treatment for canine arthritis?

Question

My 4 yr old Golden has arthritis in his lower back. We suspect it has started about a year ago. His only symptoms was he always sits or lays. When he walks, runs, plays etc there are no symptoms except when he is stationary....he usually does not stand very long...either sits or lays. XRays show alot of arthritis in his lower back. No reason for this at such a young age. He tested negative for lyme. We are looking for good holistic treatment plans...no stronge pills. I was looking at SynFlex (liquid glucosamine). Has anyone used this? Any other suggestions?

Answer 1

Ask your vet about Dog Gone Pain
This could help but it's best to let your vet decide the right medication for your baby

Answer 2

Get to the vet.

There are things that help - particuarly the NSAIDs for pain.

Another drug is Legend - an interarticular joint fluid replacement and a cartilage growth stimulator.

These are all prescription drugs

The gluscosomaine and the claims made for it have NEVER been substantiated by major research - sort of the latest black magic. It is one of those can't hurt but who knows how much is the placebo effect in the eyes of the owner?? It most definitely does NOT cure arthritis once it has set in and begun to exhibit symptoms.

Now, make sure the dog has a very soft and warm place to sleep.

I don't mean just warm as "in out of the draft" but many elderly dogs are more comfortable with some of the orthopedic pads and beds. (My 15 year old has claimed the overstuffed couch - thank goodness for slip covers.)

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/NavResults.cfm?N=2001+2008

Do get any excess weight off. You should be able to feel but not see the dog's ribs.

Answer 3

Hi Amy B:
The world has opened up now with dogs that suffer from arthritis!
Vets can recommend physio clinic that specialize just in pets. You can have acupuncture done on animals and that also works.
Some put a half an aspirin crushed with there meals just to ease the pain.
The best person to decide a plan for your dog is you! If he seems lagging in his walk, shorten them and gradually build them up slowly, try heat (heating pads only when you are with the dog, or hot towels ) applied to the areas. Make sure that he doesn't have to do any jumping to get to where the dog is going.
I hope this helps you as well as your dog.All my best to both of you!
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Answer 4

My 3 year old lab suffers from minor arthritis. I have him on a diet plan that keeps him thin which will help some, but I also give him a daily supplement called synovi-g 3. It has chondrotin and glucosomine in it which helps his joints. He has also been prescribed pain medication for when it gets bad. There are so many supplements you can put your dog on that would help, even some foods have enough in it to make a difference. But if it is severe enough, talk to your vet and get your dog on a plan with pain medication, it may cost a little bit, but if you love your dog, which I'm sure you do, it is so worth it!!! I agree also with making sure your dog has someone soft to sleep, but somewhere to stretch out as well!

Answer 5

there is a treatment called PST treatments. I dont know what the PST stands for. But I know that it really really helps with their arthritis, hip displaysia, any thing to do with the joints. After a few of these treatments, dog move around so much better, almost like if they were pups again. I dont know if each outcome is the same but I have seen and heard that it is a great treatment. And there is no pills involved.

Answer 6

I've been around and around trying to help my dog with her arthritis, and feel like I've finally been able to keep her comfortable and active.
Her regimen is glucosamine, chondroitin, and Ester-C twice daily. I also use Rimadyl occasionally on her bad days, but like you I don't like to use strong drugs and try to use it sparingly to keep her from developing a tolerance. Try to avoid aspirin, and if you do make sure it's buffered. Aspirin is so hard on the stomach and you'd just be asking for problems (such as ulcers) in the future.
Most people don't know the benefits of Ester-C.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are wonderful, but the Ester-C is what has worked wonders. I notice a huge difference in my dog if she is off it even if only for a day or two, so I make sure not to let it run out before I buy more. She is about 100 lbs. and a 30-day supply runs me about $20.
Good luck and I'm sure your pup appreciates your concern and you trying to keep her comfortable!

Answer 7

Canine Arthritis
The latest in pain relievers for canine arthritis includes ... There are a variety of treatments for canine arthritis, but unfortunately no cure. ...www.swiftwaterfarms.com/swiftwater/p22CanineArthritis.htm -

Answer 8

Start by ensuring that your dog has a healthy weight and enough exercise.

Then you can add glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM to the diet. They take a few weeks to kick in. If the dog is in pain, buffered aspirin will help.

Those are good steps for beginning arthritis. If those don't work, talk to your vet.

Answer 9

I had a border collie/retriever mix that around age 11 started having significant problems with arthritis. A combination of Rimadyl, glucosamine supplements and soft bedding (which she already had) was literally life-changing for her. Rimadyl has side effects and dogs need to be monitored while on it - but I truly believe this drug extended her life several years. She lived a happy life to age 15.

Answer 10

Aspirin works wonders. It's inexpensive and safe for dogs. Ask your vet how much is safe for your dog. There are also lots of prescription medications that the vet will "suggest and sell", but trust me when I say that they all will cost tons more than simple plain old aspirin. Try one aspirin twice a day for a large dog and 1/2 an aspirin twice daily for a small dog as an experiment. Within an hour you will see a noticeable improvement.