New With Arthritis

[scratchcat]

Hello everyone.

I'm another newbie to the forums and would like some advice on arthritis. I know it's been a subject discussed often and I have used the "search" button for many many hours. I just wish I had found this website earlier. I never realised that there was so much to offer my poor baby and am wondering if it is now too late. Please bear with me while I tell you her story.

I have a 10 year old rottweiler with bad arthritis in her back legs. Her right one seems worse and has alot of thickening around the knee joint. She does not like to put weight on it but after a little wander around the yard will put it down lightly. She has had two cruciate operations, one in each knee, when she was about two years old. For the last few years she has had cartrophen injections which seemed to help at the time.

About 4 weeks ago, I noticed she gained a major limp and was favouring her left leg. Off to the vet we went, who did some xrays and put her on Rymadil. The vet informed us she had osteo arthritis. I knew nothing of the side affects of Rymadil and gave it to her as instructed. A week later and my baby became more depressed, was off her food and did not want to get off her bed. For her to be off her food, any food(!), is a BIG deal. I then hopped onto the internet and did some research into Rymadil. I decided to take her off this immediately and also researched arthritis in dogs in general. I was so upset to discover so many treatments for dogs that I guess were more a preventative than a treatment. None the less, I purchased Sasha's Blend, much to Pepper's disgust, with little success. It's not that I don't think it works, it's just that I couldn't get her to eat it no matter how I tried to disguise it!

Back to the vets for some anti inflam tablets and her appetite was back within a day. Then along came blood in her poo and back to the vets again. Looks like 10 days on Rymadil gave her ulcers in her stomach which then burst. More tablets and a blood test to confirm things were ok and now there is no more blood in her poo. She is still eating and drinking but is a little anaemic. We are feeding her liver for this (vet recommended this to get her red blood cells up, is this correct??) About a week ago, after much research on this and other websites, I have put her on JointGuard. She is also on a tablet of Fish oil a day. Yesterday her anti inflam tablets ran out and I started her on some herbal anti inflammatory medicine instead. She has a magnetic pet theraputic bed and I have also booked her in for her first physio and hydro bath session next week. (Need the hubby to be home because I can't lift her in the 4WD myself!!)

I guess at this stage I'm doing as much as I think I can for her. But, I have spoken to many people, vet included, who have all told me that to have a rotty at 10 years of age, I just should be grateful that she's lasted this long. Her knee is pretty sore and is beginning to look enlarged just like when humans get arthritis. I have to encourage her to get off her bed but seems to walk a bit better after a few minutes. She still has a limp and tries to stay off it, but much better then when she first gets up. I'm starting to wonder if it's all too late? Obviously I should have had her on Jointguard and all the other stuff years ago, but I just didn't know it was there for her. I'm angry at myself and upset that she is now so bad. I'm questioning if it will get better or if I'm just wasting my time on all these things? She's only been on JointGuard for just over a week so I know that it's probably not working yet. I think I know in my heart that she may be too far gone with her arthritis for it to get better. Am I just acting like a crazy woman searching for help that may not help? Am I clutching at straws? I'm extremely upset with myself and I don't want to give up on her yet. I guess I need to know that what I am doing is ok and if anyone has any other suggestions to help her I would be more than grateful for the advice.

I apologise for the long post and thankyou for taking the time to read it. I guess in my own way I am also venting my frustration and dissapointment in myself for not knowing there was help for her earlir. :p

[New Age Outlaw]

My 11 year old greyhound girl has arthritis. You sound like you are on the right track with the jointguard & fish oil tablets but it will take about three to four weeks for the improvement to start to show...Silver has had good results from these. When you say herbal anti-inflammatories, do you mean Traumeel? Silver just started this on the weekend, and it is definitely helping her...I have also found accupuncture very good for relieving her pain & improving her appetite (she went off her food from the pain), and I give her a daily accupressure massage (as shown to me by the accupuncturist). I would definately recommend you look into accupuncture until the jointguard starts to take effect - I don't believe it is too late. Good luck! :p

Edited February 12, 2007 by New Age Outlaw

[arby]

My grandma has a 14 yo daschy with arthritis. Each day she gives the joints and legs a massage to warm them up.

