dog arthritis

[motb]

We have a nine year old border collie and have noticed over the last year she has developed some stifness in her back legs. It is particularly noticable after she has been for a walk then lain down for a while as she sometimes limps a little or takes just a fraction longer to stand up. We have had metacam from the vet but would prefer to try a more natural remedy...any suggestions??

[Postdog]

People like vet vits or healthy direct do glucosomane for animals.

My dog had a bad leg once, and they seemed to help. The hardest part was getting him to swallow them tho....

[Postdog]

Here you. Had this in my favourites (for me) and got the page for you.

http://www.healthydirect.com/category/Category -Pet/d.jsf;jsessionid=92620C655745C7665CC45F71 41AC8085

[gelda]

I used to walk a Golden Retriever who had bad arthritis in her back legs due to having crusiate ligaments go, the vet tried all sorts of things which didn't make much difference so he suggested trying a Bioflow collar and it was like a miracle, within 5 weeks she was like a puppy again and she was nearly 13, so it might be worth a try. BTW the vet did say that there are a lot of cheap immitations of these collars being sold so always stick to the Bioflow make. HTH

[kita1]

I have used Green Lipped Mussel tablets for a number of years with my dog - if I miss a couple of days he refuses to go for his normal walk and is obviously very stiff.

I get them from Holland & Barratt (usually stock up with six months worth when they have their half price sale).

http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/pages/product _detail.asp?pid=416

They are a totally natural product (from New Zealand Green Lipped Mussels) and are one of the main ingredients in the Pedigree Arthritis chews.

If he seems particularly stiff I give him an aspirin (usually with food) DO NOT give your dog aspirin when she is on Metacam or any other medication without checking with the vet first.

[lankeela]

Denes Greenleaf, they are homeopathic and you can start with a higher dose (3 twice a day) then gradually reduce as they start to work.

Also recommend the Bioflow collar, although the only drawback (if you can call it that) is you don't notice the dogs going downhill so much, until the day they go off their legs.
You can get them off ebay cheaper, as the agents are supposed to sell them at a set price, but as said above, make sure they are genuine Bioflow. Try not to give Metacam long term as it messes up their insides.

[jules77]

I wouldnt use Metacam, dont want to worry you, but it can cause internal bleeding.......I tried a bioflow collar and numerous other natural remedies on two dogs, and none worked.

Only thing I can recommend is Cosequin, the vets sell it, but is cheaper online, as you dont need a prescription, much gentler on the dogs system than Metacam, without side effects. I gave it to a collie from the age of 6 years until her legs finally gave way at nearly 14 years of age, and another one who had a very sensitive digestion from 10 years until he was 14.5.

http://www.vetuk.co.uk/index.php?main_page=adv anced_search_result&search_in_description=1&ze nid=12d4b9a393eb230e0607016f569ea6fd&keyword=c osequin

[Meg]

My borders will be 13 this month I give them a Pedigree Joint Care chew every other day, bit expensive but the results have been very good.

[Illyria54]

I use Glucosamine from Vetvits on my German Shepherds, it's good stuff, I'm on it as well, (the human version).

[echokilo]

I have a 12/13 year old staff cross who has arthritus in his back legs and also has a nylon cruiate ligament as he snapped it some years ago - he has been having hydrotherapy for the last 5 months, initially twice a week and now once a week - his fitness has improved and he loves going - definately seen the benefits..... AND my insurance is paying for it (up to �2000 or 12 motnhs treatment, whichever comes first) This is a link to the website of the Canine Rehab centre I use:
http://www.woofnwater.co.uk/
and this is the link to the Canine Hydrotherapy Association, where you can search for a pool near you:

http://www.k9hydrotherapy.co.uk/

Have also used Cortaflex which is better by far than Glucosamine - expensive but good - and I have used the human version too.

Good luck

[motb]

I cant thank you all enough there are loads of suggestions. Our dog means the world to us and we are willing to try anything to help before it gets worse

[ruthann58]

hi i would definetly recommend the bioflow collar our gsd x collie had one when she was 10 also vet recommened glucosamin and chronditon at adult strength both helped no end and we only lost her at nearly 14 a couple of months back she had her collar first and it made such a difference i then treated myself to a bracelet funny how our animals always come first used to buy the glucosamin from age stop the human ones hope these help your lady