Pheebs Posted November 3, 2007 Share Posted November 3, 2007 (edited) Hi there, I have an 8 year old Weimaraner who, over the last 3 or so days is starting to cry/yelp terribly for a good 15 seconds or so when getting up - mainly after a sleep, but she's clearly very distressed, and its starting to affect her overall demeanour. Once i'm able to FINALLY get her off the cushion and moving around - she seems to be limping a fair bit on her back legs. I'm unsure as to whether its indicative of arthritis, a potential hip problem or both About 18 months ago she appeared to be quite stiff in the joints but mainly in winter which we assumed was somewhat normal (particularly also considering she preferred to lie on the hardwood floor in the living room which I can't imagine would be comfortable?). Anyway, we mentioned it to our vet who didn't seem overly concerned, but gave us some Metacam to try out if it got worse - fortunately up until now it hadn't. I know it sounds terrible, but i'm imagining arthritis is somewhat manageable - but would something like this really change her behaviour/disposition to the extent that it has? Her tail no longer goes at 100km/h when I walk into the room, she shows no interest in cuddles from anyone, and just looks downright miserable??? I'm in Sydney's Northern Districts if anyone is able to please recommend someone who can help us out. Edited November 3, 2007 by Pheebs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taters Posted November 3, 2007 Share Posted November 3, 2007 If she is in pain then it would certainly change her behaviour I would be getting a second opinion from another Vet there are better ways to manage arthritis, like Cartrophin Injections and using joint guard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheree_e4 Posted November 3, 2007 Share Posted November 3, 2007 (edited) I will recommend feeding her Hills J/D it is a joint formula and it has been scientifically proven to help with arthritis and is guarenteed,I have personally given it to my 9yr old who was extreamly sore in his front leg(wrist) and it helped heaps he no longer constantly licks or limps and is now doing his favourite sport again agility (he only does a couple of rounds to keep him happy).You need to feed it for a minimum of 21 days to see an improvment. I know of dogs that have been on rimadyl, injections etc and some have stopped taking drugs all together and others who have a smaller dose. All I can say it's worth trying,I know some DOLers do not like Hills but if it helps your dog from being in pain IMO it should be used. Edited November 3, 2007 by sheree_e4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Piximatosis Posted November 3, 2007 Share Posted November 3, 2007 Pheebs - I had Kaeleigh on the human joint supplement Nutralife "MSM Glucosamine Chondroitin Joint Food" which contains Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, Vitamin C, Citrus Bioflavonoids, Manganese, Copper and Zinc - all of which are needed to sort of work with each other to make a difference. Along with this I gave her fish oil capsules which have some anti-inflammatory effects. She had this twice a day and it made a noticeable difference over time (I also take it myself for my knees and can tell you from personal experience that it works lol). If she's overweight, get the weight off her, as she'll find it easier if she's slightly underweight. Is there somewhere near you that you can take her to swim?? I'm sorry I can't recommend anybody... perhaps ask some agility people about the doggy chiros or physios that they see? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Golden Rules Posted November 4, 2007 Share Posted November 4, 2007 (edited) Has your vet checked for any cruciate ligamet damange? One of my dogs was limping and struggled to get up as well, I thought it was arthritis or HD and took him along to the vet, discussed it with him, he didn't seem overly concerned, didn't offer any medications etc (I already had him on all the usual supplements) - but as the limp got worse in the following weeks, I went to see another vet and he immediately diagnosed cruciate ligament damage. I kicked myself for suggesting to the first vet what I thought the problem was as I should have just let him think about all the options. He is a young vet and obviously still learning..... Anyway, it's worth keeping this in mind Edited November 4, 2007 by Duncan+Dougal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~Archie~ Posted November 4, 2007 Share Posted November 4, 2007 Definately talk to your vet about a course of Pentosan/Cartrophen injections & starting Joint Guard My dog is a new dog after having Pentosan & Joint Guard ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stormie Posted November 4, 2007 Share Posted November 4, 2007 I'd also get your vet to check her spine...just to be sure. My old golden has changes in her spine due to old age, which makes it harder for her to get up, and also affects her hind legs. Once you know what you're dealing with, you can go from there. If its arthritis, you're better off staying on your normal diet and adding Omega 3's as well as Glucosamine and Chondroitin etc. Hills J/D is, IMO, a bit of a money making strategy by Hills. They've added the omega 3 and the gluc and chondroiton and given it a name. I think its much better for your pets for them to stay on their current diet and then add the extra's to it yourself. JMO though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILuvAmstaffs Posted November 4, 2007 Share Posted November 4, 2007 After many vet visits with no explanation for his limp, I took my boy to see an ortho at the Sydney Uni Specialist Referal Centre, where he was alter operated on for ED. I found them to be excellent there & would definately recommend them if