Arthritis and what will help?
Arthritis and what will help?
I have a question about my older mixed breed. We aren't exactly sure how old she is since she came to us as a stray. We have had her about 8 yrs. now and they estimated her then to be around 2 yrs. old. She hasn't been herself, laying around a lot in the past couple weeks. First we assumed it was the severe cold weather, Minnesota winter! She has been laying around an awful lot. She eats well and seems all right other then laying around. If she is out for a short walk she will be very stiff afterwards. We took her to the vet and they can't seem to find anything wrong with her. They seem to think it is old age. They wanted her on Rimadyl but I remember with my other older dogs using something else that was safer then Rimadyl but can't remember what it was. Does anyone have any suggestions and where to buy and strength. She is 40 pounds. Thanks for any advice.
Re: Arthritis and what will help?
there are any number of midications that can help,,,from the lowly aspirinb which is usuallly the first drug of choice to prednisone, dexamethasone and any number of new compounds...i used to start dogs out on aspirin or ascripton and then work up from there.....
Re: Arthritis and what will help?
I use OsteoBiflex (a glucosamine and chondroitin mix actually made for humans) and GlycoFlex (a mixture of perna mussel - a natural glucosamine, alfalfa, and brewers yeast) which is a canine product. Cosequin is a veterinary product that you may be thinking of. It is similar to the OsteoBiflex, but also contains mangnesium (or manganese - always get this wrong) ascorbate - a form of Vitamin C. There is some controversy over the need for Vit C in canines, and I understand that the amount in the Cosequin was recently reduced by the manufacturer. Many dogs can't tolerate Vit C and will have digestive problems (nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea). My Mickey couldn't take it - threw it up almost immediately.
The chondroitin/glucosamine mixture can help restore the cushioning in the joints. it doesn't work for all dogs (or people either), but does work in many. There are virtually no side effects. The only ones I could find are the possibility that the glucosamine, which contains glucose as part of it's molecular structure, MAY raise blood sugar levels in diabetics (in the study, it raised them in diabetic rats). If your dog is not already diabetic, it will not cause diabetes, it is simply of concern if this disease is already present. There may also be an effect in dogs that have bleeding disorders. If your dog has been diagnosed with a bleeding disorder, consult your vet before beginning treatment. Again, using the gluc/chon will not cause these disorders, it is only a concern if the disease is already present. Of concern to any user, the chondroitin may act similarly to aspirin and other NSAIDs and affect the blood platelets. So, just like aspirin, if surgery, teeth cleaning, etc. is scheduled, it is best to stop giving this at least one week prior to surgery to prevent bleeding problems (10 days is better).
If you decide to use the gluc/chon mixture, you need to start with a maximum dose and use it for four weeks. If you do not see a difference in that four weeks, it isn't going to work and you can stop. If it is going to work, you should begin to see a difference in 10 - 14 days, with the maximum effect within 4 weeks. After the 4th week, you can try reducing the dosage to see what is the minimum effective dose. Check out the Cosequim website for info (I think it's cosequin.com). It explains the dosing related to weight and you can use that with any gluc/chon product, like the OsteoBiflex I use.
There are also several herbals that have helped some people and dogs. You can research this on almost any herbal internet site.
Good luck. Hope you have luck finding something that works.
The chondroitin/glucosamine mixture can help restore the cushioning in the joints. it doesn't work for all dogs (or people either), but does work in many. There are virtually no side effects. The only ones I could find are the possibility that the glucosamine, which contains glucose as part of it's molecular structure, MAY raise blood sugar levels in diabetics (in the study, it raised them in diabetic rats). If your dog is not already diabetic, it will not cause diabetes, it is simply of concern if this disease is already present. There may also be an effect in dogs that have bleeding disorders. If your dog has been diagnosed with a bleeding disorder, consult your vet before beginning treatment. Again, using the gluc/chon will not cause these disorders, it is only a concern if the disease is already present. Of concern to any user, the chondroitin may act similarly to aspirin and other NSAIDs and affect the blood platelets. So, just like aspirin, if surgery, teeth cleaning, etc. is scheduled, it is best to stop giving this at least one week prior to surgery to prevent bleeding problems (10 days is better).
If you decide to use the gluc/chon mixture, you need to start with a maximum dose and use it for four weeks. If you do not see a difference in that four weeks, it isn't going to work and you can stop. If it is going to work, you should begin to see a difference in 10 - 14 days, with the maximum effect within 4 weeks. After the 4th week, you can try reducing the dosage to see what is the minimum effective dose. Check out the Cosequim website for info (I think it's cosequin.com). It explains the dosing related to weight and you can use that with any gluc/chon product, like the OsteoBiflex I use.
There are also several herbals that have helped some people and dogs. You can research this on almost any herbal internet site.
Good luck. Hope you have luck finding something that works.
"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." ~ Josh Billings.
Re: Arthritis and what will help?
Just want to add, Karen, I believe each glucosamine/chondroitin product differs in the time frame as to when to expect results. Cosequin, for example, usually requires up to 6-8 weeks trial period, then if results are noted, the dosage can be lowered for maintenance.
Just a word of caution when investigating glucosamine/chondroitin options, discuss the products thoroughly with your vet, because there are MANY new products out making false claims when they actually do not contain the stated compound or that the combination is truly lacking for effectiveness.
Just a word of caution when investigating glucosamine/chondroitin options, discuss the products thoroughly with your vet, because there are MANY new products out making false claims when they actually do not contain the stated compound or that the combination is truly lacking for effectiveness.
