Category: Arthritis / Bone / Joint Health

How to Treat Spondylosis Deformans in Dogs Through Ayurveda

Abstract

Like humans, dogs are also vulnerable to problems in the spine. Problems associated with the spine are much more common than most dog owners may realize. Spinal problems in dogs are of various types and signs and symptoms depend on the cause and severity of the disease. This article will recapitulate spondylosis in dogs which is a common condition and may or may be a part of normal aging. In the majority of cases, spondylosis deformans is a normal part of aging and dogs do not have any outward signs at all. Below you will have a look at details of the disease condition and how to fix this issue and improve the quality of life of your dog with the help of Ayurveda.

Introduction

In dogs spondylosis is also called spondylosis deformans and is a degenerative condition of the spine that leads to the development of bone spurs along the vertebrae. Usually, aged dogs get affected with this condition but spondylosis can also happen as a result of injury. Spondylosis deformans commonly affects older dogs, as with age bones and joints have endured persistent stress that leads to degeneration and instability that leads to formation of bony spurs in order to regain stability in those areas.

In the normal spine there is an individual vertebra with space in between that consists of an intervertebral disc.  In spondylosis deformans vertebral spine is characterized by presence of bony spurs, or osteophytes along the edges of the spine. This bony spur develops in a single spot on the spine and commonly there will be multiple bony spurs in different areas of the spine. Spondylosis is a painful condition and affects the flexibility and range of motion for the dog. Spondylosis deformans most commonly occurs along the thoracic vertebrae, lumbar spine, or lumbosacral spine. Rarely, the bony spurs develop between adjacent vertebral bones and result in fusion of the vertebrae.

Spondylosis Deformans in Dogs

Causes

Spondylosis deformans is known to be a chronic condition and is related to aging. It often results as a secondary problem that is associated with degeneration of intervertebral discs. Following are the causes of spondylosis deformans in dogs:

  • Increasing age: With age the spine bears wear and tear from repeated lifetime movements and in order to compensate for the damage there is formation of bony spurs.
  • Injury: injury to the spine results in spondylosis
  • Body weight: Body weight influences the development of degenerative diseases that includes spondylosis. Increased weight will put pressure on the affected area and make it worse.
  • Genetics: The dog with certain genetic make-up is more susceptible to development of spondylosis deformans. For example German Shepherds, Boxers, or dogs having long backs are more prone to development of spondylosis deformans.

Symptoms

The dog may or may not have any sign or symptoms of spondylosis deformans. It is diagnosed incidentally. If bony spurs occur near a nerve, there can be pain. The dog may have restricted movement depending on the location of bone spurs. With the involvement of nerves there could be neurologic impairment.

Following are the signs that you should be noticed in the dog:

  • Changes in movement: Dog starts avoiding jumping or rolling over, he starts dragging hind legs due to the rigid back.
  • Changes in walk: That smooth swaying from side to side is lost; dog is not able to move back freely, and there is limping and lameness due to stiffness.
  • Changes in comfort level: Dogs become sensitive to touch on their back due to pain; this is because the bony spur puts pressure on the nerves along the spinal cord.

Prevention

In particular there is no prevention of the spondylosis deformans, but there are few things you can do to prevent the disease to certain extent.:

  • Keep your pet active and fit which is helpful in age related changes
  • Maintain a healthy weight of your dog
  • Pay attention to the nutrition and caloric requirements of your dog
  • Take your dog for  a regular walk

Diagnosis

Spondylosis is an incidental finding when X-ray is done for any other reason. Following tests are done if the dog is in pain or if there are signs of nerve damage:

  • X-ray- Bone spurs also appear in inflammatory lesions, so in order to thoroughly assess the spine, multiple radiographs may be needed to rule out other causes.
  • Myelogram- spinal fluid is injected with special dye and radiograph is taken
  • MRI

Ayurvedic treatment

Dogs are an important part of families today and owners are no less than parents to them, so it is the responsibility of parents to give their beloved dog a healthy and disease free life. People often encounter health issues of dogs but giving them right treatment is crucial and Ayurveda solves the purpose effectively. Ayurveda is a science of life, the major focus of Ayurveda is on preventive and curative healthcare. Ayurveda is also well known for Pashu Chikitsa, meaning Ayurvedic Veterinary medicine and in Atharvaveda section VI Ayurvedic Veterinary medicine has been mentioned and is being practiced long before the emergence of present day veterinary medicine. Ayurvedic herbs contain a variety of bioactive compounds and do not have any side effects and thereby keep the animal safe and healthy.

