Canine Arthritis Treatment with Chinese Medicine
Dogs with Joint Problems May be Helped Using Chinese Herb Formulas
Dogs may suffer from arthritis as a secondary effect of congenital defects including hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. Trauma, such as broken bones and back injuries may result in arthritis as well. Traditional Chinese medicine for dogs approaches the problem, called Bi Syndrome, from an individual perspective.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Arthritis Assessment
In TCM, the form that canine arthritis takes must be evaluated along with the overall condition of the dog. A dog that snuggles up next to the radiator must have Bi Syndrome treated differently than the dog that stretches out on cool tiles.
Likewise the Deficient dog with arthritis, one who is weak and often tired, will need Chinese herbs that are not the same as those used for the canine dynamo who insists on chasing the ball despite his arthritis.
Joint problems stemming from traumatic injury will often require Blood and Qi moving treatments as stuck Qi or Blood may cause pain. The Chinese herbalist will also need to determine whether the pain is from Wind, Damp, Cold or Heat or a combination of factors.
Combination TCM Therapy for Arthritic Dogs
Much of what dog owners learn from their veterinarian also applies in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Maintaining a healthy weight and providing regular controlled exercise is still important. Controlled exercise is important to ensure that the muscles needed to support the arthritic dog stay strong. Giving dogs with arthritis a glucosamine supplement is also in keeping with TCM principles.
Diet will also be important in helping a dog with joint problems. In Chinese Medicine foods are chosen that bring the body back into balance. For example, the dog who curls up by the fire might benefit from lamb, which is a warming food, but the dog who is already warm might do better with more cooling meats. The Chinese herbalist will determine which foods are best for the individual dog.
Different Chinese Herbs for Different Forms of Canine Arthritis
Herbs will also be determined based on the individual dog’s Bi Syndrome signs and symptoms. This is one area where untrained people often err. For example, if a friend’s dog has arthritis and sees a TCM specialist and is given Du Huo Ji Sheng formula for the pain it might be tempting to try the medication on another dog.
But Du Huo Ji Sheng is a very warm formula and not only may not work for the dog that is actually warm by nature, but may actually worsen the condition. This is where the knowledge of a TCM practitioner is needed to ensure the right formula for the dog is given.
Acupressure and Acupuncture for Arthritic Dogs
One thing dog owners can safely do for their pet with canine arthritis is to learn some basic acupressure techniques which can be done at home. By giving the dog with joint problems regular acupressure owners will be helping keep the dog as comfortable and flexible as possible. Used in conjunction with acupuncture by a trained veterinary acupuncturist the benefits of acupressure for the dog may be greatly increased.
Traditional Chinese medicine provides dog owners with options for reducing the pain and stiffness that arthritic dogs suffer. The dietary, herbal and canine acupressure components can be used in conjunction with western medical treatments as long as the veterinarian and Chinese herbalist are kept informed of all medications and herbs the dog is being given.
Dogs With Arthritis May Benefit From TCM
|
What do you think about this article?
Latest Articles