advice please. Stiffness in an older lab

[Goya]

as title really. My 12 year old lab is showing signs of stiffness after exercise. I have her on Joint aid mobility supplement, but have made an appointment with vet to talk through any other options.
Have any of you any experiences please? I expect they may suggest metacam. I have heard of an injection for arthritus but cannot remember what it is.
She is still soo active and loves chasing a ball, swimming etc.
Anyway, any suggestions welcome so when I see the vet I can have some ideas.
Thanks in advance.

 

[basi]

Have you thought about trying a Bioflow Magnetic Collar?
My mum bought one years ago for one of our Buhunds and it made a big difference to her. It would be better trying something like that first before perhaps having to give her Metacam.

 

[Galupy]

You might want to ask your vet about what kind of supplements you can try. We use a glucosamine supplement for our bigger dog who, although he is young, has stiffness caused by dreadful hips and also leg surgery last year (TPLO). It has definitely helped with his stiffness. It was recommended by our vet. Somebody else has also suggested fish oil to us but we haven't started using that yet.

 

[Ravenwood]

I suspect the injection is Cartrophen? Toby has this, you have three jabs over three weeks and then regular top ups as and when.

I tried Joint Aid and it didn't make a jot of difference

I give him a Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplement along with Cod liver Oil capsules. If he is really bad or done a bit too much I give him a dose of Devil's Claw No Bute.

I have shyed away from Metacam so far as he is only 6 and don't want to get onto that until we really have to.

Definitely go to your vet and ask for their advice. Good luck.

 

[dozzie]

You could also try hydrotherapy. It allows the dog to exercise without putting strain on the joints so good for arthritis, I think, but you would need to speak to an expert. Your vet may know of someone who operates a doggy pool.

 

[Goya]

Thank you all for your replies.
Yes, she has a Bio Flow collar, which did have a good effect at first,( bought 12 months ago) but now seems to not be as effective.
the Cartrophen injections were the ones I was thinking of. Are they effective?
She does swim regularly in the warmer months (albeit in the local lake) and she loves it. However, she seems to then have a sore ear after swimming!
Anyway, will let you know what the vet says tomorrow.
Thank you again.