About arthritis

Athritis; from the Greek “anthro” for joint, and “It-is” for inflammation. The bones are covered in articular cartilage; the synovial membranes, which join the surfaces together, and the synovial fluid which provides the lubrication and a lot of the nutrients for the joints. Peripheral to these structures are the ligaments, tendons and muscles which support and mobilise the joints.

The disease can be subdivided into two principal categories

·         Degenerative.

·         Inflammatory.

OSTEOARTHRITIS

This is a non-inflammatory, often inherent condition of movable joints that result in changes to the cartilage surfaces and their surrounding tissues with cartilage erosion and new depositions of bone to develop changed and irregular surfaces leading to joint pain, stiffness, swelling and limitation in movement with deterioration with age.
 
How does it occur?

There is little doubt that certain breeds have an inherited predisposition. This is known as primary osteoarthritis and conditions such as hip dysplasia in the labrador-retriever would be a good example. Arthritis occurs through the degradation of the cartilage that partitions two intersecting bones, in the joint. This can be due to “ware and tear” or commonly, it can be caused by an abnormality in the animal’s autoimmune system.

How do you diagnose it?

If a single joint has been damaged lameness is shown by the dog with a nodding action of the head or the ’dropping of a hip’. Where multiple joints are involved, as is often the case, signs may be less obvious as the dog takes on a compensatory gait, balancing out the limbs with slower movement, reduced propulsion and a less active state. A classic example is a dog with hip arthritis to show reluctance to jump into the car. Onset may be acute but more often is slow and subtle with owners believing that their pet is ‘just getting old’. If your dog has started to slow up recently, it probably has arthritis. Dogs rarely show acute pain (they rarely cry out) but increased nervousness, aggression and depression may all be related to chronic pain.

Your vet will help to diagnose the condition and also eliminate other causes of joint disease. Radiographs may be necessary as may analysis of joint fluid (the latter to largely eliminate other reasons for joint damage).

If you own a breed of dog, that has a high risk of arthritis; make sure you have your pet checked by a vet regularly, and ensure that they have a diet rich in fatty acids.

TRAUMATIC ARTHRITIS

This is a generalised term for changes to a joint resulting from either a single or repetitive trauma to that joint. Examples being a road traffic accident, a torn cruciate ligament in the knee or for repetitive trauma, a dog that over extends his back when running resulting in spinal arthritis.

Acute traumatic arthritis

·         Acute trauma to a joint may manifest as a sudden onset lameness with swelling, heat and pain and warrants early veterinary attention . It is important to differentiate this type of acute joint pain from other conditions such as septic or infected arthritis. Early assessment and treatment can reduce the long term damage to the joint. In this condition there is disruption of the cartilage, bone, synovial membranes and ligaments supporting the joint. Inflammatory changes lead to increased synovial (joint) fluid production with swelling and associated discomfort.

·         Disruptive, traumatic, acute, conditions with bone damage, dislocation and ligamental rupture may require surgical intervention but only after stabilisation of firstly the patient and secondly the joint itself. Several weeks of resting of the joint is important with possible immobilisation, depending on the condition may be necessary, including and followed by use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and pain killing drugs (NSAIDs). Prognosis has to be guarded in many conditions and a degree of osteoathritis will develop in many cases.

·         Non-disruptive, traumatic, acute, conditions will not require surgery. Rapid treatment with immobilisation / rest and the use of NSAIDs will provide good results in many cases although in severe cases osteoarthritis will result.

·         Repeat trauma induced arthritis occurs when A. there is poor conformation or B. the activity of the animal lends to this occurring. In the former case it is often difficult to deal with although careful and regular assessment of the growing animal can limit problems in this area. In the latter case, identifying the causative action before severe damage is caused and eliminating it will help.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Any breed, usually adult dogs are affected with single or multi-joint lameness varying from stiffness to acute pain. Occasionally fever, lethargy and inappetance accompany the joint disease which may have a symmetric appearance. The joints are swollen and painful with manipulation. Damage and erosion of the cartilage and bone surface occurs with changes to the synovial membranes. The test for Rheumatoid arthritis is a blood test for auto-antibodies known as ‘rheumatoid factor’. There are several ways to test for the condition such as ELISA, radioimmunoassay and the Rose-Waaler test. These tests are not always accurate. Treatment is varied. NSAIDs are effective in mild cases. Severe cases may require immunosuppression with steroids and other cytotoxic agents. Gold injections have proven quite effective.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

