Wally is having trouble getting up now and then. I´ve given him buffered asprin, which takes care of the stiffness for about a day or so. I´ve seen ads for doggy Cosequin and others but would like some reviews before I order.
Thanks.
I’d definitely try him on some glucosamine/chondroitin/msm human supplements. Much cheaper than Cosequin. Also add flax oil or fish oil for it’s anti-inflammatory properties.
I’d also recommend doing a month long loading dose of Adequan injections (one shot every 3-4 days.). Your vet can show you how to give the shots. They are easy to give. Adequan has been proven to work at increasing joint lubrication which relieves pain, as opposed to just masking it.
If that doesn’t work, then I would look at using Rimadly, Previcox, derramax or some other NSAID. They are much safer than aspirin. Tramadol is also an option.
My golden is 12 1/2. I had her on Dasquin and Welactin Omega 3 for most of her life. Recently, I noticed she was having more trouble getting up so I added VetriScience® Laboratories - Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) 500 Supplement for Dogs.
It made a big difference in her flexibility. She gets up easier, plays more with the younger dog and seems better in the morning when she first stands. Just make sure you use the exact amount for his weight and not less. It’s very reasonably priced.
I have a Wally too!
I’ve tried so many things, including glucosamine/chondroitin, krill oil, Cosequin (not that expensive at Costco), SynoviG3, Chinese herbs from the holistic vet, etc etc but what’s worked best for my two is Adequan, by far.
Now I just buy the Adequan from valleyvetsupply (cheapest place I found re Adequan) and my vet is happy to give me a scrip.
(ps I also found that acupuncture and red light therapy are useful, but IMO Adequan is more bang for the buck)
I have two of my little dogs on Dasuquin. My little Peke has arthritis and my little pug mix has it as a preventative after two femoral ostectomies. I used to use Cosequin DS and was happy with it, but Dasuquin had more ‘good stuff’ in it and was more cost effective so I ordered it.
I feed the SmartPak Joint supplement to my dogs. I think it helps.
I buy the horse sized containers on Tri-Acta HA and dose for my dog’s size (you can call the company, they will tell you the dosage based on their size and weight). You get about 6X’s more product for your money buying the horse sized container, and the concentrations are the exact same as the dog one, and the product has no fillers.
My dog went from 3 legged lame, to running around with all fours within a week’s time. A friend tried it on her very stiff newfoundland and it worked wonderfully for her. can’t say enough good stuff about it. I was on the edge of putting my boy down until i tried it.
Phycox Soft Chews.
My senior border collie had marked relief from arthritis. She had a super sensitive stomach and seemed to tolerate the Phycox well. You can purchase them through a pet supply house. I tried the Dasuquin but didn’t see as much improvement.
I give Phycox Soft Chews to a 10 year old small dog with Leggs-Perths-Calves, after being given a sample jar of them by a veterinarian at an expo booth. Purchase them online.
Our older Lab is on Carprofen. He’s been on it for the past few years with no side effects. It’s made a huge difference in his ability to get around pain free.
He’s also on the OTC joint med, Osteo Bi-flex.
http://www.glcdirect.com/product/actistatin-large-dog-soft-chews-120-count/
This has worked for all 3 dogs I’ve tried it on so far. One with very progressive age arthritis and neuro issues and another with mild hip dysplasia. They actually spend money doing clinical trials on their products and will refund your money if you don’t see a difference.
Also had good luck with meloxicam - an Rx NSAID - and it’s very inexpensive (like $2 a month). I’ve used Adequan and Pentosan on them but never noticed much difference.
Hylasport Canine by HorseTech.
Dasaquin for 2 large & small dog. All do better on it. They love the chewables.
My 10.5 year old agility dog is on Adaquan shots once a month( 1ml per month) and he gets a soft chew supplement everyday( the name escapes me). He has done markedly better on the adaquan and he gets regular chiro treatments also.
I use the horse Cosequin - it’s much cheaper than the dog version. It’s easy to calculate how much to give. Our last dog had surgery on both knees. After the first surgery at age 5 years (second surgery was age 6) I immediately started giving her the Cosequin. She lived to be 15.5 years without any lameness issues despite our vet telling us that she most certainly would. As soon as we got our new puppy (at 7 mo) I started giving it to her too. I just wet her kibble and sprinkle it on.
PS, I also sprinkle it in my yogurt and I think I feel better. I just take the same dose as the dog who is 50lb., which is 1/8 of a teaspoon. I don’t taste it but any more of the powder and I think I would.
My older dog showed great improvement on doggie Cosequin. It wasn’t the regular version, but the DS or DX, I forget which. She was a 15 yr old GSDx at the time and the difference was jaw-dropping.
Highly recommend Omega supplement, my big guy gets canned mackerel or canned sardines for the Omegas and then he is on meloxicam and Dasaquin. Have tried Adequan, another injectable similar to adequan, several oral joint supplements but so far this is working the best even with him having had an incomplete fracture of the elbow that has the arthritis in it.
Adequan!! Pricey, but absolutely worth it. Also, keep as lean and fit as possible. Heated beds also make a huge difference.
How odd! The internet ate my reply from last night. I said: Thanks to everyone who responded. I expect that results vary dog to dog but it is good to have a starting place.
Wally is one of those dogs who just show up one day and silently tell you that s/he is supposed to be with you. I saw him first out in the middle of the high desert near Lancaster, CA when he wandered into a horse rescue, thirsty, from ??? (I assume he´d been dumped.). He came home with us.
He´s a big boy–probably 80 pounds, has the body and ears of a Bull Terrier and is black and white. Very handsome. He once chased the wrong horse and was rewarded with a broken femur, which was repaired with a plate and 11 titanium screws. The vet expected he would have arthritis from this, if not from his size.
We love him and he loves us–happy ending.
[QUOTE=SpiritInTheSkye;8494720]
Phycox Soft Chews.
My senior border collie had marked relief from arthritis. She had a super sensitive stomach and seemed to tolerate the Phycox well. You can purchase them through a pet supply house. I tried the Dasuquin but didn’t see as much improvement.[/QUOTE]
Just a word of caution about the Phycox. It contains a patented ingredient that effects the cox enzyme. Be careful about combining with any NSAID (Rimadyl, Deramaxx, Metacam) as it can cause some serious issues.