Planet Ayurveda’s Treatment

Planet Ayurveda is a renowned Ayurvedic Herbal product manufacturing company and is serving humankind in a favorable way with incredible herbal remedies. Planet Ayurveda has global reorganization for its services and efficacious results with herbal products. The products prepared by Planet Ayurveda are 100% natural, free from additives, chemicals, and preservatives. Along with the treatment of human beings, Planet Ayurveda also treats animals with its marvelous herbal remedies. Following are the various herbal remedies that are used in Spondylosis in dogs.

Herbal Remedies for Spondylosis Deformans in Dogs

Herbal Remedies for Spondylosis Deformans in Dogs

1. Yograj Guggul

Yograj guggul is a classical polyherbal formulation and is available in tablet form that contains Guggul (commifora mukul), Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica), Ajwain (carum copticum), Pippali (piper longum), Vidang (Embelia ribes), etc. This remedy rejuvenates and gives strength to the skeletal and neuromuscular system and is a traditional medicine for painful joints and muscles.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily

2. Joint aid plus

Joint id plus is available in capsule form and is herbal formulation that contain standard extract of Nirgundi (vitex negundo), Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), Sonth (zingiber officinale), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), and Guggul (commiphora mukul). It is an effective problem for joint problems that helps in reducing pain and swelling. It helps the joint to regain the lost strength. The degeneration of joints as in spondylosis is effectively managed by this marvelous remedy.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily

3. Boswellia curcumin

Boswellia Curcumin contains effective anti-inflammatory ingredients like Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (curcuma longa). It promotes blood circulation to the joints hence improves joint health and improves flexibility. It gives a remarkable benefit in cases of degeneration of bones in spondylosis. Limping gait due to nerve pinching is also improved.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily

4. Ashwagandha capsules

Ashwagandha capsules are made from standard extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). It is a useful remedy in debilitating conditions. It is a natural rejuvenator that helps in maintaining proper nourishment of tissues, majorly muscles and bones. It gives strength to bones and keeps the degeneration that occurs with age at bay.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing/ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call +91-172-5214040

Conclusion

Spondylosis is a degenerative disease that reduces the range of motion and results in stiffness, pain and wobbly gait. This deformity affects the quality of life of your beloved pet as there are limitations to his movements. Ayurvedic remedies mentioned in the article are a boon to the spondylosis treatment for your dog and he can have a good life as these herbal remedies stop the symptoms from becoming severe and help in preventing pain. Ayurvedic herbal treatment lets you and your dog enjoy life to the fullest.

What is Mewing Technique? And How Does It Work?

What is Mewing Technique

Mewing is a facial technique that improves oral posture by positioning your tongue against the roof of the mouth. In simple words, the mewing technique involves the holding of the tongue in a certain position that will help to reshape the bones and muscles of the face over time. This facial technique was developed in the United Kingdom by Dr. John Mew and his son Dr. Mike Mew (both were orthodontists by profession).

Mewing Technique

Particularly, this technique works by placing the tongue on the roof of the mouth (specifically behind the front teeth). Gentle pressure is applied to the area by maintaining the exact position. The technique can be performed throughout the day, whenever the person wants to perform. Also, a person can perform the technique while sleeping or doing daily activities. This technique obviously holds certain benefits that are beneficial for the person on both medical grounds as well as for cosmetic purposes too, such as achieving facial symmetry, making breathing better, lining the teeth in symmetry, improving jawline shape naturally, etc.

However, it is always necessary to consult an expert/professional before attempting such techniques to avoid the side effects and prevent yourself from practicing the wrong methods in the techniques.