Most important is to keep the joints warm and make sure the dog has somewhere comfy to sleep on

[madison]

hoishi damaged his back when he was hree years old jumped a 2 foot wall not knowing it was a ten foot drop the otherside..he was paralysed from the neck down i had to manually make him pee and evacuate his bowels ..he had swimming chiro..acupunture ..physio and no drugs...but as he has gotten older he is now 11 years old he runs around but when the weather is cold he scrunches his back and stiffens up i use metacam for three days and he is fine he may not have another bout for months...as long as it is taken short term and as the vet instructs the side effects are minimal but overdose and you can have problems with kidneys...it is a non steriod anti inflam liquid you give in units per kilo of dogs weight daily for three days then three days at half the amount.....

madison

[scratchcat]

Thankyou for your replies.

Obviously I'm having good and bad days but can't stop kicking myself!! Pepper seems a little more depressed this morning and I'm wondering if it's because she's off her anti inflam medication from the vet.

New age outlaw, I have her on an anti inflam that I purchased at the Pet Expo. It's made by NutroSmart and contains ginger, Devil's claw, Meadowsweet, Yucca, Clivers, Nettle, Gingko Biloba and Cobolt Blue. I'm giving it a go and as it's herbal I'm assuming it can't do much harm. However I have noticed that she's not herself this morning so maybe the other tablets were helping. Maybe I should put her back on these?

Madison, I'll ask the vet about Metacam.

Thanks everyone.

[mita]

Our older Shetlie developed arthritis in her last year. The vet first tried Rimadyl...but that medication didn't agree with her.

Then I was told about Carthrophen injections...& asked the vet would they be suitable for her because they're for osteoarthritis. The vet agreed...& she received a course. They made a huge difference. Not a cure for the condition...but they helped her enormously.

Here's some info.

http://www.arthritis.au.com/htm/vet_01.htm

[CavsRcute]

You can also get a form of Cartrophen in tablet form called Sylvet. You give the dog one tablet/week. It's alittle expensive initially but works out OK in the long term.

Good luck. I also give Traumeel, a homeopathic anti-inflammatory.

[SALTWOOD]

Our last Dobe had to be PTS because of Wobblers which vet says is related to arthritis.

She also had osteoarthritis for many years and had several courses of anti-inflamatories but like you at that stage I really didn't think that arthritis would be that devastating.

Since then I also have developed osteoarthritis and can now speak from personal experience that anti-inflamatories can make you very sick if they do not agree with you. Anti-inflamatories don't agree with me so I can relate to your poor girl - I have to manage the problem in many and varied ways and have done quite a bit of research into the disease/condition.

The most important thing is to keep the problem joint active - as the specialist said to me - use it or lose it.

I think this also applies to dogs as well.

While acupuncture provides temporary relief, unfortunately the benefits soon wear off, especially if you don't keep the area warm and active. Rubbing anti-inflamatory ointment is a BIG help for many humans, I wonder if it would be any good for dogs, I suppose they may want to lick it??

Since losing our old Dobe girl and adopting our new Dobe I have change a lot of things with all my dogs, especially their diet.

I stopped feeding processed dry food to them and switch over to Vets All Natural plus minced chicken frames, chicken necks, offal, yoghurt, sardines, eggs, and other natural food. (something I try to pass on to the members of DOL)

There is a proven relationship between processed foods and arthritis in Dobes and other large breeds.

I also include Joint Guard and natural minerals to their food mix as a preventative. I really can't stress enough the feeding of natural food over processed dog food which usually contains high levels of preservatives and colourings. All processed food has to be preserved with something and if it isn't preserved with artificial substances then it is preserved with high levels of salt and we all know thats not good.

You have my sympathy in your quest to help your girl - I hope some of my experiences may help you!

[bloss344]

My elderly kelpie has arthritis in her hips, spine and shoulders. We've just started her on Cartrophen injections three weeks ago and I've already noticed a big difference. She also had one week of Metacam, I stopped it and haven't noticed any change, so hopefully we are on a winner with the Cartrophen. :D

[mita]

You can also get a form of Cartrophen in tablet form called Sylvet. You give the dog one tablet/week. It's alittle expensive initially but works out OK in the long term.

Good luck. I also give Traumeel, a homeopathic anti-inflammatory.

