Old dog, need advice (Cortisone shots or Rimadyl)

[3dognite]

Okay so that brings up another point: Supplements. What are the good ones for a dog his age?

It's been 13 years since I had an "old" dog, and I know that things have changed.

[shepard mom]

Turmeric? How much do u give and how often? Mine is 14 yrs old but in great health. Back legs are what we are having a problem with.

[3dognite]

Originally Posted by jocoyn

Cold laser really gives my dog a boost
I am starting him on turmeric after seeing a friends dog do so well with it. It is full of natural cox-2 inhibitors (like meloxicam)

Please share with me a recommended dosing...and this is just the normal spice you buy at the store right?

[3dognite]

Originally Posted by Quinnsmom

Perhaps some of our members who live in your state might chime in and suggest a vet or a chiropractor. Some human chiros are also qualified to do canine treatments.

A university with a veterinary faculty would have this treatment available.

I am not certain anyone else on the board lives in Montana....

But I'd be open to hearing from them if they are!

The closest university with a vet school is Colorado Springs I believe--about a 10 hour + drive.

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

Helena Veterinary Service - Veterinarian In Helena, MT USA :: Home
Their laser page has some gross pics.

Pawsitive Performance Rehab >> Apex Animal Hospital Helena Montana

Just did a quick google and got those. Not sure if there are others in directories that I haven't seen.

[3dognite]

Originally Posted by JeanKBBMMMAAN

Helena Veterinary Service - Veterinarian In Helena, MT USA :: Home
Their laser page has some gross pics.

Pawsitive Performance Rehab >> Apex Animal Hospital Helena Montana

Just did a quick google and got those. Not sure if there are others in directories that I haven't seen.

Dang you're good, those are the two I was thinking of. I just haven't had a chance with year-end stuff at work!

And I love gross pics so I'll have to go look!

[Freestep]

Originally Posted by 3dognite

He has put on some weight with the cold weather (he's 46 pounds and probably should be about 38--he's a big Corgi) and that's not helping, but the pain is keeping him from running as much as he used to so he's not getting his exercise.

a 46-pound Corgi?!? Please, please, PLEASE get some weight off him--obesity isn't good for any dog, but on a long-backed, short-legged dog it's absolutely disastrous. No wonder he is in pain. Getting him down to a proper weight (and even 38 pounds is too heavy for a Corgi) might be the only thing he needs. I'm trying not to get mad at you for letting your dog get that fat. Didn't your vet say anything about that?

Since he's unable to exercise right now, your best bet is going to be cutting back his food by at least 1/3. What are you feeding him now and how much? You don't need to buy special "diet" food, just a good quality kibble and less of it. When the weight starts coming off, then you can start exercising him. Just walking at a moderate pace will help a lot, swimming would be excellent.

As far as supplements, fish oil, glucosamine/chondroitin, MSM, all are helpful for joint and connective tissue repair and support.

[WVGSD]

I swear by Duralactin for my old dogs. Last year I managed to convince a friend of mine to give it to her senior mule that she was considering humane euthanasia for due to ringbone disease. After a few months on Duralactin Equine, he was galloping around her pasture. Even her vet was amazed.

Duralactin comes in a canine version and an equine one too. The canine version is a vanilla flavored tablet and the equine version is butter flavored pellets. I use the equine version because I give it to multiple seniors and this saves some money.

[I_LOVE_MY_MIKKO]

Originally Posted by WVGSD

I swear by Duralactin for my old dogs. Last year I managed to convince a friend of mine to give it to her senior mule that she was considering humane euthanasia for due to ringbone disease. After a few months on Duralactin Equine, he was galloping around her pasture. Even her vet was amazed.

Duralactin comes in a canine version and an equine one too. The canine version is a vanilla flavored tablet and the equine version is butter flavored pellets. I use the equine version because I give it to multiple seniors and this saves some money.

I was thinking of purchasing the equine version as well to save money. Could you please tell me how much you give each day?

[3dognite]

Originally Posted by Freestep

a 46-pound Corgi?!? Please, please, PLEASE get some weight off him--obesity isn't good for any dog, but on a long-backed, short-legged dog it's absolutely disastrous. No wonder he is in pain. Getting him down to a proper weight (and even 38 pounds is too heavy for a Corgi) might be the only thing he needs. I'm trying not to get mad at you for letting your dog get that fat. Didn't your vet say anything about that?

Since he's unable to exercise right now, your best bet is going to be cutting back his food by at least 1/3. What are you feeding him now and how much? You don't need to buy special "diet" food, just a good quality kibble and less of it. When the weight starts coming off, then you can start exercising him. Just walking at a moderate pace will help a lot, swimming would be excellent.

As far as supplements, fish oil, glucosamine/chondroitin, MSM, all are helpful for joint and connective tissue repair and support.

Actually the breed standard is:

Right Breed for You?
The Cardigan can adapt to country life or city apartments, but need some form of daily exercise. As a companion dog, they love to be with their people and are loyal, affectionate and even-tempered. The breed’s double coat requires regular brushing.

Learn more about purchasing a Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppy.

Herding Group; AKC recognized in 1935.
Ranging in size from 10.5 to 12.5 inches tall at the shoulder and 25 to 38 pounds.
Cattle dog; all-purpose farm dog.
© The American Kennel Club, Inc.

Given that he's taller than the breed standard, I think 38 is just fine, as does my very weight conscious vet. While he's always been at the higher end of the standard weight, he's a very muscular dog. We have 1.5 acres fenced on quite a steep hill that he and his bigger brothers have the run of and while he's not moving too much right now, that's primarily due to the cold. I didn't "let my dog get fat". He put on some weight that he can't afford--given that I have a GSD who is wildly underweight, it's not an owner issue.

Thanks for the tips on supplements.