Health

[BarbV]

We gave glucosamine to our first sheltie who had arthritis and there were visible results. From wobbly walking to walking normally again. If you can find an acupuncturist, that usually helps alleviate pain from the arthritis.

I did as well, and the results were excellent. Plus, not terribly expensive either, with little or no side effect.

 

[Phebe*DD]

Thank you for all your responses. I have been giving him milk thistle 150 mg a day for some time. Is this the supplement you mentioned? How much would you suggest? So glad to hear that Rimadyl has helped your dog(s). I WILL definitely keep an eye on him for any side effects. He did have loose stool last night after getting just one pill in the morning. The vet said it maybe because he was so stressed at the vet's office. Poor guy - he hates doctors, just like me. I have been giving him glucosamine dog supplements for several years. I guess he needs more now (drugs) to help make him more comfortable.

Milk thistle is it. That dose sounds right, but check with your vet.

IMO, glucosamine is best as a preventative and it sounds like you were using it that way. I wouldn't stop giving the glucosamine, but with advanced arthritis I wouldn't expect it to help with mobililty like Rimadyl or Adequan injections.

I used Tramadol with Foxy to manage pain and give her a bit of a break from the Rimadyl. Even at the end she was still able to go up and down stairs slowly on her own and get up and stand to relieve herself.

 

[goldensable]

I went to the vet today and she said it was his arthritis causing the shaking (muscle weakness). She is putting him on Carprofen (Rimadyl). I read the side effects where it could cause liver and kidney damage. He will need blood work to test these organs. Has anyone had experience with this medication? He just had one dose this morning and seems to be feeling better. That makes me happy!

Hi everyone,
Here is an update. Blaze was on Rimadyl for 9 days and had blood work which showed his BUN and ALT (liver and kidneys) enzymes were elevated. The vet took him off the meds. I need to take him back in a month for another blood test to see if everything is normal. Gosh, I had read on Rimadyl website that the dog is the have blood work first before being put on this medication. He had blood work over a year ago and everything was normal then. I hope it was the medication and his liver and kidneys are normal again. In a way, it was a blessing in disguise, because I was so worried about the side effects - including death. I have now started him on Dog Gone Pain and Azmira Yucca Intensive. It will take a few weeks to see how he does. Has anyone used these products?

 

[Ania]

I have not heard of these but I hope that they work for him. Glucosamine is good for the joints, milk thistle is excellent for the liver. I hope that his blood work will return to normal soon.