How Mewing Technique Works

The mewing technique is performed based on the theory of the orthodontist. They have explained in detail the exact right location for the placement of the tongue to achieve perfect results. Generally, the person is asked to place his tongue specifically on the roof of the mouth, by pressing it against it. Thus, the tongue is the main or can say the must-have necessary part of this technique. The whole technique is based on the tongue and its skills. The pressure applied should be gentle and applied on the upper jaw (maxilla). Performing the same technique daily will improve the general symmetry of the oral cavity including teeth, muscles, and jaw.

The mewing technique also helps in correcting the tongue posture, which is directly helpful in managing breathing problems such as sleep apnea, and the risk of choking while sleeping due to snoring. The technique also deals with other breathing problems that occur due to narrow airways.

How to Mew

The mewing technique is a simple technique to learn, but it needs practice to perform it perfectly. The general steps of mewing (in sequence) are

1. Relaxing the tongue

You need to relax your body and tongue just before starting the technique while preparing yourself to mew.

2. Positioning the tongue

After complete relaxation, slowly place your tongue at its exact position to initiate the mewing. The tongue should be placed against the roof of the mouth, while the tip is touching the back of front positioned teeth.

3. Step 3

Includes applying pressure against the direction in which the tongue is placed. Avoid exerting too much pressure, as this can cause tension in your oral and jaw muscles, that will latterly cause discomfort.

4. Step 4

It is also important to note that proper positioning is necessary to be maintained throughout the time, mewing is being done. Also, the position needs to be the same and not be changed every time you mew.

Also, you should try to place your tongue in this explained position throughout the day, including while talking, eating, as well as sleeping. Practicing wrong mewing can cause pain and discomfort. Thus you must seek advice from an experienced professional to avoid any complications and health discomforts during these techniques.

If you are thinking of practicing mewing, you should first take professional advice and secondly should maintain your oral hygiene. These measures will empower you to perform the technique in the right way and achieve the proper benefits of the mewing technique timely.

The benefits of the mewing technique are abundant as detailed by the orthodontist, but in some evidence, there is no proper information found that can claim its benefits for real. Thus, we can allow this mewing technique without knowing its claimed benefits due to its non-harmful performance steps. Evidence is found that can hamper the results of mewing such as genetic or environmental factors, etc. Thus, overall more research is needed to be done for determining the effectiveness, exact results, risks, and complications of the mewing technique.

Mewing Technique and Ayurveda

The mewing technique is not a part of Ayurveda, yet is related to it because of its natural (non-surgical) tendency to maintain oral shape and other benefits that are naturally assumed to be achieved over time. Ayurveda is well known for its best, side effects free, natural tendencies to achieve wellness and certain goals. Similar properties are seen in the mewing technique that is described to achieve certain goals. Both methods do not involve surgical or chemical usage.

Also, Ayurveda involves many tongue therapies, ancient oral therapies, and mouth exercises, to promote oral well-being. Ayurveda therapies are not indicated to be practiced by yourself and need appropriate guidance and investigations to proceed further. The therapies in Ayurveda involve potent herbs and their extracts to achieve goals, while some are done ideally according to necessity.

However, some Ayurvedic principles may be relevant to the idea behind mewing

In Ayurveda, the tongue is called ‘Jivha’ and is considered an important part of the digestive system, that plays an important role in differentiating the six rasas, facilitating mucous secretion, helping in digestion, and ultimately plays a role in maintaining proper health and overall body well-being. According to ancient Acharya’s the Jivha (tongue) is connected to various body organs and maintains the various functioning of body systems, including the digestive system. Jivha is the natural indicator of many body deformities according to Ayurvedic texts that implicated Jivha as a source of the patient’s Sharirik pariksha.

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4030 (India), +91-172-521-4030 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604

Conclusion

However, there is no direct connection found between these ancient Ayurvedic principles and this modern mewing technique. Practicing proper tongue posture techniques under the correct guidance can potentially help to improve digestion, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote overall health and vitality.