As the name suggests this condition affects the whole body and can take on many different manifestations. This article will only touch on this condition but can be associated with autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, kidney disease, skin and gum eruptions, central nervous system disease, other blood disorders as well as polyarthritis (multiple joint disease). Again, the causative agents are unknown but there is evidence of an unknown, underlying viral infection which stimulates an abnormal ‘whole body’ response with immune complex hypersensitivity developing against a wide range of body cells and tissues. Clinically the polyarthritic form shows as a symmetrical multi-joint lameness usually with temperature rise, lymph node enlargement loss of appetite, mobility and muscle pain and wastage. Radiographs show little evidence of bone change. Blood testing for antinuclear antibodies (ANA test) if positive with clinical symptoms is a useful indicator of disease. Prognosis with treatment is always guarded, the disease usually being progressive leading to organ failure. Corticosteroids in combination with other cytotoxic drugs such as azothiaprim and cyclophosphamide are often used.

Polyarthritis/Polymyositis syndrome

Often seen in spaniels, showing stiffness and poor exercise tolerance with a crouched posture. The joints may be swollen and painful but a principal feature is contracture and atrophy of muscles leading to shortening of joint movement. This may include the angle of the jaw making eating difficult. Temperature rise and pain are evident. Treatment is as for the other immune based arthritides and prognosis is poor.

Polyarthritis/Meningitis syndrome

Boxers, Weimaraners, Pointers, Akitas and Bernese Mountain dogs have all been diagnosed with this condition that show as stiffness, temperature rise, painful necks, symmetrical arthritis and sometimes nervous signs. Tests for other immune based arthritides are negative but fluid drawn from the spine show marked inflammatory (but not infected) changes. Corticosteroid treatment can be effective.

Drug Induced Arthritis

Polyarthritis, lymph node enlargement, inflammation of blood vessels leading to skin rashes have been reported after the use of several antibiotics such as the sulpha drugs, cephalosporins, macrolides, and penicillins. Withdrawal of the drugs usually leads to reversion to normal health. There have been reports of polyarthritis after vaccination usually clearing within a few days of the reaction. It must be emphasised that these reactions are rare and are far outweighed by the benefits of treatment or vaccination for the majority.

Why K9 Immunitás?
 
K9 Immunity is unique in its ability to direct support to where the body needs it. This explains why K9 Immunitás can address health issues and symptoms that vary among both animals and people.
 
K9 Immunitás is the “great communicator” for the body. The many nutrients of K9 Immunitás essentially “plug” into receptor sites at the cellular level within the body. Once plugged into cells, the nutrients in K9 Immunitás begin communicating with various parts of the cell in order to learn the specific needs of the cell and then go to work meeting those needs.
 

In this way, K9 Immunitás essentially acts like a doctor who first listens to the patient – in this case the cell – and observes the symptoms of the patient. Based upon this information, K9 Immunitás then prescribes the correct solution to the specific needs of the body, whether a human body or animal. The body uses what it needs from K9 Immunitás and then disposes of the rest. Thus, there are no toxic effects unlike pharmaceuticals that can degrade organs such as the kidneys and the liver.

Recent PetLabs studies in dogs show significant increases in Acute Oxidative Potential (AOP) when using K9 Immunitás on a daily basis. AOP is a quantitive measurement of the ability to neutralise damaging free radicals which cause many health problems.
 
What is K9 Immunitás?
 