Thanks for the info about Sylvet...I didn't know about it. I looked it up on the Net. V. interesting.

http://www.sylvanscientific.com/web-data/S...CaXPS-proof.pdf

[Kelly_Louise]

Hi scratchcat,

Stop feeling bad immediately!!! You sound like you are doing a great job. The thing is, even if you had started Sasha's Blend or the like earlier, arthritis would still be creeping up. It just can't stop the devastating effects of arthritis... maybe slow it down a bit, but it won't miraculously reverse the effects. My dogs specialist surgeon is sceptical that the limited difference it can make is actually worth the trouble, but thinks if it makes the owners feel better (like they are doing the right thing) then to go ahead. So please, don't feel bad, sounds like your girl has done well to get this far even.

Before my girl was diagnosed with blown cruciates, we had her on Cartrophen injections. You should REALLY look into these. They are quite inexpensive and honestly, were an absolute Godsend for my girl. I have heard of a few people that have seen no change, but the ones that have seen dramatic changes far outweigh so it's definitely worth a try. It took my girl from also being coaxed off the bed, to running down the stairs. It's miracle stuff and depending on how bad your girl is, can be given more often or less to keep her constantly comfortable. I swear by it, and I(touch wood) my girl gets worse in her older age she will be straight to the vet for her hit of Cartrophen.

Also for the really bad days, Chloe has Previcox tablets. I find these have much lower side effects than Rimadyl etc. They work great and don't bother Chloe much at all. She is also on Sasha's Blend and so far she is doing great.

Please give Cartrophen a try, it could be really beneficial for your girl, and if not, then it is not too expensive anyway.

Give your girl a hug from me and Chloe... poor thing, I know how you feel. Just coming here shows how much you care so I'm sure you are doing everything in your power.

:D

[Snowysal]

HI Scratchcat

I only just found this thread and read it with tears in my eyes my own heartdog Holly is now 17yrs old and I daily have to self assess what to do and should I give her the sleep forever. I know I cannot put her through another winter . She was a very active working mate and although she has always slept in my bedroom she prefers to sleep on the floor ( I put a thick pad of blankets on floor and she accepts that)-not even a dog bed for her .I often wait till she's fast asleep to sneak a blanket onto her .

I have tried many things and Metacam is a great stop gap in the past, but be warned to administer with food, it can cause some nasty stomach problems. Shark cartilege (powder)from the health food shop got her through a couple of winters very comfortably (mixed in her dinner)

However, funnily enough she has the spirit of a lion, and exercise, very slow and not strenuous - we walk for about 15 mins in a flat shady park while our other dogs race around and do their thing, just keeps her bright eyed and eager even tho she looks stiff in the mornings - But then so am I till I get going. Can't stop the ravages of age but you can make her as comfortable as possible . Holly gets a kick out of going in the car so she gets a lot of that when I'm running around tho I do have to lift her in and out to reduce the impact shock.

I can tell how much you love her, you are doing as much as you can to help her -good luck with it all.

Edited February 15, 2007 by Snowysal

[NaturallyWild]

Your on the right track scratchcat.

Arthritis depending on the severity and situation can be improved dramatically (so much so that no symptoms are noticed).

Improtant things to be doing.

As much exercise where possible (controlled if you can) - this will work in several ways - building up joint strenght, removing some of the arthritis build up and encouraging replacement of various tissues within the joint - swimming or more so underwater treadmills are the best of these as the weight is supported and joint impact is reduced (note swimming is not so effective for hind limb arthritis as dogs use their hindlimbs very little during swimming, this is why underwater treadmills are so good).

Control the weight - less weight means less impact on the joints and less occurance of arthritis (this is why swimming/underwater treadmill is so good). I would prefer a dog to be a touch underweight, and work on building up muscle.

Improvement in diet - providing all the right nutrients so the body can maintain (or build up) the joint health. This includes joint suppliments (glucosamine etc), omega 3s (fish oils etc), anti inflammatories/pain relievers (natural substances (like the ones you have) can aid in reducing inflamation and pain allowing the joint to be used more) and the general diet (as mentioned earlier natural raw can help a lot) - particularly raw meaty bones where natural forms of cartilage, collagen, calcium, etc can be obtained. Please note - any change in diet should be monitored for adverse reactions - including "natural product" not just manufactured drugs.

Physical therapies are also important to maintain musclar-skeletal balance and health. This impacts on the joints again as healthy muscles and skeleton mean more effective exercise can be acheived, as well as the theraputic benefits of improved circulation etc.

Keep up with what your doing - every little bit helps

[scratchcat]

Thankyou everyone for your replies and kind words.

