ArcaMax

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Q: Our older, 65-pound mixed-breed dog has developed arthritis in her back legs and has to be helped up the stairs. My daughter's veterinarian suggested a vegetarian diet. Within a week, Winnie was leaping up the stairs! Don't you think we found a solution to arthritis in older dogs? -- B.S., Mount Dora, FL

A: In word, "no." A vegetarian diet is no miracle cure for arthritis in dogs.

"I'm certainly pleased if the dog is doing better," says Dr. Daryl Millis, professor of surgery at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville. "This dog may have been overweight, which is commonly linked to osteoarthritis," he notes. "And it's likely a dog may lose weight on a vegetarian diet. Certainly, there are going to be beneficial antioxidants in a vegetarian diet. However, vegetarian diets are not suggested for dogs."

If there was weight loss, your dog could well have benefited by that. Also, arthritis often comes and goes, sometimes associated with a dog's activity level (some activity is typically a good thing) and even the weather. Interestingly, studies have shown that when owners are given a placebo (sugar pill) for their dog, they often report fewer symptoms in their pet. Also, arthritis in dogs waxes and wanes; some days aren't so bad, while others are awful.

Bottom line, it's unlikely that a vegetarian diet was solely responsible for your dog's miraculous recovery. Millis says to first make sure the problem you're dealing with is osteoarthritis and not another issue, such as a bulging disc, cruciate tear, or elbow or hip dysplasia, since all require different treatments.

Treatments for arthritis vary, depending on the dog. They include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucosamine/chondroitin, laser treatment, acupuncture and plain old-fashioned low-impact exercise, in particular, swimming.

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Q: My 11-week-old kittens tested positive for Giardia (a protozoa). I treated all my cats and older kittens with Panacur, then had a fecal test done which showed negative for Giardia. However, I didn't treat my 6-week-old kittens. They now have diarrhea. Are they old enough to treat with Panacur, as well? -- M.L., via cyberspace

A: "As you likely know (being a cat breeder), vomiting can be a sign of anything," says Dr. Ernie Ward, of Calabash, NC. "While Panacur can be given to kittens this young, the danger lies in offering a drug without knowing why. It's important to get a definitive diagnosis first, and then the appropriate treatment can be suggested

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Steve Dale welcomes questions/comments from readers. Although he can't answer all of them individually, he'll answer those of general interest in his column Send e-mail to PETWORLD(at)STEVE DALE.TV. Include your name, city and state. Steve's website is www.stevedalepetworld.com; he also hosts the nationally syndicated "Steve Dale's Pet World" and "The Pet Minute." He's also a contributing editor to USA Weekend.

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