Our K9 Immunitás is a 100% certified organic nutritional food supplement. Our proprietary blends contain up to 10 of nature’s most powerful mushrooms species and are engineered to address the physiological requirements of humans and animals in a uniquely efficient and effective manner. The complex chemistry of whole mushroom blends provides literally thousands of natural enzymes and proteins in optimum evolutionary ratios for uptake and utilisation. This complexity cannot be matched by other vitamin and nutritional supplements which often contain synthetic or extracted chemicals and nutrients whose absorption, cell penetration and physiologic effects are questionable. With high levels of antioxidants, beta-glucans and other bioactive/bioavailable substances, PetLabs’s unique mushroom blends support a strong immune system, cardiovascular health and many other essential metabolic functions.

Most nutritional products in use today, developed from fruits and vegetables may have single chemicals with unique antioxidant properties and/or values, but non can compare with the whole enzyme systems within the PetLabs products, and that which is derived from the power of the mushroom.

Below is a reference page only with some very helpful and informative advice on your dog's condition and how you might be able help it by understanding it's illness better.

The three main forms of Canine cancer will be discussed below. These are: Canine Lymphoma, Mast cell tumours and canine bone cancer.

Today you can screen your dog for Lymphoma with a non-invasive process pioneered by a UK research company specialising in this area called www.pet-screen.com, and you can read more about this by clicking on the link.

PetLabs have conducted a number of studies to date, and the recent information from a 30 day study on how the mushroom formulations within K9 Immunitás work in dealing with the neutralising effect on free radicals which cause many health problems are shown on our FAQ page.

Canine Lymphoma

What Can be Done About Canine Lymphoma? This is a common cancer in all dogs, and fortunately is very treatable. About 50% of dogs with lymphoma can be put into remission. Most lymphomas respond very well to modern therapy, by using a combination of chemotherapy (sometimes radiation, although not very often) and immunomodulation therapy. In dogs which are otherwise healthy this type of cancer has one of the highest remission rates of any canine cancer. Lets look at what canine lymphoma is and the different treatment options available today.

What is Lymphoma?
The lymph system is the body's other circulatory system, circulating white blood cells and most importantly, lymphocytes. These are specialized cells involved in immune function found throughout the body. In normal healthy dogs, these cells are manufactured in the bone marrow, go through a life span of around 30 days, and then die off and are re-absorbed into the body or eliminated through the waste channels.

In Lymphoma, the regulation of production is lost and these cells proliferate in large number, or they lose their programmed life cycle and continue to live on, overwhelming the other blood cells. High white blood cell count and swollen lymph glands are the characteristic signs of this disease, followed by lethargy, loss of appetite and leading eventually to death unless treated.

Canine Lymphoma is usually treated with a special chemotherapy called the Madison Wisconsin Protocol

Lymphoma is a very serious and all-to-common disease in dogs. Some breeds are more prone to this type of cancer than others. Golden Retrievers seem to be especially susceptible to this type of canine cancer. Cancer is first and foremost an immune dysfunction disease. Lymphoma form when the body fails to recognize the altered lymph cells as invaders. These are the cells that have multiplied improperly. In the last few years specialized compounds have become available for use in cancer patients to try and correct this error.

These are called immune modulators. These immune modulator compounds often trigger the patient's immune recognition response allowing the body to recognize and destroy the aberrant cells. When this recognition response is triggered, the body re-learns how to deal with the tumour cells as it would with any other wound, and destroys those aberrant cells, producing healthy scar tissue in their place. These immune modulators are different than the class of drugs called Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy drugs are toxic, and work by destroying the cancer cells directly. Chemotherapy drugs are very useful in combating canine lymphoma cancer, in that they reduce the number of cancer cells present, but they do not address the underlying cause that allowed the cancer in the first place. Immune modulator compounds on the other hand are not toxic. They are a class of compounds called heteropolysaccharides, which are naturally occurring in our foods and are required in all mammals for triggering normal immune function. For some reason, in cancer patients large amounts of these immune modulators are required to trigger that normal rejection response, which in turn kills off the cancer cells.

Canine Lymphoma Responds Very Well to Combination Therapy Using Chemotherapy and Immune Modulators

There are many sites detailing the reasons why canine lymph cancer forms, and different technical information about lymphomas. These links can be found at the bottom of this page for those who wish to go into greater detail on the technical aspects. But for our purpose on this page, let's look at what can be done to treat your dog and overcome this terrible disease.

