Jingleballs
Well-Known Member
I'd posted in another thread about this and it seems that Metacam is a good option for treating an older dog with arthritis/back pain.
My cross breed will be 12 on the 1st January.
He's still very active, loves his walks but he struggles with the stairs now and suffers the next day after he's had a good run about.
His back is also a bit tender and he doesn't really like it being touched.
I've mentioned it to the vets before and they have never suggested any treatment other than accupuncture which I know for a fact he'd hate.
He gets physio over 3 months which he just about tolerates.
I'm wondering if it's time to accept that the supplements (glucosamine and green lipped muscle extract) aren't enought any more and ask the vet for something like metacam but I also have read stories of the damage it can do to liver and kidneys - I know once they get to a certain age it's not such a big deal but I wonder if putting him on something like this is just the start down a slippery slope.
I'd appreciated any thoughts/experiences/other suggestions.
My cross breed will be 12 on the 1st January.
He's still very active, loves his walks but he struggles with the stairs now and suffers the next day after he's had a good run about.
His back is also a bit tender and he doesn't really like it being touched.
I've mentioned it to the vets before and they have never suggested any treatment other than accupuncture which I know for a fact he'd hate.
He gets physio over 3 months which he just about tolerates.
I'm wondering if it's time to accept that the supplements (glucosamine and green lipped muscle extract) aren't enought any more and ask the vet for something like metacam but I also have read stories of the damage it can do to liver and kidneys - I know once they get to a certain age it's not such a big deal but I wonder if putting him on something like this is just the start down a slippery slope.
I'd appreciated any thoughts/experiences/other suggestions.