Arthritis and what will help?

[Linda]

Thanks, ldvet. I will look into the Ester-C brand. Is this purchased at a pet store and is there a dosage on the bottle? I don't know of Ester-C so I'm not sure where to purchase it from or the strength. Thanks for the help.

[k9Karen]

Thanks ldvet. I know there are many who believe our pets, unlike their wild wolf cousins, can no longer produce the full amount of Vit C they need. Do you know if any reputable studies that have been published on this? All I've heard is what would best be called an urban legend, or maybe half truths. I'd love to see a scientific study on this. It does make a lot of sense, but do you know if anyone has really found it to be true in a properly conducted study? Personally, my only experience with the vit C was with my Mickey. He couldn't tolerate it in any form, including the ester C. He also couldn't tolerate aspirin or Rimadyl. He threw up the aspirin or Vit C within 20 minutes (usually less), and 1/2 of a Rimadyl gave him diarrhea for 3 days. So, I guess I'm a bit gun-shy with these products. I've had real good luck with the nutraceuticals, and so I feel very comfortable recommending them to someone. Since I've had such bad luck with the Vit C, I always like to include a disclaimer (and Rimadyl scares the you-know-what out of me).

[Doglady]

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.

I agree with ldvet about using Ester C. I have used Ester C which is much easier on the stomach than regular Vitamin C, and it should be used in combination with Vitamin E..they work hand in hand.

Ester C is given to bowel tolerance, so I had to start out with a lower dose (not a large dog) such as 250mg daily for one week. If no soft stools, then increased it to 500mg, gradually working up to 1000mg daily, which was all that dog could handle without very soft stools, or diarrhea. In combination with this I gave her 400IU of Vitamin E and then increased to 800IU max after a few weeks. Usually, you should start to see results after two weeks, but can vary. Discuss the dosages with your vet.