Chemotherapy is the first line treatment for dog lymphoma. This is a type of cancer that usually effects young to middle aged dogs that are usually healthy in other respects. This means they are often good candidates for aggressive chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is usually a good option, depending on how extensive the cancer, whether it has spread and whether any major organs are involved. Sometimes the effected lymph glands are surgically removed, but this is of questionable value. After surgery, some type of chemotherapy drug is usually recommended to clean up any remaining cancer cell not removed by the surgery. Chemotherapy and surgery are both effective in removing the bulk of the tumours, but should always be seen as only one arm of a multi-pronged approach. This is because we all know that surgery and chemotherapy do not cure cancer. The underlying cause of the cancer is still there , which is the immune dysfunction that allowed the tumour to form in the first place. Chemo and surgery do not deal with this underlying immune dysfunction. However, when chemo and surgery are used along with immune modulation therapy, the chances of a dog overcoming lymphoma and surviving a normal life span are excellent. Ultimately, it is only the patient's own immune system which can overcome the cancer. Until and unless the immune recognition response is triggered, the patient cannot overcome the cancer. That is why many Vets will tell you that the dog's life can only be extended, but that the cancer is still present. While this was certainly true in the past, modern research into immune modulation therapy as an adjunct to conventional therapy has proven this to be no longer true.

Diet is of Vital Importance!
Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs. It is thought by many experts that diet is the main reason for this. We feed our dogs a diet that is based mostly around grain, even though none of the dog family feeds on grains in the wild. Not the wolves, or coyotes, or dingoes, or hyenas, none of them. Dogs have not evolved the necessary enzymes to digest or utilize grain in their diet. They are primarily carnivores. When you feed a carnivore a diet based on grain, they will develop various immune dysfunctions, including cancer. If it is the diet that causes cancer in the first place, it seems pretty obvious that diet is an important part in treating a dog with cancer. In fact, diet is one of the most important factors in a successful treatment of mast cell tumours! To give the dog the best possible chance of overcoming this challenge, the proper nutrients must be fed. Don't make the mistake of thinking just because a dog food is expensive, or because it is recommended by the vet or has a fancy name that it is necessarily the best food for your cancer patient..

Mast Cell Tumour

Can Mast Cell tumours be Cured? The short answer is YES. These tumours do respond very well to modern therapy, by using a combination of surgery or chemotherapy (sometimes radiation) along with immunomodulation therapy. In fact, this type of cancer has one of the best outcomes of any canine cancer . Lets look at what Mast Cell tumours are, how they form and the different treatment options available today.

What Are Mast Cells?
Mast Cells are a special type of cell, which are involved in immune function and found primarily in the skin (although they are also found throughout the body). They make up about 20% of the skin cells in a dog, and are responsible for allergy response, among other things. When the body is exposed to particular types of harmful substances, the mast cells release chemical called histamine, which causes the typical allergy-like response. They also produce other vital chemicals which the body needs to survive, called cytokines. Even though mast cells are primarily a type of immune cell, they can become cancerous.

Cancer is first and foremost an immune dysfunction disease. tumours form when the body fails to recognize as invaders the cells that have multiplied improperly. In the last few years specialized compounds have become available for use in cancer patients to try and correct this error. These are called immune modulators. These immune modulator compounds often trigger the patient's immune recognition response allowing the body to recognize and destroy the aberrant cells. When this recognition response is triggered, the body re-learns how to deal with the tumour cells as it would with any other wound, and destroys those aberrant cells, producing healthy scar tissue in their place.

These immune modulators are different than the class of drugs called Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy drugs are toxic, and work by destroying the cancer cells directly. Chemotherapy drugs are very useful in combating canine cancer, in that they reduce the number of cancer cells present, but they do not address the underlying cause that allowed the cancer in the first place. Immune modulator compounds on the other hand are not toxic. They are a class of compounds called heteropolysaccharides, which are naturally occurring in our foods and are required in all mammals for triggering normal immune function. For some reason, in cancer patients large amounts of these immune modulators are required to trigger that normal rejection response, which in turn kills off the cancer cells.

