Arthritis Limping Issues

[rottiesnumberone]

My seven year old Rocky has started to limp again in the left front but also looks like the right front is causing him some discomfort. I have tried so many products over the years to help him with no real world results. He has tried different brands of glucosamine chrondrotin msm , tried turmeric and boswellia capsules, nothing helps. many others have posted great results and I have tried the same brands and nothing. I know rimadyl helps him, tryed it, no limping, but I don't like prescription NSAIDS because of side effects. I give ascriptin 500 mg twice a day with food and that provides some relief, not all the time though. I was so worried his hips would suffer first, but he can push off the rear legs really good, chase rabbits, cats, etc. Can jump on the bed and in the car with no problems, but he really seems weak in the front now only walking about 15 - 20 minutes and he looks very stiff and sometimes his leg trembles, most likely pain or discomfort. I don't know what else to try except keep him on the cosamin - cosequin and the buffered aspirin. There are a ton of products, but what really can give this dog some improvement? I just read about traumeel tablets? I reasearched boswellia and dogs which has great feedback for joint issues with no side effects. I was giving him 250 mg a day and went up to 1000 mg a day with no help.

[jlaack]

Have you discussed your concerns with your vet? There are a plethora of pain meds to select from and each dog responds differently. I would get with your vet and try different medications to see if you can bring more comfort. I would also recommend acupuncture, we have seen amazing improvements in our 3 legged dog with HD since we started this. I haven't really followed other threads by you, but has he had xrays recently? At 7 yo bone cancer isn't out of the question even if you know he has arthritis.

[JaniceH]

I understand that magnetic bioflow collars can help a lot in arthritic cases. I have a thread open at the moment but only minimal response. However, that one response may be of use to you. Look down for my thread regarding the Bio Flow Collar.

I have tried Traumeel but to be honest Teazle was on so many supplements for her ED (Elbow Dysplasia) that without cutting down on indiviadual ones over a period of time, I wouldn't have a clue whether they worked or not. This is because I also gave her metacam (NSAID) whenever we went out for longer than 1 1/2hrs walking. However, I stopped as she was beginning to rattle and all she is on now is Seraquin (Glucosomine/Chondroitin & Tumeric) and high quality Cod Liver Oil. She still gets her metacam when necessary bu this is given before her walk as a precaution. She has not got any worse without all the supplements.

[bliss7373]

I agree that it is really important to start (and continue) a dialogue with your vet on this. As the posts above explained - different products and combinations work for different dogs. You WILL have to try different things until you find what works. There are so many good options out there- you do not have to rely on cosequin (which is a supplement, not a pain reliever) and buffered aspirin.

For example, Dog Gone Pain is often recommended. It did nothing for my dog. What did work for us was a combination of Tramadol and Previcox.

I particularly liked Tramadol. It was inexpensive, did not upset her stomach, did not seem to have a "narcotic" effect, and just worked. Previcox was effective but it was hard on her stomach and required additional medicines to deal with that issue.

Speaking generally, what I've seen to be most effective with older, arthritic dogs is a two-part plan: Appropriate dietary supplements and appropriate pain relievers. There are lots of options in both of those categories!

I hope Rocky feels better.