matt wrote:
How effective are 'alternative' treatments for arthritis in dogs - I'm
thinking of, for example, Acupuncture or Hydrotherapy.

Naturally they avoid the slight risks of drugs like Rimadyl, but are
they as effective when they work?


Thanks

Matt, you might also check into "alternative" therapies such as diet.
High levels of an omega-3 fatty acid such as EPA in a dog's diet can
reduce inflammation within the joint and block the production of
enzymes that attack the joint and cartilage. I'm specifically
referring to Hill's Prescription Diet Canine j/d. The diet is long
term and doesn't contain any drugs and could be considered a "more
natural" way to treat arthritis. The EPA comes primarily from deep sea
fish oil. Also, the diet has an inverse n-6:n-3 ratio.