..........Traci
Re: Arthritis and what will help?
Thanks, Davet, Traci and k9Karen.
Where can I purchase the Osteobiflex, at any Target or similar store? Also, where can I purchase the Glycoflex? I have some pet order catalogs and can't find it in the ones I have.
I want Hailey to get back her quality of life. She had a rough start when she came to us. It was apparent she had been abused, we took her to many vets. She took quite a few years to trust us and has become such a sweet dog. I would like to see her run again without suffering afterwards.
I appreciate the help.
Where can I purchase the Osteobiflex, at any Target or similar store? Also, where can I purchase the Glycoflex? I have some pet order catalogs and can't find it in the ones I have.
I want Hailey to get back her quality of life. She had a rough start when she came to us. It was apparent she had been abused, we took her to many vets. She took quite a few years to trust us and has become such a sweet dog. I would like to see her run again without suffering afterwards.
I appreciate the help.
Thanks Traci for correcting me on the timeframe and for bringing up the concerns about improperly labeled products. OsteoBiflex is one of the products that tests well for having the ingredients it says it has.
OsteoBiflex can be found in almost any drug or grocery store, K-Mart, WalMart, etc. I've found the best price at Sam's Club. WalMart is close. It's not cheap, but with this product you at least know you're getting what your paying for.
I don't recall where I buy the GlycoFlex, but I buy it online. You can google on Glyoflex and see what you come up with. I need to buy some, so I'll check where I get it when I get home.
Also something I should have added before. Shark cartilage has proven to be useless in multiple studies. Don't waste your money.
OsteoBiflex can be found in almost any drug or grocery store, K-Mart, WalMart, etc. I've found the best price at Sam's Club. WalMart is close. It's not cheap, but with this product you at least know you're getting what your paying for.
I don't recall where I buy the GlycoFlex, but I buy it online. You can google on Glyoflex and see what you come up with. I need to buy some, so I'll check where I get it when I get home.
Also something I should have added before. Shark cartilage has proven to be useless in multiple studies. Don't waste your money.
"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." ~ Josh Billings.
Re: Arthritis and what will help?
Thanks for the help, Karen. I searched a little and found there to be a regular GlycoFlex, a GlycoFlex 2 and a GlycoFlex 3 which states it's for older dogs. Would that one be a better one to put her on? I don't want to give her something too strong.
Linda
Re: Arthritis and what will help?
I use the original GlycoFlex (600 mg) and get it at HeathyPets.com
I looked at the formula for Glycoflex II (AKA GlycoFlex Plus) and GlycoFlex III. If your dog can tolerate the Vitamin C in the III, it looks like a good buy, but is much more expensive than the original, and you may not need everything that it contains. Also, there have been several studies (in humans, not canines) that show that the combination of the glucosamine and chondroitin has an additive affect and together they offer much more than either alone. If I were you, I'd start with just the OsteoBiflex and see how that does. If it doesn't have the full effect you want after 3-4 months of treatment, try adding the Glycoflex, or the MSM, and/or the Vit. C (use might want to use ester C - it's easier on the digestive tract). How good a response you get will depend upon how much joint degeneration has already occurred. If there is considerable degeneration, your pupper will never be quite "normal", she will probably always have some problems, but you can still help. improve how he feels. If necessary, you can use all of the products, or use the GlycoFlex III that contains them all except the chondroitin and buy a separate chondroitin product.
I looked at the formula for Glycoflex II (AKA GlycoFlex Plus) and GlycoFlex III. If your dog can tolerate the Vitamin C in the III, it looks like a good buy, but is much more expensive than the original, and you may not need everything that it contains. Also, there have been several studies (in humans, not canines) that show that the combination of the glucosamine and chondroitin has an additive affect and together they offer much more than either alone. If I were you, I'd start with just the OsteoBiflex and see how that does. If it doesn't have the full effect you want after 3-4 months of treatment, try adding the Glycoflex, or the MSM, and/or the Vit. C (use might want to use ester C - it's easier on the digestive tract). How good a response you get will depend upon how much joint degeneration has already occurred. If there is considerable degeneration, your pupper will never be quite "normal", she will probably always have some problems, but you can still help. improve how he feels. If necessary, you can use all of the products, or use the GlycoFlex III that contains them all except the chondroitin and buy a separate chondroitin product.
"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." ~ Josh Billings.
Re: Arthritis and what will help?
Thank you, Karen, for the help. I will pick up the OsteoBiflex right away and try that first for a couple of months. Hailey isn't really bad yet so maybe getting a jump start on this arthritis before it gets a full hold on her will help her out. If I don't notice a big improvement after a short time I will get the GlycoFlex. Thanks again.
Re: Arthritis and what will help?
I felt the need to jump in here about vitamin C and canines. I do feel extra vitamin C is needed by most of our canine companions. While most animals can manufacture vitamin C, I do not think their bodies can keep up during times of stress. Age and environmental conditions can play a large role.
I live in Texas but my older dog suffers during the cooler months with stiffness. I started giving him Ester-C brand of vitamin C before the weather got cooler and he has done well this winter. The Ester-C can be given in higher doses because it is pH neutral and does not cause intestinal upset like regular vitamin C.
I hope this helps someone.
I live in Texas but my older dog suffers during the cooler months with stiffness. I started giving him Ester-C brand of vitamin C before the weather got cooler and he has done well this winter. The Ester-C can be given in higher doses because it is pH neutral and does not cause intestinal upset like regular vitamin C.
I hope this helps someone.