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Degenerative Arthritis - Treatment Options


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Approximately 5 year old BC (rescue, so no history) with degenerative arthritis in the wrists - described as "furry" bones on his xray.Has been on JointGuard for the last 3-4 years as he has a history of being stiff after strenuous exercise (though in the back-end).

The vet has suggested injections (Carprofen?) and changing supplements to Sasha's Blend. Are these injections painful?

What has worked/not worked for others?

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I've just done a course of cartropen(sp) injections with our 5 year old girl. They don't seem to be anymore painful than a normal vaccination - and are given in the same place. We have seen slight improvement between the 3rd & 4th injection, and think she may still be improving. Vet did one injection per week for 4 weeks. Apparently they are meant to last 12 months, but vet said that they normally see dogs back before then. OUr girl had them for mild-moderate hip displasia.

We also switched her from joint guard and fish oil tablets to Hills Science j/d (joint diet). I know a lot of people aren't a fan of Hills or dry food, but it's working for her. Still feeding the j/d food after the injections, but don't have to do the joint guard or fish oil anymore.

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We also use regular Cartrophen injections with Chloe - and they work wonders for her (agree, no more painful than a normal injection so not traumatic). We also have Previcox tablets on hand in case she has a bad day or overdoes things too much - they have very few side effects and they work really quickly and effectively.

I also have her on Sasha's Blend - of course it doesn't make a huge difference but I think it's made more of a difference to Chloe than other brands, plus it's more palatable.

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My old boy was on regular cartrophen injections before he passed to rainbow bridge last month. Initially it was yearly but his arthritis worsened due to his age so it was changed to monthly with additional anti-inflam tabs if the pain was bad.

I did notice a big difference about 2 days after the injections with his mobility and it helped him a lot.

I also supplemented with human grade glucosamine/msm/condroitin powder. Much cheaper than the brands sold at the pet supplies and did the same thing I reckon.

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Can I also suggest massage therapy.

Just some benefits are:

Increases flexibility of muscles

Relaxes and soothes the muscles

Increases blood circulation

Reduces inflammation

With arthuritis the muscles surrounding the bone often become very tense, adding to pain. A massage should help release that muscle inflammation and pain, increase flexibility of the muscles surrounding the bone and relax and soothe the muscles too.

Hope this helps :o

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Cartrophen has lasted a very short time with my 4yr old GR who was diagnosed with DJD in her right hip back in September. She has had one course when diagnosed, then one booster one month later which lasted 2 1/2 months. The vet said the booster would give her 12 months relief. I am not overly happy with this treatment method but it worked fabulously on one of my dogs who passed over the bridge back in November 2008.

She is also on Joint guard daily and i am about to look into some other treatments as well. I was going to look into bowen/reiki but unfortunately to get someone out to our place would be costing us a fortune. I could not find anyone under $75 to come out :( Considering it's a regular thing required usually every what 4-6 weekly it's not a cost I would be able to budget in my current financial state. She also goes swimming on a weekly to twice weekly basis.

I am currently giving her Metacam to give us the chance to look into another treatment method to use for her. Rimadyl was a waste of money for her also, it does absolutely nothing.

ETA: She is in a lean condition, that helps alot on their joints.

Edited by LucyCharzie
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