kipster

Not impossible, but . . . My vial of Cartrophen has been kept refrigerated. The first time this happened, it was the last dose in the bottle, and I wondered if it could have gone off. But this last dose was the first from a new bottle. And each dose has been administered with a new, sterile syringe.

Thanks for your thoughts, Labadore. I will take your kind suggestions on board.

Thanks. Yes, since the vet gave him his first five or six injections, I have given the rest at home, under the skin on the shoulder, with no problems, and a dog keen to cooperate, knowing there was a nice treat at the end of it. I'm sure he never even felt it. He tolerated the Cartrophen 100pc for a year, and it worked wonders. He was untroubled by arthritis, and ran freely. Then it was as though he'd suddenly developed an intolerance. Maybe it builds up. And maybe he should have been on fewer treatments. We'll never know, as he'll never have another one!

I have a beautiful pure-bred male English Pointer. He's a solid 39kg and has just turned 10. A year ago he seemed to be tightening up in his movements; the vet suggested arthritis. He also suggested Cartrophen Vet treatment by injection, once a week for four weeks, then monthly. There was an immediate, wonderful improvement, and he has been great. Until his 10th monthly injection (May 2015). About 15 minutes after the injection, at home, he collapsed, seemed to be in a stupor, and his breathing was almost imperceptable. Before I could get help, he recovered in 15 minutes, and was quickly normal. Off to the vet, who said there was any number of reasons for this happening, and to try again next month. That was today. I gave him his injection. He was fine and chipper for about 15 minutes, then suddenly stopped dead in his tracks, and fell over when he tried to walk. Exactly as before, barely breathing, in a stupor. Expecting a quick recovery, I kept him warm and talked to him. But after 20 minutes of dread and no change I started CPR and massage. I don't think it helped. At 30 minutes I said a little prayer to the doggie gods, and suddenly he perked up and lay more upright, supporting himself. His breathing slowly improved, as did his awareness. He stood gingerly at 50 minutes, walked unsteadily to his nearby bed and lay there for an hour. At 1hr 30min he showed a passing interest in food, slowly taking a treat. At 2 hours he was back up, but a bit shaken. Now I feel guilty for believing my vet of ten years knew all there was to know about Cartrophen. I know now that he should have recognised these symptoms. Today I did what I should have done a year ago, and searched for contradictions. I was shocked to find plenty of a serious kind. That's what I suggest everyone should do before risking catastrophe for their beloved pet.