Arthritis?

WolvenPace · 11-04-2009, 03:10 PM

My nine year old beagle has arthritis really bad. My dauchsund is also starting to get it I think. I was wondering what would be a good way to help them with that, so maybe it doesn't get that bad. Also I was wondering what I could do to help prevent it, or make it less severe in my other dogs, so that when they get older they aren't as bad as my beagle.

Willowy · 11-04-2009, 03:56 PM

A good glucosamine/chondroitin/MSM supplement can help. I like the one from www.springtimeinc.com . You can use human supplements, too. They're usually cheaper. If the arthritis is really bad, a vet can give you a prescription. Adequan injections or prescription pain relievers (Rimadyl, etc.) seem to be the most common.

loveyaniki · 11-05-2009, 02:24 PM

I have heard that I can give my dog Aspirin. What is the amount per pound of dog that I can give him?

EDIT...I have found the info. I requested. It is 5mg per 1 pound of dog every 12 hours.

Willowy · 11-05-2009, 11:13 PM

Some dogs don't tolerate aspirin well. Buffered aspirin might work or might not.

spotted nikes · 11-06-2009, 12:15 AM

Definitely look into Adequan. It actually causes more lubrication in the joints, instead of just masking pain.

agility collie mom · 11-06-2009, 06:36 AM

I'd stay away from aspirin. I agree with the joint supplements and the adequin. One more thing make sure your dogs are not overweight. How do you tell? Here is a chart to help determine if your dog is at a good weight....
http://www.placervillevet.com/canine...0condition.htm

soliaris · 11-06-2009, 07:59 AM

The dose for aspirin is approximately 10mg/lb of bodyweight every 12 hours. If less works, I'd use less. Coated aspirin does not work for dogs.

loveyaniki · 11-06-2009, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spotted nikes

Definitely look into Adequan. It actually causes more lubrication in the joints, instead of just masking pain.

I will look into Adequan more, maybe later today. What can you tell me about your experience with it? Is is a prescription? I have also been given him Glucosamine wafers. I get them online at Petsmart. They have 500 mg per wafer and he gets 2 daily. The aspirin that I am giving him is not buffered.

soliaris, you have given me a different amount then I had researched. Where did you get that information?

agility collie mom, I will also look into his weigh to see if he is overweight. I am sure he is a bit overweight but I don't think it is obese. He doesn't have a belly hanging down or anything. He has gained weight over the last couple years. I blame it on his reduced activity due to his arthritis.

Thanks to all of you who have replied to my concern. I look forward to any addition information you can give me.

Have a great day and happy surfing. Stop by my site for a visit at www.rickyssite.com

spotted nikes · 11-06-2009, 10:02 PM

Adequan is by prescription only. It is given in a series of shots. A vet can do the shots or show you how. The dog gets a loading dose at first, then gets it once a month. Many people have excellent results with it, although it can take up to 3 weeks to see a result.

Kay Weber · 11-07-2009, 01:24 PM

Please beware of the aspirin!! Here's a story about Storm and aspirin - it almost killed him:

http://www.flexicose.cactuscanyon.co...n-for-dogs.htm

A good glucosamine/chondroitin/MSM supplement will work - without dangerous side-effects of prescription drugs.

DJsMom · 11-07-2009, 02:26 PM

the glucosamine/chondroitin supps is where we started out with George, it helped, but not really a lot. We also got something from our vet called Phycox (I believe), it worked maybe a bit better than the glucosamine. He was also on Tramadol which I think helped quite a bit.
I did eventually get him on adequan which seemed to help quite a bit - at first anyway. There's no guarantee & it is rather expensive, but well worth the cost of at least trying IMO. Definitely something to discuss with your vet.
Also, as already mentioned, get his weight down. Even tho he's not obese, being over weight will of course put more stress on his joints. And even tho he may be slowing down with arthritis, he still needs daily exercise to keep his joints from becoming stiff. But try to walk him more in grassy, or dirt areas rather than on concrete.
An orthopedic bed may also help - George wouldn't sleep on his tho, he much preferred the cold, hard tile floor which I know as not real good for his old joints.
Be careful with him getting in & out of vehicles, if it's an SUV, don't let him jump out - we ended using a ramp for George as he was too heavy for me to left in & out of our Explorer.

loveyaniki · 11-07-2009, 04:55 PM

More excellent advise. Thank you to all who have replied to me.

DJsMom · 11-07-2009, 05:38 PM

I know it's very hard watching them get older & have to deal with the pain of arthritis. I wish your your dogs the best. I really do think that the sooner you get them started on the adequan the better luck you will have, but I guess that's true with any thing. I really would seriously discuss a course of action with a trusted vet.