I have a dog who has cartiledge chips floating around in his legs. He has Lyme Disease, and arthritis. Ideas?

Question

The vet doesn't think anything has to be done about it, but I am going for a second opinion. He is in pain, and has a very curbed activity level because of it. Is there a special type of food he should have? Anything he shouldn't have? Any other ideas? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

First, has the Lyme disease been treated? How long did he have it before he received treatment?

As far as recommendations, get him on a glucosamine supplement asap. Personal preference is Cosequin and Glycoflex III. If he's in pain, SOMETHING must be done, whether it is surgery or just medical therapy like Rimadyl or Metacam for pain management. There are special diets for dogs with orthopedic problems like arthritis. In particular Royal Canin Joint Mobility diet (it's "prescription" so you have to get it from your vet who can order it for you) or Hill's Prescription Diet j/d. I think the Royal Canin diet is superior, but I have seen dogs with dysplastic hips improve greatly on the j/d so I know it works, too. Keeping him at a good weight (what should look a little on the thin side to most pet owners) will help by keeping less stress on those joints.

If your vet doesn't feel treatment is needed, either seek a second opinion, or look for a specialist, especially someone who specializes in orthopedic surgery. Chiropractic might be an option. I've seen dogs with severe lameness in the rear legs start walking normally with a few chiropractic visits, but it doesn't work on all dogs and may not be an option for your dog's specific condition.

Answer 2

The chips may have to be removed surgically. :(

The chips can happen because of trauma but it can also be due to poor genetics of cartilage in dogs (for example, shoulders and elbows). If its trauma, it will tend to be unilateral, one sided. But if the same joints on both sides is affected, that increases the possibility that it could be genetic in origin. The breeder if known, should be informed so that they do not repeat this breeding and propagate genetic defect.

Joint formula with chondroitin/glucosamine compound, MSM and Ester C (don't get regular vitamin C but the Ester formula) can really help. Cod Liver Oil is also wonderful for reducing inflammation. I used this protocol on a dog that got arthritic in his teens. He actually stopped limping. Some people also give alfalfa supplement http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=alfalfa+supplement+arthritis+dog&btnG=Search

I'm so sorry about your dog. If the second vet suggests surgery, see if you can find a holistic vet. I know several regular vets that also practice holistic vet medicine and even if they do not do accupuncture, they can recommend a protocol to help reduce your dog's inflammation.

If the dog is quite young, sometimes the smallest chips can be reabsorbed, but damage is occuring as long as it is scraping bone. It is my understanding that larger chips are best removed surgically. Low activity level for the dog and advice from a vet familiar with your case is the best way to go.

Answer 3

I have an Akita that I finally had tested for lyme because she keeps swelling in her back ankles, limps like crazy, sometimes can hardly rise after lying down. The swelling goes from one ankle to the other. I thought for sure it was lyme. N...O...T....,Tested...Negative. The vet called it "post legs".(must be a vet term) He says her hind legs are so traight that they often have trouble with them. I had her on steroids for awhile, they helped but she started gaining weight which put more weight on her hind legs....not good, Now She is on Remadyl now. Seems to be helping and she is not gaining weight and doesn't need to pee every 10 minutes. Might be the answer for you. About the floating cartlidge...can they not go in surgically and remove the floaters????? Ask your Vet about any special food that might help. You need to help take away some of this poor animals pain.

Answer 4

You need to be very careful as the dog may have Borellas which is closely associated with lymes and can be passed to you. If you suspect that your dog is infected with disease in that family then it's best to go to your doctor and get checked yourself.

Answer 5

I have ideas for the arthritis get those ortho sponges from the store and double them .You can buy fabric to make covers for them I just elmer glue them together and it makes sponges for my dog .That way your dogs not on the floor .Also glusamine tabs are good.I would go to another vet for the lyme disease I would ask that vet about glusamine to see if its okay for your dogs arthritis.Try to stay away from rymadyle ook the contaversy up on the computer and you will see why.

Answer 6

try taking him to a different vet. that's realy sad that your poor dog has to go through that. they do have pills he can take for his arthritis. and they have some pain meds thta he could have. but i really tihnk that you should take him to a different vet for a second opinion. good luck to you and your dog.