My 8 year old lab has severe arthritis in his elbow (two surgeries for elbow dysplasia many years ago) and moderate arthritis in his knee (CCL surgery). He is on Deramaxx and although it made a huge improvement, he has now started to exhibit behavior of being in pain again. He is reluctant to stand up, limps, and his one elbow is considerably thicker than the other. Thankfully I've never had arthritis so I don't really know what feels good. Ice? Heat? Does it hurt him if I massage the area or does it feel good?
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Posts: 576 | Location: Southwest Florida and Ontario | Registered: May 08, 2005
thank you for asking the question and for the informative answers. my 13 yr old girl also has severe arthritis and the rimadyl that she now uses doesn't seem to be as effective as it once was. i'm going to ask my vet about the meds that have been mentioned here.
Posts: 1241 | Location: Long Island | Registered: Sep 06, 2007
No, he's not overweight. We watch his weight very carefully because we are aware that carrying extra pounds only makes the problem worse. We actually drop into the vet's office once a month just to make sure his weight remains steady. He was on Medacam for years but in the past year we found it wasn't helping his arthritis at all. We will speak to the vet and let her know the Deramaxx is not as helpful as it was even a month ago and see what she says. Is there such a things as elbow replacement surgery?
Posts: 576 | Location: Southwest Florida and Ontario | Registered: May 08, 2005
I swear by MSM and glucosemine/chondritin. Our black lab was almost paralyzed in her hips and could hardly walk, now she runs and plays and shows no sign of pain. You can tell that she is not normally shaped in that area but every year she looks better. Good luck.
BruscoBarn: My Brussels that is 7 years old is taking Metacam for his hips and my vet has told me to supplement the Metacam with gluclosomine. May I ask you what kind you are giving your lab?
I am so sorry to hear the news, but arthritis is not fatal - good news. I have it pretty bad for over tens years. One knee replacement, always on pain meds, besides all the over counter, nsaids junk.
I know it hurts to get up, but once you start moving it is better. I am planning another injection in my back, it hurts so bad a.m. There really isn't too much you can do. I have heating pads wherever I sit, even now at desk. Rubbing my hand now, it felt good. Keep his spirits up, if you get down, then he will too. I have people who push and love me, that helps.
What I am saying is heat is OK, rubbing is OK. Trying sitting of sofa and have heating pad on and see if he likes to lay on it. Don't leave unintended tho. Swimming is always suggested and know that isn't possible in winter, but movement is good.
I am not an expert, but have noticed that my dog and my parents' dog who both have arthritis both feel much better when they have glucosomine and chondritin as daily supplements. They even make dog foods with a lot added. But, the vet said they can take people's supplement. Just be sure to get the right suggested amount for your dog's weight. Your vet will give good advice.
--Shelly
************ May your dreams come true...thanks HGTV for helping ours along! ************ Avatar courtesy of SheltieCollector...thank you!
Posts: 393 | Location: Batavia, IL | Registered: May 04, 2005
Originally posted by Gages Granny: BruscoBarn: May I ask you what kind you are giving your lab?
Of course. I threw the bottle away a couple days ago and haven't gotten anymore, yet. I get it by the look but I'm pretty sure it's Glucosemine/Chondritin (in tablet form). Maybe it doesn't have Chondritin? The strengths probably vary. It doesn't really matter, just give by the recommended directions. I believe it's 400/500. If you're worried to get it at your grocery store, any pet store or feed store should have the brands with the dog pictures on them.
My dog has a bad hind leg with some arthtritis. She used to pee with the bad leg up in the air. Since I've put her on Previcox (3 times a week, only!)& give her Synflex daily, she seems to be pain free.
IMO, Synflex is one of the best glucosamines out there. It comes in liquid form, so they can digest it better.
I'm not associated with them. I like the fact that Synflex has many ingredients (not found in other glucosamine bottles) which help the inflammatory process.
Amber has now started limping pretty regularly on one front leg - not sure which one. She may need more than the Previcox she's been getting. Will try to take her to the vet on MOnday.
Our 13 year old baby is on Previcox and a veterinary glucosamine tablet that I got at C*stco. She loves the glucosamine - chomps the tablet right down.
She was on Metacam for a while, but when our old vet retired, the new one changed her over to the Previcox. It really does seem to be helping her more.
ETA: She is also taking tramadol. I'd forgotten about that one.
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