By C.D. (Kim) McKellar. B.V.Sc.

New herbal formula, dog-gone effective

Throughout my 30 years of veterinary practice in Australia, one of the most common conditions I've seen in dogs and horses suffering from arthritis.

This isn't surprising considering that dog racing and thoroughbred horse racing are huge industries here, and the joints of these animals take a pounding. In Australia, 20% of all jobs are linked to the horse industry, making it the third largest industry.

And Australia (where 68% of households have a dog) also use dogs for mustering cattle and sheep. These working dogs often develop joint problems and suffer injuries that lead to arthritis, even at young ages. But arthritis is not just a problem for dogs in Australia.

In America, it is estimated that 25-30% of all dog-as many as 15 million-will suffer agonizing and crippling pain of arthritis during their lifetimes. Large breeds are particularly susceptible but dogs of any breed, age, or size can develop arthritis. The effects of arthritis are devastating to a dog. There is a slow and steady breakdown of the dog's cartilage (a spongy substance on the ends of the bones that form in the joints). This cartilage is the cushion in the dog's elbow, hip, knee, ankle, and shoulder joints that gives the dogs the mobility to run, jum, and play. As this cartilage begings to wash away, there is nothing left to keep the bones from rubbing and grinding against each other, causing excruciating pain.

Dr. Kim McKellar has recently retired from full time practice and now consults in veterinary and medical research and attends to his large equine and sheep farm at Ballartat, Victoria and the care of his many family and farm dogs.

What Are Some Of The Major Changes A Dog With Arthritis Goes Through?

Dogs in the early stages of arthritis will often show signs of stiffness when they walk or get up. The pain may be mild and movement in the joints may be reduced by about 20%. As the disease progresses, a dog may lose as much as 50% or more of its range of movement in its joints. Due to severe pain, they will do almost anything to avoid moving. And the less they move, the more chance there is for obesity.

This puts even more pressure on painful arthritic joints and lack of movement can weaken the muscles that surrond the joint. In addition to physical changes, dogs go through a wide range of behavior changes. They may begin to withdraw from the family, hiding in a corner or some out the way place. Dogs with hip dysplasia, an inherited form of arthritis, may become constipated because they find it too painful to even squat down. Some dogs may soil the carpet rather than get up and ask to go outside. A dog may also exhibit signs of depression and seem sluggish.

They lose interest in going for a walk, jumping in the car, or running after a ball. Other dogs will cry, groan, or whimper when they move. But one the more frightening changes for a dog owner is when they notice their dog becoming more aggressive. Snapping or even biting may become a problem simply because the intense pain is making the dog ornery. Dogs that were once friendly will not want to be touched by anyone - including family members they know, trust, and love.

Nothing Is As Effective As This

This new product, called DGP (Dog-Gone Pain), has ben rigorously tested for more than three years (with some of the top veterinarians in Australia involved in the test). I have personally spent the past 18 months testing the product. In 30 years of veterinary practice, I've never seen anything as effectived as DGP in helping dogs that have arthritis, joint instability, hip dysplasia, and joint injuries. And it doesn't matter if the dogs are suffering from arthritis because of old age, or if they are young dogs who suffered an injury or have joint problems because of poor genetics. The best part about DGP is that it has proved to be free from unwanted side effects even after 18 months of use.

DGP contains a unique blend of herbs (many found nowhere else on Earth but Australia):

• Boswellia serrata
• Bromelain (Ananas comosus)
• Cayene (Capsicum frutescens)
• Celery seed (Apium graveolens)
• Corydalia root (Cordydalis turtschaninovii)
• Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
• Papain (Carica papaya)
• Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
• Wheat grass (Triticum aestivum)
• Proprietary Blend of Native Australian Herbs.