Mast Cell tumours Respond Very Well to Combination Therapy

There are many sites detailing the reasons mast cell tumours form, and different technical information about mast cell tumours. These links can be found at the bottom of this page for those who wish to go into greater detail on the technical aspects. But for our purpose on this page, let's look at what can be done to treat your dog and overcome this terrible disease:

Historically, surgery has been the first line treatment for mast cell tumours. This is usually a very good option, depending on where the tumour is located, how extensively it has spread and whether any major organs or underlying structures are involved. After surgery, some type of chemotherapy drug is usually recommended to clean up any remaining cancer cell not removed by the surgery. Chemotherapy and surgery are both effective in removing the bulk of the tumours, but should be seen as only one arm of a multi-pronged approach. This is because we all know that surgery and chemotherapy do not cure cancer. The underlying cause of the cancer is still there, which is the immune dysfunction that allowed the tumour to form in the first place. Chemo and surgery do not deal with this underlying immune dysfunction. However, when chemo and surgery are used along with immune modulation therapy, the chances of a dog overcoming mast cell cancer and surviving a normal life span are excellent. Ultimately, it is only the patient's own immune system which can overcome the cancer. Until and unless the immune recognition response is triggered, the patient cannot overcome the cancer. That is why many Vets will tell you that the dog's life can only be extended, but that the cancer is still present. While this was certainly true in the past, modern research into immune modulation therapy as an adjunct to conventional therapy has proved this to be no longer true. Cancer cannot be cured, but can be put successfully into Remission.

Bone Cancer

Canine bone cancer is, unfortunately, one of the most common types of cancer in dogs. Osteosarcoma is the type of canine bone cancer most often seen. This is a type of canine cancer that starts on the surface of the bone and progresses into the centre. The effectiveness of dog cancer treatment depends on several factors, one of which is the degree to which the cancer has infiltrated the bone, and especially if it has invaded the marrow space - the hollow portion in the centre of the bone.

The treatment of choice for most dogs is surgery to remove the tumour. Usually, the entire limb is amputated, although sometimes bone-sparing surgery can be used depending on the size and extent of the tumour. A successful outcome with surgical removal of canine bone cancer depends primarily on whether the dog’s immune system can effectively fight off a recurrence of the tumour in some other part of the body after surgery. This is why immunomodulation therapy is often recommended to follow up the surgery. Without immune therapy, the surgery alone almost never results in a complete remission. Unless something is done to enhance the dog’s immune system, the bone cancer will come back in 99% of the cases, regardless of how good the surgery is.

Chemotherapy is often used to follow up the surgery, but unfortunately, chemotherapy does not work very well in most canine bone cancer cases. Radiation is also used, and this can be a good option, especially in reducing the associated pain when surgery is not possible. But it is important to understand that the chemo, surgery and radiation cannot by themselves cure a dog with cancer.  It requires the dog’s own immune system to overcome the cancer. Even though we see bone cancer tumours form in one place, bone cancer in dogs is really a systemic disease. It requires a systemic response to overcome it.

It has been our experience that surgery and/or radiation, with the addition of some form of immune modulation therapy. All other things being equal, this seems to be the canine cancer which responds the best to immunomodulation therapy.

Scientific evidence showing that natural Glucosamine exists within the cell wall of fungi/mushrooms: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glucosamine

Pet-Screen www.pet-screen.com

Golden Retriever health www.grca.org

What is dog cancer? http://drnancysplace.com/cancerfaq.htm

Lymphoma www.marvistavet.com/html/lymphoma.html

Lymphoma www.vetmed.wsu.edu/deptsOncology/owners/lsa.aspx

Mast Cell Tumor www.kateconnick.com/library/mastcelltumor.html

Fibrosarcoma www.oncolink.com/experts/article.cfm?c=3&s=32&ss=86&id=1262

Hemangiosarcoma www.vetinfo4dogs.com/dhemangio.html

Histiocytosis www.histiocytosis.ucdavis.edu

Osteosarcoma http://clubs.akc.org//fcra/healthmanual/sarcoma.html

Mushroom Matrix www.mushroommatrix.com