Older dog needs help with joint problems.

[Linda]

It's been a while since I posted here but my older dog is having some more serious arthritis problems and I tried the glucosomine/chondrotin (human grade) and it doesn't seem to be helping her much. I really don't want to have to use Rimady. I used something different when I had my shelties when they got older but can't seem to remember what I used. Does anyone have any suggestions at all? She does all right when she just lays around but to take her outside for walks she will be very stiff the next day. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[davet]

orednison or dexamethasone, properly dosed usually works...they have to be dosed for effect and not by the book

[Traci]

"orednison"=prednisone.

[davet]

close enough

[KristinBNLI]

How long has your dog been taking the Glucosamine/Chondroitin supplements? I know they take some time (up to several months, I believe) to show positive results. I hope you find some relief for you dog soon.

[k9Karen]

How long has your dog been taking the Glucosamine/Chondroitin supplements? I know they take some time (up to several months, I believe) to show positive results. I hope you find some relief for you dog soon.

You should begin to see improvement within 2 - 4 weeks, although the full effect may take longer. If it's been at least 30 days without improvement, it probably won't work (it doesn't work for some). Linda, please remember that gluc/chon combinations are not anti-inflammatories, they work to rebuild the joint cushion. If you have not tried OsteoBiflex brand, don't automatically rule out the gluc/chon. It's expensive, but it's one of the few that has held up to testing. If you are using an off-brand or generic, try the OsteoBiflex.

[Traci]

Cosequin's literature states up to 6 weeks in some dogs. As with any of these products, they may not work for some dogs at all.

[Linda]

Thanks for all the suggestions. K9Karen, where can I purchase the OsteobiFlex? I have had her on the supplement I mentioned a couple of months and haven't really noticed much of anything. My husband wants to try the Rimadyl but I am holding off for a safer alternative. She was a stray and we "adopted" her about 9 years ago and at that time we took her to the vet and he estimated her to be between 2- 3 years old. He now says she must have been more like 3 -4 years old when she came wandering down our country driveway. She had a tough start in life her first couple of years, we know by her condition when she arrived. I just want to make her later years better for her. She is an indoor dog and always has been since she came to live with us. She is 38 - 40 pounds and is perfect the vet says for her height. I would love to give the OsteobiFlex a try if I can find it. Any suggestions on where and how much to give would be appreciated. Thanks again.

[Marty]

Any drug store or grocery store carries it in the vitamin and supplemnet section.

[KristinB NLI]

Costco also carries it, if you are a member. It's often cheaper.