[observer]

Well, I've used (and am using) glucosamine chews (I've tried various brands) Duralactin (made from a milk protein -- I get it on the internet from Healthy Pets), and Adequan injections. The Adequan is expensive, and doesn't help every dog. As a prescription antiinflammatory, I also use meloxicam (I get it from a compounding pharmacy -- LOADS cheaper than the brand name Metacam, even the online price) Recently have added gapapentin for more pain relief.

The problem I had is that when the extent of Missy's arthritis was first diagnosed, I threw the kitchen sink at it, including all of the above plus hydrotherapy with a canine physical therapist. She certainly got better (although she is slowing down compared to when all this started in the fall of 2006), but I don't know which things helped most, or at all. As a result, I can't stop doing any of it (except the pool therapy, which was time consuming to drive her there and not cheap -- I wish I had access to a free pool, as it was really good for her). He also gave me a list of exercises for her which I admit I have not done religiously at all.

All that said, she jumps on and off the bed and isn't limping. I do catch her not putting full weight on the left hind sometimes when she is standing, but that is intermittent, and she seems still to be a happy girl. Fingers crossed she stays that way.