Pepper is back on anti flam tablets from the vet and once again her mood seems to have improved. I will try and get her moving/walking a bit more and see if this helps. Her hydro appointment is next week and this includes the underwater treadmill. I have also discovered a wonderful harness that I can strap around her rear end which has handles, therefore allowing me to be able to help her up and take the pressure off her sore leg. Unfortunatley I don't have it as yet as I have had to order a larger size.

I have also slowly changed her diet which she seems to love at this stage.

Pepper has always slept inside at the foot of my bed on her own bed, but due to the heat has moved to the hallway where we leave the front door open for the breeze to flow through. It's still outside our room so if she needs the toilet or something she can still come in and nudge me awake.

I do adore her and I have now learnt so much, but again I wish I had known these things earlier. This site has been fantastic not only for advice but for information on raising dogs, problems, what to feed etc. I have never used a website so much and I guess now I will know better for any future 'family' members.

Once again thankyou to everyone and I will let you know how she goes at her hydro/physio appointment. Hopefully someone out there may be able to learn something from my own and Pepper's experiences.

[benny123]

Our old GSD x Newfoundland had arthritis for the last three years of his life. He had the cartrophen injections twice yearly (i.e. 4 injections x twice a year) which really seemed to help. We also gave him Sasha's Blend on his food every day. I didn't really think the Sasha's Blend would work, but, we went away for a week and forgot to pack the Sasha's and we really noticed the difference after not having it for a week. Poor boy could hardly walk.

He was also on cortisone (low maintenance dose 5 - 10mg per day, he was 67kgs) every day until he died, which helped his hot-spots as well as his arthritis. We weighed up the dangers of the cortisone used long term and decided if it provided quality of life it was worth it.

It's very hard seeing our babies in pain.

I highly recommend the cartrophen injections and Sasha's Blend.

[scratchcat]

Thankyou benny123 and everyone else that mentioned cartrophen. Just to let you know, Pepper was having these injections for a few years but I guess they just stopped working for her. I'm assuming her body may have got used to them?

As for Sasha's Blend, can't get her to eat it! Even tried the flexi bites that Sasha's Blend make and she won't go near it. Her lips actually curl up when she smells it even though I have tried to disguise it numerous times. Too smart for her own good!!

Anyway, I'll keep persisting and am very open to any more suggestions and can't thank everyone enough for your advice.

[NaturallyWild]

I think the best joint suppliment on the market at the moment is Joint Gaurd due to the levels and types of substances included in it. I am hoping to become the distributor of a new joint suppliment any time soon that is better than any of the joint suppliments out there as is in a form that is far more bioavailable than the others. Having to deal with the AVPMA though - tough job.

Try mixing your joint suppliment with foods that your dog find irresistable. I've had people mix it in with some rolled oats to soak first and then mix in a can or two of sardines. Dissapears in seconds. Experiment a little with different food mixes, and maybe cut down on the amount of the suppliment you initially put in - you can build this up latter as it becomes accepted.

[*Avanti*]

Thankyou benny123 and everyone else that mentioned cartrophen. Just to let you know, Pepper was having these injections for a few years but I guess they just stopped working for her. I'm assuming her body may have got used to them?

As for Sasha's Blend, can't get her to eat it! Even tried the flexi bites that Sasha's Blend make and she won't go near it. Her lips actually curl up when she smells it even though I have tried to disguise it numerous times. Too smart for her own good!!

Anyway, I'll keep persisting and am very open to any more suggestions and can't thank everyone enough for your advice.

Thanks for starting this thread. My old labx has arthritis (which is not so bad in summer) he is on Sasha's blend and it does seem to help him. Have you tried 'disguising' it in mackeral? That's also high in omega3.

[scratchcat]

I write this with a broken heart. Pepper took a turn for the worse yesterday. We made the hardest decision of our lives. Her poor body was shutting down. I can't even express my devestation. Thankyou to everyone for their advice. I can't believe she's gone.I'm heartbroken.

[Kelly_Louise]

Oh my goodness I'm so very very sorry. That's terrible news. But I'm sure you made the absolute best decision for poor old Pepper, and I'm sure she thanks you for being so kind and caring and loving her right till the end. Sad, but brave. Take comfort knowing she is running free, no aches and pains anymore.

You did the best you could and I'm sure Pepper had a wonderful life, which you will keep in your heart forever.

Rest in peace and comfort lovely Pepper.

My thoughts are with you and your family at this heart wrenching time.