We are all looking for the best way to get effective treatment for our poorly dogs and cats particulary those suffering from arthritis and, at the same time stretch our budget as far as possible. It is hoped this information will help you acheive both.

One day last week, I opened this e-mail from a client:-

“……. my retired racing greyhound who unfortunately is suffering from old racing injuries that we think are causing arthritis. After only one week of use, we have noticed a very positive difference in him. I am a member of the Retired Greyhound Trust and when we next meet I will be promoting this for you, I will forward you any results of the meeting.” GH 8th Jan 2008.

So, is it some new wonder drug? No. what GH is talking about is using magnetic energy to treat the symptoms of arthritis in his dog.

Whoa! Now, you may well be thinking this is old fashioned “snake oil”, yes? Well, you need not worry. Many modern veterinary surgeons recognise the benefits that alternative therapies can bring to our pets. I am particularly keen you understand that we have animals too and have practiced the application of alternative remedies on all of them.

Now, this is NOT another anti-vet tirade. Our local practice, here in the New Forest is totally excellent. However, there are times when the use of drugs alone is not the best choice. We may want a better quality of life for our animals. We feel we owe them more. They have given us friendship and companionship over the years and now they are having problems we want to do as much as we can to ensure their wellbeing.

If you give are considering using this magnetic energy therapy your for your pet, let me see if I can help you make that choice. Let us see what a vet has to say about using magnets for treating animals..

“In canine medicine, magnets are often used to aid in fracture healing and in the treatment of many other ailments including arthritis, hip dysplasia, osteochondritis, epilepsy, pain relief, chronic organ disorders and vertebral disorders. Sprains and strains and other traumatic disorders may also benefit from magnetic therapy.”

“Magnets appear to heal the body removing inflammation and restoring circulation. By increasing blood flow to a diseased site on the body, increased nutrients become available to speed the healing process.”

These quotations come directly from *Dr. Shawn Messonnier, DVM. Dr. Messonnier, is a 1987 graduate of Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine. He opened Paws & Claws Animal Hospital in 1991.

Many thousands of pet owners have now tried magnetic energy therapy and have found their pets have responded positively in less than a week.

The cost is very reasonable (when compared to the scale of professional vets fees today). Various methods are available to provide magnetic energy therapy starting typically form around £20 – £25 ($35 – $50).

This can be very cost effective as from experience it seems to be the larger dogs; Larger dogs seem moer prone to this type of disease.

Many small dogs (and cats) get arthritis too. Many owners of small dogs and cats are using magnetic energy therapy too.

From the letters I have read from many pet owners, like the one at the start of this article, animals respond very well to this type of therapy. Animals do not suffer from cynicism! I am certain you will notice an improvement in the state of health of your pet. Barry Dench has been involved in Magnetic Therapy since 1996 having used his knowledge as an Electrical Engineer to apply his knowledge of magnetism to the biological body. He can be contacted by email at:=> mailto:barry@magnecare.co.uk For more information on magnetic energy therapy go to:=> http://www.magnecare.co.ukmodel trains books

Arthritis is one of the most common ailments seen in aging dogs and cats. This article offers some treatment options for easing the discomfort of your dogs or cats suffering from arthritis.

Arthritis is an inclusive term for a number of degenerative joint diseases. Pain, swelling and/or stiffness occur in all of them.

In dogs, arthritis usually takes the form of hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, spondylosis, joint degeneration or dislocation of the knee. Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear and is seen mostly in older dogs. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disorder of the membrane surrounding the joints and can occur at any age.

Osteoarthritis is the form most often seen in cats. Although they don’t often show it, arthritis occurs more often in cats than previously believed. Cats will not show the same symptoms as dogs, and are much less likely to exhibit signs of pain. The most apparent symptom would be the unwillingness or inability to jump as high as they used to. You might see an overall reduction in activity (but with cats, how can you tell?).

The good news is that the disease can be managed and discomfort kept to a minimum. Nutrition is the core of any treatment plan. A natural diet is essential. Supplements such as vitamin C, alfalfa or kelp are helpful. Glucosamine is commonly recommended. Glucosamine is a substance which works to stimulate joint function and repair. It has been proven effective for relief of osteoarthritis pain, rehabilitation of cartilage, and repairing joints.

A key component of cartilage and a naturally occurring compound, glucosamine can be used before symptoms begin to protect the joints from aging. It is sometimes used in conjunction with chondriton, another natural substance that protects the joints, and or MSM, a form of sulfur that helps reduce inflammation.

Homeopathic remedies, such as Rhus Tox or Pulsatilla may work. There are many herbal anti-inflammatories; licorice and black cohosh are but two possibilities. Yucca and Devil’s Claw are commonly used for arthritis for inflammation and pain.

A good adjunct to remedies or supplements is acupuncture. It can be very helpful in easing pain and stiffness in many arthritic conditions.

Other forms of physical therapy are becoming available for dogs in many areas. Regular mild exercise also help to keep the dog mobile, but don’t push – let your dog tell you how much he can handle. Keeping the dog’s weight down will take some of the stress off the joints, making movement easier and less painful.

Digestive enzymes and probiotics may also ease the symptoms of arthritis, though there is little research to bear this out. Poor digestion can result in partially digested proteins and other particles being reabsorbed into the bloodstream. This can then result in immune dysfunction and inflammation.

When all else fails, there are pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories and pain medications. Two of the most common ones are Rimadyl and Etogesic. These medicines can have serious side effects and require careful monitoring of the dog’s health. Elyse Grau is an herbalist and a long-time pet owner, well-versed in pet nutrition and feeding. She is the author of Pet Health Resource, your web guide to a healthy, happy dog or cat. The website strives to answer your holistic pet health questions through a large collection of articles.http://www.pethealthresource.comhorde leveling guide