Back Arthritis

[jasygirl]

When I took Jasmine in for her barium swallow & x-rays, the vet said he noticed some arthritis in her back. I asked him if I should start giving her glucosamine or looking into other things and he said no. He said while her stomach is still working out what's going on, we'll do nothing to upset the balance even more. I'd like to start researching some of my options now to be prepared if I need to do anything to treat her.

[mmgy]

Hit the search button!!! There are TONS and TONS of information here about options and brands.

I've never heard of glucosamine affecting digestion in any way, shape, or form, but one way to bypass that possibility is to use Adequan, which is injectable.

[Rott-Wiley]

There's an awful lot of natural things you can try that won't effect the stomach problems you described in a previous post. Like mmgy said, hit the search button and that should keep you busy for quite awhile.

[Judi W]

Those products (including Adequin) basically serve joints and are not noted for having any effect on the spinal column. There may be products that will help, but the joint products are not supposed to be among them.

[Rott-Wiley]

Originally Posted by Judi W

Those products (including Adequin) basically serve joints and are not noted for having any effect on the spinal column. There may be products that will help, but the joint products are not supposed to be among them.

I was referring to the natural anti-inflammatories, MSM, glucosamine and cetyl myristoleate to help dogs with arthritis. For some dogs they have been known to help considerably.

[Judi W]

Oh, I know that those things help arthritis and use them. It is the spondylosis that is not much affected.

[jasygirl]

Thank you. I"ve been doing some searches on this forum to look at different methods used. I'm wondering if I should start Jas on something now, or wait until she seems as though she really needs it. She doesn't act in pain. The only sign I've really noticed (besides the x-ray) is that she doesn't seem to want to jump on the bed anymore. (She'll still get up there, but doesn't seem to want to jump down) I put a step there so she doesn't have to work so hard. She just seems to be slowing down, but doesn't really seem in pain. I just didn't know if I should look into "preventative" medicines or if I should wait. I know some medicines the effectiveness wears off w/ the length of time they are used.

[Rott-Wiley]

I wouldn't wait, as I understand it, the sooner you can start treating the arthritis the easier it is to manage. I use a combination of capsules on my dog. One is Healthy Joint from 21st Centruy and the other is a regular people supplement from Sundown. It's Shark Cartlidge with MSM, glucosamine, condroitin, etc. Along with vitamin C and B.

[Silvermarten]

How about accupuncture ?

Dr Doreen Hock at Pacific Veterinary clinic in Eugene has worked on several cats and dogs I know with great results . ( Her number is in the phone book ) . She does a lot of 'alternative' medicine therapies so may have some other options for you too .

[jasygirl]

I have actually heard of that vet and was thinking about going to her. I think I'm going to try to get Jas in. I'm also trying to get my mom to take her dog there. My mom has a mixed breed (maybe border collie and shepard) that has some sort of degenerative back issue. Poor Dakota can't walk very much anymore. I actually pick up Jas's vitamins from the Healthy Pet, which is located in the same building.
I'm going to go down tomorrow and talk to them about getting Jas some supplements for her arthritis. Thanks for the input. If it won't hurt to get an early start, I'd like to make her more comfortable. --I say this as she's crashed out in one of the bagel beds! :) Poor girl, this past year is the first time I've noticed that she's not a young pup anymore. It's been kind of hard to watch her not be able to do as much.