juice Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 after my 9 year old dally seemed to be "swaying" when he walked, and yelped when he was knocked into by my other dog i took him today for x-rays. the vet has diagnosed djd. in his left hip, and knee. he was given anti inflams for a week( carprofen). and advised to have a course of 4 injections, ( pentosan). she did say he could be operated on, but costly, and may not help. she also suggested i try jointguard. so advice please , does jointguard work? do the injections help? anyone had surgery? any advice would be appreciated, i have no idea how quickly this will spread. his weight is good, although she said he could drop a little bit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 I find the Cartrophen injections work really well for Chloe - who has arthritis due to bung knees I would give them a try - they are not too expensive so something that can be tried to see the effects. They don't work for all dogs apparently - but for Chloe they are a Godsend... Joint Guard - Sasha's Blend etc... well they aren't really 'proven' to do anything. Many people will tell you that they see a good effect though. I like to think that Chloe does better with them (we use Sasha's Blend) and from MY observations she does show slight improvement when she is taking Sasha's Blend. It's something that can't hurt, so even if there is a minor benefit it's also worth a try as it is generally inexpensive too. Chloe's specialist told me that they are made to make us as the owners feel better - but so many people have seen positive reactions (not dramatic but positive) so they can't all be wrong. And yep, keep him as lean as you can get him I've not had experience with surgery specifically for DJD, however Chloe endured 2 cruciate knee ops and the results were fantastic. Surgery isn't for all dogs. There's the cost to consider, and also the recovery and rehab - and the prognosis. If the time needed for them in recovery etc can't be managed, personally I think surgery is a waste as the aftercare is just as important as surgery. But if it is something that you could manage (im not sure what kind of surgery or recovery time would be needed), it's something that you should at least look into to see if it would suit him. I know alot of people aren't fans of surgery - I know I copped alot of flak for my decisions with Chloe - but the results really do speak for themselves and they put an end to many of the naysayers in my situation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juice Posted October 12, 2009 Author Share Posted October 12, 2009 (edited) thanks, he had his first injection tonight, figured it couldn't hurt. not sure after the first week of inflamatory's how often he will need them, think i just need to see how he is. will look into the sash's blend etc. vet didn't push the surgery, it was only when i asked about doing anything, she thought it was probably not going to help him. how often do you need to get the injections? vet said yearly, or longer sometimes. however he does live outside, so maybe more often. Edited October 12, 2009 by juice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nabs Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 MSM powder could be of help. I would also go with the Cartrophen injections. A little info on MSM http://www.mfcd.net/depot/downloads/msm.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staranais Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 Joint Guard - Sasha's Blend etc... well they aren't really 'proven' to do anything. Many people will tell you that they see a good effect though. I like to think that Chloe does better with them (we use Sasha's Blend) and from MY observations she does show slight improvement when she is taking Sasha's Blend. It's something that can't hurt, so even if there is a minor benefit it's also worth a try as it is generally inexpensive too. Chloe's specialist told me that they are made to make us as the owners feel better - but so many people have seen positive reactions (not dramatic but positive) so they can't all be wrong. My pharmacology lecturer reckons he thinks that those nutraceutical type compounds often do some good, though they're obviously not as potent as the drugs you've been prescribed. Although there are no/few clinical trials in animals to back him up he has a wealth of experience so I believe him. Not sure about Sasha's blend, but we talked about fish body oil, glucosamine, chondroitin, green lipped muscle extract, and MSM, and they're all supposed to do some good for many joint conditions. My pup is already on fish body oil and glucosamine/chondroitin as a preventative measure, cos I'm paranoid. I'm with Kelly Louise, they can't possibly do any harm, and may do some good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 thanks, he had his first injection tonight, figured it couldn't hurt.not sure after the first week of inflamatory's how often he will need them, think i just need to see how he is. will look into the sash's blend etc. vet didn't push the surgery, it was only when i asked about doing anything, she thought it was probably not going to help him. how often do you need to get the injections? vet said yearly, or longer sometimes. however he does live outside, so maybe more often. Chloe has pretty bad arthritis and has for a few years - and at the moment she has a course of 4 x weekly injections once a year (usually just before winter to get her through the colder months)... and if she's particularly stiff she gets another course around November/December. It should see them through the tough months IF it works for your dog. I know that the Cartrophen injections work fabulously for Chloe - she's like a new dog. To see Chloe, you'd probably not guess she has arthritis as bad as she does... so a combination of the Sasha's Blend, Cartrophen injections (and Previcox for her really bad days if she overdoes things) sees her through her years comfortably But getting the weight off will help dramatically too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puggy_puggy Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 Definatley do the cartrophen injections. Keep him as skinny as possible. I use Sasha's Blend for my 8 year old pug. Perhaps look into swimming him at a hydrotherapy pool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westielover Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 (edited) Hey juice - sorry to hear about your dally - it's a little sad when they get elderly hey! Here is an article which may be worth reading. I recently discovered my 9 yr old westie has HD & oseto-arthritis and looked into a few options. Had the catrophen (pentosan) shots to begin with and then the vet suggested rimdayl (no thanks!). Looked at the stem cell therapy but that was a little out of the price range. Operation was a not an option for a dog under 20kgs. So we headed to the Natural Vet at Russell Lea where my pooch is having acupuncture (once a week for 4 weeks, then every 2 weeks over 6 weeks and now once a month) + chinese herbs and a nalgesic called 'cumerone liquid' (contains tumeric which is a natural anti-inflammatory) and I swear it has made a big difference. I also give him a daily technyflex tablet and when they run out will switch over to Glyde. I also now give Glyde to the younger 2 dogs as a preventative. Having had a look at the ingredients of JointGuard - it doesn't seem to contain the Omega 3's which products like glyde & technyflex do have. Acupuncture is not that expensive and it really does seem to work wonders (in conjunction with the herbs & cumerone). If you can find an animal acupuncturist in your area it's a worthwhile option to look into. Also, if your dally is carrying any excess weight - get the weight off as this helps reduce the pressure off the joints. Finally, if you can get your hands on some memory foam for supportive bedding - that will help your dally too. Edited October 13, 2009 by westielover Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puggy_puggy Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 Also try not to let him jump off things like couches or beds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juice Posted October 13, 2009 Author Share Posted October 13, 2009 big thankyou saw some msm today at chemist, nature's gift i think it was, but going to try health shop tommorrow. where do i get glyde and technyflex from? is it human or pet meds. my chiro has an acupunturist at his place, might call and see if they know an animal one. his weight is actually good, but vet said it would help if he was skinny. no jumping off couches, he's outside, and even at storm time he gets more anxious comming inside, after 9 years he just is much happier outside. he has padded beds and sheepskin in his kennels, they have 3 to choose from, and soft beds on the tramp beds, all undercover with roll down blinds, so completley out of elements, they also use the garage. will look at the foam underlays though too. i am really finding it very hard to take in, appollo is my rock, has always been as fit as, he chases rabbits, lives for his walks. to think his time is limited is hard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KJ Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 The best place I have found for Glyde is www.valuevet.com.au Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poodle wrangler Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 Best wishes for your Dally. I'd used a joint supplement (cheapest) + injections, as required. If anti-inflammatories help, then great. All drugs can have side effects, but it's best to discuss any worries with your vet and give them exactly as prescribed e.g. anti-inflammatories with food. You'll find some people have a bad experience, then tell you not to give X, Y or Z to your dog. Given the choice btwn side effects and my dog's pain relief, would go for the pain relief every time! Our dogs deserve to be reasonably comfortable in their old age. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 to think his time is limited is hard. :cool: I hear you... I truly do. With all Chloe's health issues mounting and her years getting on, it kills me to even contemplate life without her. She is my very best friend in the world. But once you find something that works for him, I'm sure you will have quite a few more years with him. Chloe was almost crippled at 8 and the arthritic changes had set in well and truly, along with some previously undiagnosed arthritis due to mild elbow issues... and today, people are amazed that she is a dog that has bad arthritis and has had 2 leg operations... Lemme tell you, she could outrun any youngster when she wants to :p Give everything you can a try, and you will see yourself what works for him and what doesn't. And I'm sure you will see an improvement - he'll be around for a while yet, they are tough buggers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juice Posted October 13, 2009 Author Share Posted October 13, 2009 thanks, i have been reading up on it, and glyde seems the way to go, but can you give glyde and msm? or not both needed? am going to health store to see price if i buy them seperatley ,as glyde is not cheap, although site in link is definatley the cheapest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sankari Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 (edited) My GR has DJD in her Right Hip. She has also got 2 partial torn cruciates both left and right knees Our vet says she doesnt need surgery as it isnt severe enough to warrant having the cruciates repaired. She has just finished a course of cartrophen and is on Joint guard and fish oil daily. We have noticed an improvement in the movement of the Hip but her knees she still has some pain which she also gets pain medication if she needs it. Her exercise is modified and she is starting swimming soon too which will help both the hip and the severe muscle wastage. She has to have another 4 week course of cartrophen injections in 6 weeks. Charlotte is 4 years old. Edited October 13, 2009 by LucyCharzie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juice Posted October 14, 2009 Author Share Posted October 14, 2009 anyone use glyde, and does it last long? have been looking, and its $74 for 360grms. went to health store today, and i can get green lipped muscle extract for $19, and a supplement which has glucosamine, chondriotin, and msn for $59, and it was a huge container. bought fish oil tabs, will start them anyway, just wondering which way to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sankari Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 Juice: Archie on here told me that the human products have no benefit to animals. I would be going for animal one rather than a human product JMO. Personally Glyde is far too expensive for me to contemplate giving hence the reason i use Joint guard which is alot cheaper and lasts ages too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juice Posted October 14, 2009 Author Share Posted October 14, 2009 didn't know that. will look into it before i get any. so far it seems , jointguard has glucasomine, chondriotin, and msm, but no green lipped extract, which is the anti inflam. sasha's blend has the grenn lipped extract, but not the others. glyde has all except msm.so far looking the best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KJ Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 I use Glyde for my young Lab, as recommended by her specialist. One container lasts about 3 months which is pretty good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juice Posted October 14, 2009 Author Share Posted October 14, 2009 3 months seems ok, i thought the containers looked very small online, he would need 2 scoops, going on his weight, how many do you use? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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