We are continuing our discussion of Dog Arthritis. Shasta enjoys hiking and taking long walks with us so I was devastated by his diagnosis and was jumping for joy when we discovered our recent find, but I’m getting ahead of myself…

Shasta, our latest rescue was diagnosed with Dog Arthritis back in May Dog Arthritis-Diagnosing Shasta. He recovered with a short course of Prednisone and a muscle relaxant. Then in August, while running and playing with other dogs on the beach, he suddenly started not using his hind leg. We gave him a couple of weeks rest and it started to improve. Then we had him walk a 5 K with Strides for Diabetes. Unfortunately he then started having trouble with both of his hind legs. At that point we decided to have him rest and give him another 3 days of Prednisone and the muscle relaxant but he only had a slight improvement.

Pet WebMD Dogs & Arthritis, says that Osteoarthritis (Dog Arthritis) is so common it will affect one out of five dogs during their lifetime and isn’t limited to older dogs. Joint cartilage help joints slide over each other.  Problems start when it degrades faster than it can be replaced and when that supply becomes not enough to support the joint movement can become bone on bone.

Often times these symptoms are seen more frequently in the morning and after getting up. Dogs can’t tell us when they hurt and may show signs of irritability and behavior changes as their disability progresses.  Just like their humans cold and damp surroundings can increase their pain and stiffness.

Initial diagnostic testing includes:

• Vet’s Exam signs and symptoms
• X-rays

Please keep in mind that there are more serious versions of arthritis like infectious and immune so always be sure to consult with your vet.

Treatment is also similar to that of their humans.

• Pain medications including anti-inflammatories like Meloxicam, opioids like Tramadol, and medications directed specifically at nerve pain like Gabapentin.

I am also always looking for alternative therapies for the people I treat as well as my furry family members.

• Physical therapy
• Acupuncture
• Doggie massage
• Weight control to help decrease strain on their joints (we will discuss diet in a later post)
• Joint supplements.

Glucosamine helps joints by giving nourishment to the cartilage.  Both humans and dogs have it naturally but production decreases as we get older. A great article reviewing Glucosamine is found on a favorite web site of mine, The Whole Dog Journal,Using Glucosamine to Prevent Canine Osteoarthritis.

Many supplements available on the market contain a combination of ingredients which can help Glucosamine nourishing the joint. Some you may have heard of: Chondroitin, Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, Vitamin C, D and E, manganese and more. The cost of supplements can vary and seems to be related to the additional ingredients.

I researched several products and decided to go with Supper Dog Nutrition’s Supper Health Joints. I try to be super careful about not using products containing chicken meal or byproducts (more to come in later posts) and was pleased to not see any in their product. Additionally, I love that a portion of the proceeds are donated to no kill rescue groups and they guarantee their product. So if your dog doesn’t like it, they’ll refund your money.

Update:  Shasta did really well with Supper Dog Nutrition’s Supper Health Joints but it is no longer available.  I have good news though, while at the Blog Paws 2015 Conference in Nashville I met some great people from Vetri-Science who make GlycoFlex.  Look for future posts with a Q & A session with them as well as an upcoming GlycoFlex challenge.

 
Results of studies for humans and pets are inconsistent. However, we have watched a miracle happen with Shasta. After only 3 days on the supplement we have noticed a huge improvement. Although he is still stiff at times and is not thrilled with stairs he can again manage the stairs, short hikes and walks.  Don’t forget to always talk to your vet so you can discuss risks vs benefits of all treatment options available.

The information we’ve shared in this blog post is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. These are our experiences and things that helped us while under veterinary care. It should not replace professional veterinary advice. If your dog/pet has a health issue please seek veterinary care.

 Do you have any stories about using supplements or alternative therapy for your pet?  Please share!

How do you talk to your child about their newly diagnosed illness? How do you tell your child their pet has an illness like diabetes or arthritis? What can you do to explain that they will be loved unconditionally regardless of health issues? The answer is “Harley’s Story”.  Get an autographed copy!