Non-systemic pain relief for dog with elbow dysplasia?

[CrowneDragon]

I have an older gentleman dog who has arthritis in his elbows (amongst other places). He is on glucosamine and HA, and occasionally Tramadol if he’s really sore. He can’t have NSAIDs due to advanced liver disease, and kidney issues as well. I did a loading series of Adequan, which did nothing. I am talking to my vet about Pentosan, when it comes available again.

I am interested in other modalities to help his comfort, particularly non-systemic, non-drug, because of his liver. Horseware makes an Ice Vibe dog blanket thing that has massaging cold packs for the back and hips. I’d love to find something like that, for his elbows. It’s an awkward area to treat. I have also thought about trying the Sore No More liniment on him. Has anyone every used it for a dog?

Any suggestions welcomed!

[Horsegal984]

Joint injections, either stem cell, steriods, or Legend. Therapy laser treatments. Acupuncture. Ultrasound.

There are a lot of non-NSAID options, you just need to find a sports medicine or CCRP vet who knows how to use them.

[Marshfield]

Therapy laser

[BuddyRoo]

Laser therapy has helped a number of our clients’ pets. I see you’re in MI…not sure where you are though. But I’m pretty sure Red Cedar in Okemos has cold laser and MSU would likely be able to tell you who in your area has one.

It may be though that you’ll have to weight the risks/rewards of managing his pain with more regular use of tramadol.

[wendy]

Back on track blanket.
Heating pads.
Acupuncture.
Gabapentine.

[CrowneDragon]

[QUOTE=BuddyRoo;7132088]
Laser therapy has helped a number of our clients’ pets. I see you’re in MI…not sure where you are though. But I’m pretty sure Red Cedar in Okemos has cold laser and MSU would likely be able to tell you who in your area has one.

It may be though that you’ll have to weight the risks/rewards of managing his pain with more regular use of tramadol.[/QUOTE]

Unfortunately the tramadol doesn’t do much (Works great for my headaches, though!)
When he needs real pain relief (after surgery) he gets hydromorphone. It makes him ataxic and is not suitable for day-to-day use.
There is a vet near me that advertises cold laser. I’d be willing to give it a try, but have low expectations.
There isn’t anyone around here who does acupuncture, though my equine chiro also works on dogs. I doubt that would help this issue. I asked my vet about IA injections and he said he didn’t feel it would be of a lot of use here.

[faybe]

Where in Michigan are you? This is the acupuncture program I did and it was excellent. I would trust any of their graduates with my pet. There are several listed in Michigan, don’t know if any are close to you: http://www.colovma.org/associations/2956/files/MAV%20Grads%20By%20State.pdf

[Guin]

Acupuncture.

[SquishTheBunny]

Hmm…while I agree accupunture, physio, etc. is a good idea and will help mildly, I don’t think you are going to see a world of difference with advanced arthritis. We have a vet here that does cold laser, and she said its only really useful when the patient is dedicated to a full physio therapy routine (not a one time cures all kind of thing). Generally more helpful for acute injuries like cruciates - but worth a try if you can.

If you cant go the NSAID route and don’t want to do an elbow replacement (likely not ideal for an older dog anyway), can you add Gabapentin to the mix?

Also, topicals can sometimes help relieve some pain - like surpass.

We also use Polyglycan over Adequan, our surgeons feel they get better results with it. Its a bit cheaper too - maybe something to try? Its labelled as a joint lavage, but like Adequan it is given IM/IV as well.

You could also talk to your vet about pulse therapy of NSAIDs - 3 days on, 3 days off etc. often the liver is happier with this.