The Natural Vet's Guide to Preventing and Treating Arthritis in Dogs and Cats

by Shawn Messonnier

Overview

Arthritis is common in dogs and increasingly prevalent in cats. In this comprehensive, up-to-date resource, Dr. Shawn Messonnier, the world’s leading holistic veterinarian, equips pet owners with the knowledge they need to recognize and treat this debilitating condition. Dr. Shawn helps caregivers blend the most effective conventional and alternative therapies, including acupuncture, homeopathy, and nutritional supplements. He offers tips on preventing arthritis and getting the most out of vet visits. In addition, Dr. Shawn distinguishes the approaches appropriate for cats and dogs, highlights age-specific strategies, and offers diet and exercise guidelines for the arthritic pet. The result is the most effective care for companion animals — and peace of mind for the humans who love them.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781577319757
Publisher:	New World Library
Publication date:	05/31/2011
Edition description:	Second Edition
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.70(d)

Table of Contents

Preface ix

About Natural Supplements xi

A Note about Cats xiii

Introduction: Understanding the Holistic Approach to Treating Arthritis xv

Chapter 1 Understanding Arthritis 1

Chapter 2 Not Arthritis but Something Else 9

Chapter 3 What Can I Expect at My Veterinary Visit? 37

Chapter 4 Conventional Treatments for Arthritis 55

Chapter 5 Natural Therapies for Arthritis: Nutritional and Chondroprotective Supplements 91

Chapter 6 Additional Complementary Therapies 127

Chapter 7 Diet and Arthritis 155

Chapter 8 Exercise and Physical Therapy for Your Pet 161

Chapter 9 Preventing Arthritis in Your Pet 175

Chapter 10 Tying It All Together 179

Acknowledgments 183

Appendix 1 Results of a Clinical Trial Using Two Novel HA Supplements in Dogs 185

Appendix 2 Natural Pet Foods 191

Appendix 3 Some of Dr. Shawn's Favorite Joint Products 193

Bibliography 195

Index 201

About the Author 217

Editorial Reviews

“This new book from Dr. Shawn is important, timely, and simply excellent. It presents a valuable, insightful review of conventional therapies for managing and treating arthritis in dogs and cats and then explains in detail the alternative therapies and holistic modalities that can be used to help prevent, mitigate, and treat arthritis in these animals. The chapter summaries are useful, and the last chapter nicely ties the whole book’s points together.”
— W. Jean Dodds, DVM, president of Hemopet and coauthor of The Canine Thyroid Epidemic

From the Publisher