Questions about arthritis

[jaggirl47]

So, I wrote this in the health portion with the Tylan, but I guess seniors would be more appropriate.
My 8 1/2 y/o GSD was crying and ducking his head when I brush his neck. I was wondering if it could be a side effect of the Tylan. Turns out, it's arthritis. His left hip was tender to the touch also at his check up this weekend, as were both elbows. He is currently on an oral glucosamine suppliment and the vet and I were discussing possibly doing an injection if he gets worse. We also discussed possibly a chiropractor (though he did smile at the suggestion). What would you guys recommend? He does not take any pain medications, because it only really seems tender to palpation, but not petting or playing.

[BowWowMeow]

I assume you're talking about Adequan injections? People on this board have had great results from those.

This was Chama's regime, adjusted with lots of trial and error. Chama had severe arthritis in her knees (and torn ligaments) and front shoulder.

Double dose of Springtime Inc's Longevity
Loading dose of Cetyl M Joint Support
2000mg/day Ester C
In acute situations I also used Arnicalm Arthritis, a homeopathic remedy from Boiron
At night I used Get up and Go from Only Natural Pet
Sometimes I also used a product called Tasha's Herbspirin

I also gave her senior vitamins from VetriScience

[Alto]

I'd start with injections (they should give faster relief) & look at joint support products (in addition to just the glucosamine) - keep a journal so that you can relate his behavior & activity levels to the various things you try.
Is there chiro or accupunture (not for every dog) available?

If he's a few pounds overweight, try to get him leaner with low impact exercise (swimming, frequent short walks).

Have you & your vet discussed Xrays to assess the severity of his condition?

[jaggirl47]

I read about the Springtime Inc's Longevity and was planning on ordering that this week. I am not sure what the name of the injections are. The vet just mentioned that we could try that next. He was off of his glucosamine for awhile while we were trying to get his GI issues in check, so we were taking the wait and see approach over the next few weeks because he just restarted them last week. I will definately look at the others you posted and see about trying those. I just have to add one at a time to make sure I don't upset his belly.

[Alto]

It seems that more horse people (than dog folk) are using this company's products but I'd definitely give them a go - especially if he's having GI issues with the straight glucosamine,
Silver Lining Herbs

[BowWowMeow]

I used the Arnicalm Arthritis, the Get Up and Go and the Tasha's Herbsperin when Chama was having major digestive issues.

[jaggirl47]

The glucosamine isn't giving him the upset. He has a pretty good case of SIBO that he's had for a few years. But, his belly is very sensitive and I am only going to risk one addition per week, lol. I think I have a harder time handling the "symptoms" than he does. Thanks for the advice. I am looking into them.

[GSD10]

Wonder if the injections are cartophen?!?! I get those for Mas and it really seems to help his arthritiis. I have also found that using a magnetic bed and accupuncture have really helped Mas cope with arthritis.

Hope your boy feels better soon

[jaggirl47]

I am looking into accupuncture. Can you tell me about the magnetic bed?

[GSD10]

Here is a link to a company that sells magnetic beds: http://www.magnetictherapymagnets.co...ticpetpad.html

My vet has a hand held magnetic device that he lent me and it made significant changes in Mas's posture and his back end so I decided to go with the bed. You can probably find a mag bed on ebay or maybe even in your local community's sell and trade site.

My vet things that Mas's is reponding to a combination of treatments such as the cartrophen, accupunture, elecrode magnetic therapy, mag bed and massage therapy. I tend to agree.

Check the sticky thread in this section "Tips for Seniors" it has a lot of great contributions from other members here who have had success with various products and treatments.