old-ish Doby help

[Vindaloo]

Hi all,

My Doby 'