Arthritis in Dogs

[Bexx]

My 9 year old lab has just been diagnosed with arthritis in his spine. Have just got off the phone with the vet and going in later to discuss management etc later today. I was just wondering if anyone else has had experience with this?

 

[ludlow]

My old boy has had arthritis in both hips and his lower spine for a good few years now. He struggled a bit at first but now have got a good balance of anti-inflammatories, pain killers, diet and exercise sorted. He's always been slender and never overweight but have really had to keep an eye on it, as the vet said it would obviously have a detrimental effect. Initially he started on Metacam and had some acupuncture and hydro therapy which helped. For the last 4 years he's been on previcox and tramadol daily. He's nearing 13 but doesn't act it.

Good luck with the vet and hope you get some good advice to keep your lab in the best of health.

 

[Bexx]

Thank You. At the minute he doesn't seem to be uncomfortable at all. He still acts like a puppy most of the time, he's just a tad stiff when he gets out of bed on a morning. Would you recommend the hydrotherapy then? I will try anything that will help make him more comfortable.

 

[ludlow]

He loved the hydrotherapy and it really seemed to help with his hips. He had his back broken as a youngster, before I got him I hasten to add, and has always struggled with a fairly weak lower back. Acupuncture was also good. I forgot to add he's also on a chondritin and glucosamine supplement...vet said not to bother with their stuff but to buy it from Holland & Barrett instead as miles cheaper and did the same job!

 

[Bexx]

He loved the hydrotherapy and it really seemed to help with his hips. He had his back broken as a youngster, before I got him I hasten to add, and has always struggled with a fairly weak lower back. Acupuncture was also good. I forgot to add he's also on a chondritin and glucosamine supplement...vet said not to bother with their stuff but to buy it from Holland & Barrett instead as miles cheaper and did the same job!

Ah thanks so much for the advice! Off to pick him up and chat with the vet in about an hour and I'm feeling a little more confident about the situation now. Fingers crossed I will be able to manage it properly

 

[ludlow]

Very best of luck! Its not all doom and gloom having an arthritic lab these days, mine has a great quality of life and thats always been the most important thing. Winters can be a bit of a struggle if particularly cold or damp but I made mine wear a fleece last year in the snow...he was utterly mortified and sulked but it did help!! PM me if you'd like - happy to help

 

[misterjinglejay]

When my samoyeds start developing aches and pains, out comes the devils claw tablets. It seems to really help, and I don't like using metacam long term, which my vets recommend. They get more relief, and quicker from DC; they bounce along happily on one capsual a day.

 

[Bexx]

When my samoyeds start developing aches and pains, out comes the devils claw tablets. It seems to really help, and I don't like using metacam long term, which my vets recommend. They get more relief, and quicker from DC; they bounce along happily on one capsual a day.

Thank you I will certainly look into that as I'm not sure I'm happy him being on metacam long term