Herbal tincture and how long to use for joint support/degenerative joint disease

[DayshaG]

Good morning: It has been a while so I want to wish you all a Happy New Year! I was wondering your thoughts on when using an herbal formula (specifically Sustenance Herbs - Joint Works Pet, ingredients below), should I give my cats Bella and Maya a break from using this and if yes, how long? I have used it mostly daily in their food for at least a few years now. I also have been using Cosequin capsules since just a few months ago, so that is newer for them and to help with their joint support too. I am low on the tincture and before I ordered it thought I'd check in for your advice.

A proprietary herbal blend of: *Amalaki *Boswellia Serrata,†Soloman’s Seal Root,*Ashwagandha, *Eleuthero Root, *Devil’s Claw, *Curcuma longa, *Ginger Root, Glucosamine HCl (shellfish derived) 70 mg. per ml. Inactive ingredients: Distilled water, Raw Organic Honey, Organic Cane

Thanks,
Daysha

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Happy New Year Daysha!

should I give my cats Bella and Maya a break from using this and if yes, how long?

Yes. We're not big fans on palliating with supplements continuously.

The general answer to ho long is a few weeks. However, the full answer is that "it depends" on the full context of their symptoms.

If you are working with a vet homeopath, your best bet is to ask them.

 

[Dr. Jean Hofve]

Remind me how old they are now?

For nutritional joint support, like Omega-3 oil, hyaluronic acid or glucosamine, those can (and should) be given constantly and forever. Just having had my old arthritic joints x-rayed yesterday, it was a sharp reminder that they do not get better with time, and in fact have deteriorated severely. Keeping the joint fluid and cartilage healthy every day is crucial.

For herbs, though, that's a different matter. As Dr.Jeff said, that's palliative for discomfort--are they in pain? There's also a lot of sugar in that product, which is inflammatory. Not sure I would be giving honey to cats for any reason.

I'd concentrate on the nutritional support and leave the herbs for when they're really needed. And use clean herbs with specific functions and not a kitchen-sink full of ingredients. My favorite for arthritic discomfort is Boswellia Complex from Standard Process. It's only sold through health professionals so if your holistic vet isn't familiar, just go here and fill out the Cat Survey, and I'll get you hooked up. It's a free service I offer for everyone! Holistic Health Consulting - Standard Process Products | Little Big Cat - Dr. Jean Hofve

 

[DayshaG]

Happy New Year Daysha!

Yes. We're not big fans on palliating with supplements continuously.

The general answer to ho long is a few weeks. However, the full answer is that "it depends" on the full context of their symptoms.

If you are working with a vet homeopath, your best bet is to ask them.

@Dr. Jeff thank you! I do work with Dr Judy Herman and her office suggested I reach out to the company that made the formula to ask them directly. I'll do that today.

 

[DayshaG]

Remind me how old they are now?

For nutritional joint support, like Omega-3 oil, hyaluronic acid or glucosamine, those can (and should) be given constantly and forever. Just having had my old arthritic joints x-rayed yesterday, it was a sharp reminder that they do not get better with time, and in fact have deteriorated severely. Keeping the joint fluid and cartilage healthy every day is crucial.

For herbs, though, that's a different matter. As Dr.Jeff said, that's palliative for discomfort--are they in pain? There's also a lot of sugar in that product, which is inflammatory. Not sure I would be giving honey to cats for any reason.

I'd concentrate on the nutritional support and leave the herbs for when they're really needed. And use clean herbs with specific functions and not a kitchen-sink full of ingredients. My favorite for arthritic discomfort is Boswellia Complex from Standard Process. It's only sold through health professionals so if your holistic vet isn't familiar, just go here and fill out the Cat Survey, and I'll get you hooked up. It's a free service I offer for everyone! Holistic Health Consulting - Standard Process Products | Little Big Cat - Dr. Jean Hofve

@Dr. Jean Hofve thank you for your thoughtful response. On the side, I am 48 and since last month have started to have what I am being told is arthritis in both hands, coincidentally, I also just became menopausal, so I realize my hormones may have a direct connection to this. When I wake up my hands are stiff and painful near the joints and bone. As the day goes on, they improve through movement, and I am trying to be proactive with ways to support them. I am open to any tips! I did have blood work for immune issues like Lupus and RA (which my mom had before she passed 10 years ago) done and I tested negative so that was good. Anyways, my two sibling kitties are will be 15 in March! I do give them Omega fish oil from Nordic Naturals and also the glucosamine capsules. Both kitties do not show any outward pain but Bella who has more of the kidney issues I previously shared about (early stage kidney disease that is remaining stable in the past 8 months or so) shows more observable stiffness and decrease in range of motion than her sister Maya. Descending stairs is where I see it most though Bella still attempts to descend steps to play with her toys. Both had been diagnosed with xrays in the past with the degenerative joint or bone diseases. I'll ask Dr. Herman about Boswellia. Thank you for sharing that product with me.

 

[NancyK]

I use elk antler velvet as one thing to support joint health. I also peel the eggshell membrane off of our eggs and feed it along with egg yolk. They also get lots of raw meaty bones.

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Nancy

 

[DayshaG]

Remind me how old they are now?

For nutritional joint support, like Omega-3 oil, hyaluronic acid or glucosamine, those can (and should) be given constantly and forever. Just having had my old arthritic joints x-rayed yesterday, it was a sharp reminder that they do not get better with time, and in fact have deteriorated severely. Keeping the joint fluid and cartilage healthy every day is crucial.

For herbs, though, that's a different matter. As Dr.Jeff said, that's palliative for discomfort--are they in pain? There's also a lot of sugar in that product, which is inflammatory. Not sure I would be giving honey to cats for any reason.

I'd concentrate on the nutritional support and leave the herbs for when they're really needed. And use clean herbs with specific functions and not a kitchen-sink full of ingredients. My favorite for arthritic discomfort is Boswellia Complex from Standard Process. It's only sold through health professionals so if your holistic vet isn't familiar, just go here and fill out the Cat Survey, and I'll get you hooked up. It's a free service I offer for everyone! Holistic Health Consulting - Standard Process Products | Little Big Cat - Dr. Jean Hofve

@Dr. Jean Hofve I checked with my homeopath vey office and they said the Standard Process product is also herbal. And the tablets you speak of are very large and hard. Any feedback on that? Thanks!

 

[Dr. Jeff]

I'll ask Dr. Herman about Boswellia.

I also love this product. It used to come in small tablets that can be crumbled:

https://www.vetrxdirect.com/product/view/sod-and-boswellia-joint-support-for-dogs-and-cats-otc/variation-11414?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAkc28BhB0EiwAM001TfGXK5h8oZgwWFLGGA-NDUe02ENNoyZaCDwAAjkThAy7X4-KYrpCjxoC3PgQAvD_BwE

 

[Dr. Jean Hofve]

The SP tablets are not particularly large but I guess it depends on your definition! They are pressed tablets, uncoated, and can readily be crushed. Of course, since boswellia, ginger and turmeric are all herbs, the same precautions apply. They are great for pain, but you don't take painkillers constantly (well, hopefully you don't!). Only when needed.

Just to clarify the distinction:

Nutritional support: okay for daily long-term use

Herbs: use only as needed. [For long-term use, give no more than 3 weeks at a time followed by a 1 week break (for the vast majority of herbs).]

Cats, of course, are sensitive to many herbs and there are some they shouldn't take at all. So always consult an experienced vet with regard to specific herbs and their dosing, and use appropriate caution. BTW I am not an herbalist, there are some I am comfortable using for cats and I stick to that small set.