Arthritis

[Becky_Raven_Sasha]

My seven year old is displaying signs of arthritis. My Vet has given me Glyco-flex and recently prescribed Rimadyl. I feed her Nutro Senior. What can I do to slow down or stop her from getting worse?

[Carol Burke]

I have had great luck with Glucosamine Chondroitin, Alfalfa and vitamin c. I have an almost five year old with severe hip dysplasia and the above combination seems to keep her pain free and active.

[CathyC]

I have a 14 1/2 year old Labrador with arthritis. She cannot tolerate Rimadyl (this seems to be a Labrador thing). Make sure you have some blood work done after about a month to make sure the Rimadyl isn't having any adverse effects on your seven year old's liver.

As far as slowing down the progression of arthritis ask your vet about Adequan. There are no side effects. It is a terrific drug for degenerative joint disease! It's basically an injectable form of glucosamine. I answered a question about Adequan in another post:
http://www.rottweiler.net/rottie/For...ML/000354.html

I give my 14 1/2 year old Glucosamine and Chondroitin. You can buy generic forms of these at all health food stores and many grocery stores now. The brand name that many vets will recommend is Cosequin, which is much more expensive than buying it generically. You can give 500 mg of Glucosamine 2-3 times a day for a Rottweiler sized dog.

The glycoflex works in the same way as the glucosamine and condroitin. I have used both and seen slightly better results with the glucosamine plus glucosamine is easier to get.

In addition to the glucosamine/chodroitin, I give an aspirin (instead of the Rimadyl), MSM, Adequan injections and have a heated bed for her.

[ebony]

I don't know if you ever tried "joint care" by Drs Foster and Smith. I use it for my 6 year old and it was like a miracle treatment for my dog. I had my girl on rimadyl also but I felt it was to harsh on her stomach. The Joint Care worked wonders she was back to herself in a week. I just mixed a couple of caplets into her morning and evening meal. Its just a suggestion.

[CathyC]

ebony-thanks for the recommendation. Joint Care is glucosamine and chondroitin in the same dosage as I'm feeding. Same thing, different brand that's all.