Arthritis in 3 yr old dog

Noellesmom · 10-03-2006, 11:38 AM

My dog, Noelle, has been diagnosed with arthritis at a very young age. The vet says it could have started so young because of a previous injury which is very possible, I adopted her from the city animal shelter and I'm pretty sure she was abused before that.
The vet has recommended Synovi G3 chews, Deremaxx 100mg, loosing about 5lbs and regular moderate exercise. He said to me last week that it may only be a year or so before we have to consider some kind of surgery, but I'm not sure he should have jumped the gun like that. We just found out about all of this in July and she just started the Synovi 3 weeks ago.
I guess I'm just hoping to hear from some people who have had experience with canine arthritis. What worked for you and what didn't? What diet food did you use? Which supplement worked best for you? And any other helpful advice would be much appreciated.

3dogsplus · 10-06-2006, 11:21 AM

Which joint/joints are involved? I wouldn't necessarily say your vet is jumping the gun, he is probably just wanting you to be aware of the possiblity of needing surgery. Definitely give the medications a chance to work. I had a lab with severe hip dysplasia and at the time, there was no way I could afford hip replacement surgery. I kept him very trim and he did well for 13 yrs. He died before Deramaxx was available so was on Cosequin and rimadyl. He never developed liver problems. My current lab is not as easy to keep trim and he too was a stray. He was probably hit by a car at some point as one hip joint was broken off and he had to have surgery to put his knee cap back in place. He is in line to have his other hip replaced (as soon as I heal from knee surgery).
As far as diet foods are concerned , I think most will work. If he is a picky eater, you can try decreasing the amount he currently eats by 25% (and that includes all treats and people food).
Good luck!