specialty” diets, supplements, and pain management drugs.

The Root Cause Of Arthritis – Inflammation

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury, infection, or harmful stimuli. However, when this response becomes chronic, it leads to a phenomenon known as “inflammaging” – a state of low-grade, persistent inflammation resulting from ongoing exposure to environmental stressors, infections, or metabolic imbalances. Over time, this prolonged inflammatory state damages the body’s tissues and organs, accelerating aging and increasing the risk of age-related diseases, including arthritis, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.  

Inflammaging is impacting our fur families’ longevity and quality of life. 

Chronic illnesses that were once only seen in older animals are now common in young animals. Disturbingly, many pets are now facing shortened life spans due to these insidious conditions.

Causes Of Inflammation In Pets:

1. Diet: Just like humans, pets’ diets play a major role in inflammation. Processed pet foods containing excessive carbohydrates, synthetic additives, genetically modified ingredients (GMOs), hormones, chemicals, and pesticides contribute to leaky gut and chronic inflammation. 
2. Obesity: Leads to stress on joints and chronic inflammation. Obesity is an epidemic in our fur baby population and it is a key factor in inflammaging. Insulin resistance produces pro-inflammatory chemicals called cytokines that promote a vicious cycle of chronic inflammation. Obesity is also related to a rise in cognitive dysfunction, a dis-ease that is significantly more common today as compared to 20 years ago. 
3. Environmental Toxins: Pets are frequently exposed to environmental toxins, including chemicals in household cleaners and laundry products (endocrine disruptors), shampoos, pesticides, fertilizers on the lawn, herbicides, fungicides, mold and electromagnetic frequencies (EMF). Over time, these toxins trigger an immune response that leads to chronic inflammation. Tap water in the US contains over 85,000 harmful toxins, including glyphosate and heavy metals.
4. Chronic Stress: Stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that can lead to a leaky gut and exacerbate inflammation. Pets entrain their families’ stress, a real problem in today’s S.A.D. lifestyle (Standard American Day) where families are in constant high sympathetic tone (fight/flight) and sleep deprived. 
5. Microbiome Imbalance: 70% of the immune system lives in the gut. A healthy gut microbiome is critical for immune function. Disruption of gut flora, often caused by poor diet or antibiotic use, can lead to “leaky gut syndrome,” where toxins enter the bloodstream and are filtered in the liver, triggering the release of a cytokine storm in response to the “invaders”.
6. Deficiencies, toxicity, and mitochondrial dysfunction: It is well accepted that the foods grown with industrial methods are nutrient deficient AND are sprayed with excessive amounts of herbicides and pesticides. Essential nutrients are required for proper metabolic function. Toxicities, including heavy metals, disrupt normal metabolic pathways. These factors contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction (the mitochondria make the energy that runs the body and directs gene expression).
7. Injury/Trauma: Injuries to joints, such as torn anterior cruciate ligament, fractures from being hit by a car or chronic jarring (jumping off beds and couches) may lead to arthritis if the inflammation is not resolved. Even normal exercise that is designed to build muscle creates trauma in the tissue, resulting in swelling and inflammation, which further decreases oxygen utilization and increases lactic acid production, all contributing to more free radical damage. This cascade of events leads to sensory irritation and pain. 
8. Fascia Compression: Inflammation, trauma, and aging damage the flow of energy and nutrients through the fascia, resulting in poor tissue health.
9. Lymphatic Stagnation: Results from a lack of adequate high-intensity movement. 
10. Bacterial or Tick-Borne Infection: Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever cause inflammation of the joints. 
11. Lack of exercise: Animals do best with a minimum of 20 minutes of exercise a day (this includes kittens!) 

The Western Approach – Only Treating Symptoms

Traditional veterinary treatments for arthritis primarily focus on alleviating pain, reducing inflammation, and improving joint function, BUT not addressing the root cause.