you aren't 100% satisfied with your vet. As for managing the arthritis. Im using Flexicose, Ester C and noni juice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Fox 001 Posted November 10, 2007 Share Posted November 10, 2007 We have had our GSD on Cartrophen one injection a week for 4 weeks and now on Sasha's Blend for about a month and he is doing wonderfully. We have some oral Metacam for the really bad days (if he does out of the ordinary exercise) but have only had to use this once since we started this course of therapy. I would recommend it highly. I think it has given him an extra few years and saved me the awful decision of ending his pain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CavsRcute Posted November 10, 2007 Share Posted November 10, 2007 I can recommend Pam Short or Mark Hocking at Gladesville Vet Hospital. They were the vets who really sorted out my dog. She also sees Amanda Paul at Ku Ring Gai Vet Hospital for acupuncture once a month and takes a homeopathic anti inflammatory called Traumeel. She also has a liquid glusoamine called Flexicose. When this runs out I am going to try Technyflex which was recommended by her chiropractor. Good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pheebs Posted January 29, 2008 Author Share Posted January 29, 2008 (edited) Today has escalated to an all-time low, so we're off to the vets at 4:15. I'm flat broke, and called the vet in advance to ask for some form of payment plan. Just as she was about to shut me down over the phone, she heard Tess wailing in the background so said come in for a chat. I'd ask for lots of positive thoughts our way, please :D God knows how i'm going to get her in the car. Let this be a lesson to all people who do not have a drivers license, GET IT. I feel absolutely useless. She's screaming in pain and wailing and looks stiff all over, but I'm really concerned because her stomach is making some hideous kind of gurgling noise, and IF she can manage to stand up, she's all hunched over and won't let me touch her stomach. The sire of her litter died of bloat, so i'm just praying. Either way, be it Gastric or Joint-related, it doesn't sound like I should be expecting a positive outcome this afternoon. Sorry that this post is disjointed (pardon the pun), but my brain is in a million places at once. Edited to add: The dear little bugger is still wagging her tail when I enter the room, and is trying to roll on her back (whilst screaming) to get me to rub her chest??? Not the smartest little cookie Edited January 29, 2008 by Pheebs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaegertheweim Posted January 29, 2008 Share Posted January 29, 2008 sorry I have no advice but your girl is beautiful and I hope she is okay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mooper Posted January 29, 2008 Share Posted January 29, 2008 Thinking of you and Tess Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vickie Posted January 29, 2008 Share Posted January 29, 2008 (edited) Pheebs, give Helen Nicholson a call. She has a Masters in Canine Physiotherapy. I have found her to be excellent, both for diagnosis & treatment. I have recommended her to a heap of people & they have all been happy with the results. Her website: http://www.k9physio.com/ she is also a very nice person. I hope Tess is OK,it must be very distressing for both of you. ETA to add her website. Edited January 29, 2008 by Vickie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vehs Posted January 29, 2008 Share Posted January 29, 2008 fingers crossed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miranda Posted January 29, 2008 Share Posted January 29, 2008 I don't live in Sydney, but most of my friends use either Karen Hedberg in Richmond or Rob Zammit who I think is in Vineyard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pheebs Posted January 29, 2008 Author Share Posted January 29, 2008 (edited) Hi guys, Thanks for your thoughts. Silly dog appeared to be fine as a front for the vet (though he acknowledge he could tell she was 'keeping it to herself') as she is nervous around new people at the best of times. She saw the lead and got all excited at the prospect of leaving the house Thankfully not bloat Heart appeared to be normal, has reason to believe that there is something wrong with her back left hip, although she shows no (audible) signs of distress when extended. He does have suspicions that she may have a "luxation of the lumbar sacroillac joint" which i'm led to believe is where the base of the spine joins the pelvis? Poor little chicken is feeling so sorry for herself, but at the same time is lapping up all the attention she can get. I've been given some Rimadyl for her to take over the course of the next 10 days, alongside some osteocare biscuits. Failing any improvement, we have to go back for x-rays to check out her spine/pelvis. ETA: Thanks so much Vickie for that info, will be following that up :D Edited January 29, 2008 by Pheebs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mooper Posted January 29, 2008 Share Posted January 29, 2008 Damn, they're sneaky, putting on a good show for the vets etc. I hope she gets some relief soon. And that you sleep well tonight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vickie Posted January 29, 2008 Share Posted January 29, 2008 Great to know it's not torsion. Hope she gets better soon Vickie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CavsRcute Posted January 29, 2008 Share Posted January 29, 2008 I would also recommend Helen Nicholson, the canine physio. I know she goes to Ku- Ring-Gai Vets, North Turramurra on Thursdays. And she is absolutely fantastic with the dogs...and their owners Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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