K-Laser?

[aubie]

We just had Dunc's routine bloodwork done and it looks like he'll be taken off the Deramaxx for his arthritis--his levels are starting to look a little wacky. We'll confirm more with our vet Monday (our regular vet was out, but one of the others called to let us know about his bloodwork/options).

She suggested we might look at either Adequan injections or K-laser therapy. I've found tons on the Adequan but has anyone tried the laser therapy? Thoughts on either? He's done wonderfully on the Deramaxx/Dasiquin combo and is running, jumping and playing but I'm not willing to risk any liver/kidney issues by keeping him on it, so these are the options we're looking at.

[debbiebrown]

Haven't heard of the k-laser but have had plenty of experience with the Adaquin, and i say definitely go for that. don't know what kind of arthritis your dealing with but its helped all mine with spinal arthritis into the hips.
i never used anti-imflammatories on a regular basis, only a few days here and there if i really i felt they really needed it. i also found in the later stages of spondylosis that the anti-inflammatories somehow blocked the nerve receptors and made things much worse. meaning the motor skills were somehow interupted by the med. walking like someone that had to many drinks, wobbly, coordination worse, etc. although the anti-inflammatories can also cause dizziness so it could be either or both.
i would go the alternative route vs full time meds if at all possible.

debbie

[aubie]

He has arthritis in his hips and knees....I think I may look at the adequan first...I'm not sure. DH and I will need to sit down with the vet and talk about it next week...right now I'm just looking up as much info as I can.

[AngelJ]

I don't know about the k-laser therapy, but bailey is on adequan. She has arthritis in her knees and elbows and the adequan helps her to walk much better. We give her the injections at home. It is less expensive to give the shots yourself. After the inital loading peroid of the shots, we give her a booster shot about every four weeks. I like not having to give her anything daily and the shots don't have any side effects.

[LisaT]

Never heard of K-laser:
http://www.iowalaserdoctor.com/classiv.htm

This is what I use on he dogs:
http://www.mclarenusainc.com/

You could add a hyaluronic acid supplement and try the laser therapy? I'm a big believer in getting some body work done.

[aubie]

Lisa I think the k-laser is similar to what you use...the vet says it helps re-juvinate blood flow/cell growth. She's even used it on herself for her arthritis in her hands and can tell a difference. She said she wouldn't recommend it for dogs that are very "far gone" in their arthritis, but it's a great help to those with mild to medium cases...she's seen some amazing results. I'm thinking about looking into the laser and maybe accupuncture continued with the Dasiquin tablets.

I've added cartilage rich foods like chicken feet/trachea to his diet and fish oil. I still haven't talked to DH about this (he should be home in an hour).

[LisaT]

I use the "red light" on just about everything - the dogs know what it's name is I use it on myself too, mom, etc. If I knew acupuncture and the right points for certain conditions, it would be much more powerful too!

If you try it, let us know how it goes!

[aubie]

DH and I talked last night and (contingent on our meeting with the vet Monday) we'll probably go with the laser treatment, and I found a holistic vet about 20 min away that does acupuncture.

While not really "natural" we'rethinking the laser is less invasive. If it doesn' work we can try the adequan.

[LisaT]

A lot of people, who wouldn't normally go in this direction, do because of the risks that the conventional meds carry, particularly long term. If you can make your dog feel better, without harming them, and in fact using a modality which actually improves their health rather than not, then it's win-win.

I hope that it works out -- I would still consider adding a HA supplement!

[aubie]

What's a HA supplement? Like Dasiquin? We're going to keep him on that.