Cartrophen Injections

[G.S.P.S/K]

Just wanted to know if anyone's dog has experienced side effects from long-term use of cartrophen injections? My Staffy X is only 14 months old and has had a sore back leg that she keeps a bit straight whilst walking, for several months. She has had xrays and the vet found nothing wrong with hip or knee joints. She does have mild luxating patellas (grade 1) in both legs though. He just recommended rest.

She continues to have the stiff leg and yelps when another dogs stands on her legs (she's friendly yet very submissive and so spends most of her time on her back whilst interacting with other dogs). Another vet recommended cartrophen injections, however Im a bit unsure I want to start this on such a young dog and when I've heard anecdotal evidence of dogs who receive regular cartrophen injections over a number of years eventually having a heart attack.

I know they work well and results are seen quickly, but I heard that a dog becomes 'reliant' on them. So has anyone had any bad experiences from using cartrophen?

Edited March 28, 2012 by GSPSTAFFKELP

[luvsdogs]

I've had 2 elderly dogs on Cartrophen injections & I didn't find they did any good. There was no noticeable difference in their arthritis. The 1st was my BC who had 3 courses over about a 2 yr period. The 2nd was my son's mixed breed dog who only had the one course.

[Jumabaar]

I would be seeking a second opinion from a specialist- if your using Cartrophen at 14mths of age what is the dog going to be like when its 5yrs old? Sounds like you need to find out what the cause is so you can try and work out a more systematic approach.

[Everythings Shiny]

I'd be hesitant using cartrophen in a dog that young.

[OSoSwift]

I use it monthly on my old dog and I know when he is due again from his walking, it works really well for him.

However I agree I would seek a second opinion on one so young.

[megan_]

Take your dog to Ray Ferguson at Monash vets (he only works Monday & Tuesday). He does trigger point therapy and my boy went from pain to running around like a loon in 2 visits. He breeds greyhounds so understand physiology - a normal vet just doesn't cut it for these sorts of things IMO.

[kayla1]

Agree re Monash Vet, they diagnosed a problem in one of my dogs that other vets had missed.

Cartrophen injections are not doing a great deal for my older girl Kayla.

[KJ]

I have a 3 year old Lab who has been having monthly cartrophen injections since she was about 18 months old, she has had no ill effects and I really notice a change when she does not have the injections. She has had multiple joint surgeries and the monthly cartrophen was recomended by her specialist.

[Mason_Gibbs]

Im considering letting my 8 month old have Zydax shots ( its the same thing as Cartrophen) after his surgery for a joint issue.

Edited March 28, 2012 by Mason_Gibbs

[sllebasi]

i have a 12 year old staffy who used to have cartrophen about two years ago. it never worked on her, and neither did sashas blend.

have been giving her 1 fish oil capsule per 10 kgs, and have not looked back. and that was 12 months ago after having 12 terrible months with arthritis and pancreatitis. now she is like a puppy

[Michelleva]

My sheltie is 2 and is on 3 monthly catrophen injections after knee surgery too. It does seem to help her, the vet has told me she wants to do it to prevent her from getting arthritis, or at least delaying it. She's been on it for about a year now. We haven't had any bad side effects though.