:? :?: Has anyone ever tried Glucosamine for cats?

[18cats]

I have a 16 year old kitty who is very healthy outside of the fact that he is getting arthritis. Is there anyplace to get Glucosamine suppliments for cats? I have been to the vet, but they only have medicine for him that can cause possible side effects. He knows nothing about alternative medicine, so I need help.

www.NancyC@momsforlife.com

[Maine Coon Guy]

Our 2 year old Maine Coon is taking Glucosamine. He developed a bad limp about 6 months ago. X-rays indicated he had an off-kilter vertebrae and a slight case of hip-dysplasia. The specialists didn’t think the dysplasia was causing the limp, and thought it was caused by the off-kilter vertebrae pinching a nerve. To make a long story short, he prescribed a steroid (for 10 days) in case the limp was caused by an injury, and Glucosamine (ongoing) in case it was caused by an arthritic condition brought on by the dysplasia.

We’re still not sure if he injured himself, or if he’s arthritic, but his limp is virtually gone, he has no pain (at least that we can see), he’s extremely active, and he looks forward to taking his Glucasmine pill every day. He eats the capsule like it’s a cat treat.

Our unprofessional opinion is that the Glucosamine is having a positive impact on structurally deficient hips/back. We get them from our regular vet, and I don't think he considers Glucosamine to be an alternative treatment. Cost is about $28 for a box that lasts about 3 months (1 pill a day).

BTW - My wife is a physical therpaist and thinks Glucosamine is a miracle drug for humans and animals.

Good luck.

[Auntie Debbie]

Not sure, but you may be able to buy them online. Talk to your vet about this and the fact that you'd like to try it out. If you do give this to your kitty, your vet should know in case it reacts with other drugs your kitty may be on. Also, you should know how much he should be taking.
I hope your kitty will be okay.

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/glucosa ... ulfat.html

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm ... cleid=1423

Arthritis

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm ... icleid=208

http://consumer.vetmedcenter.com/Consum ... =8713&dt=p

http://consumer.vetmedcenter.com/Consum ... 640365.htm

[18cats]

Thank you all so much for the info. I'd like to know the specific name/brand pill Maine Coon Guy's cat is taking. If you can't post it, feel free to email it to me. I was definitely concerned about having to shove a pill down my cat's throat every day. They get to where they run every time they see you coming. I hope my results show the same dramatic reversal of the condition. I'll repost at a later date to let you know the outcome!

[Maine Coon Guy]

It's called COSEQUIN and its "Flavored sprinkled for cats." The box also states that it's the "#1 Veterinary Recommended Oral Joint Health Supplement"

At first, we went through all the pill tricks, got tired of that and then started to do the old drop it in the back of the mouth and rub the throat thing until we realized all the effort was unnecessary.

He'll eat the pill off the floor. I guess the flavor sprinkling works.

[18cats]

Thanks so very much for all your help. I'm very anxious for Seb to start feeling better.