Common approaches include:

1. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): These are often the first line of defense, providing effective pain relief and reducing inflammation. However, even short-term use can lead to side effects such as gastrointestinal issues and liver or kidney complications.
2. Librela (Bedinvetmab) Warnings: Librela is a monoclonal antibody treatment used to manage pain in dogs with osteoarthritis. It works by targeting and neutralizing nerve growth factor (NGF), which plays a role in pain perception. Although it is often praised for its effectiveness in pain management without NSAID-related side effects, the FDA issued urgent warnings regarding its safety. FDA Warnings: In late 2024, reports of illnesses and deaths in dogs linked to Librela prompted the FDA to urge caution. Some pets experienced serious adverse reactions, including gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, and even fatal complications in some cases.
3. Zoetis Response: The manufacturer has updated its product label to reflect potential risks and adverse effects.
4. Corticosteroids: Known for their potent anti-inflammatory effects, corticosteroids can offer significant pain relief. However, due to potential side effects, including immunosuppression and increased infection risk, their use is typically limited to short durations.
5. Analgesics: Medications like opioids may be prescribed for severe pain management, but they come with risks of sedation and overdose.
6. Disease-Modifying Osteoarthritis Drugs (DMOADs): These aim to protect joint cartilage and may include compounds like polysulfated glycosaminoglycans. Their effectiveness can vary, and they are often used in conjunction with other treatments.
7. Weight Management and Exercise: Maintaining an optimal weight reduces stress on arthritic joints, and controlled exercise helps preserve muscle strength and joint mobility.

Western medical practices commonly prescribe “specialty” processed diets for weight management and osteoarthritis in pets, but their effectiveness can be limited.

A study published in the Journal of Animal Science indicates that the carbohydrates and fillers present in many kibbles can promote weight gain, making weight loss more challenging. Additionally, research from the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that only 61% of dogs completed their weight loss programs, with 32% discontinuing prematurely due to factors like owner non-compliance and the development of other illnesses.

The Key To Healing And Longevity:

1. Stop living a lifestyle that contributes to leaky gut and inflammation. 
2. Supply all the essential nutrients the body needs to function properly.
3. Heal the leaky gut and resolve the chronic inflammaging.
4. Support detoxification of the 6 organs of elimination.
5. Strengthen mitochondrial health.
6. Instead of relying on steroids or non-steroids for pain and inflammation, consider acupuncture, fascia decompression, chiropractic adjustments, and laser therapy – proven methods that support natural healing and mobility. 

A plethora of safe and effective alternatives (without harmful side effects) exist to keep pets thriving.

By addressing fascia health, these therapies help release tension, improve circulation, and restore balance to the body. Learn to help your pet at home! Our Fascia Decompression Course for Pet Parents teaches you hands-on techniques to support your pet’s mobility, comfort, and overall well-being. 

This requires a paradigm shift, away from a symptom-suppression mentality and toward a sustainable lifestyle. 

Case Study: True Healing – Paisley

Arthritis affects all species, and Paisley, a sweet bunny, is no exception. Watch her video below!

Paisley, an 11-year-old bunny, arrived at Pasco Veterinary Medical Center in November 2024 with rear leg paralysis caused by severe spinal arthritis. She was unable to move or support herself. A comprehensive treatment plan, including PhotoBiomodulation (PBM) laser therapy, chiropractic care, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, acupuncture, and daily physical therapy, focused on reducing pain, improving circulation, and restoring mobility. PBM laser therapy played a key role in targeting her spine and hips to stimulate healing.

By December, Paisley had regained mobility and began hopping again, showcasing the power of integrative therapies for chronic conditions like arthritis.

Click Here To Watch – https://youtu.be/nm_X8V4DtI0

References:

1. https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/article/osteoarthritis-in-dogs-and-cats
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12174992/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20083417/
4. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/degenerative-disc-disease-in-dogs
5. https://canineortho.com/hip-dysplasia/?
6. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11148909/
7. https://www.aaha.org/wp-content/uploads/globalassets/05-pet-health-resources/mobilitymatters.pdf?dogsnaturallymagazine.com
8. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov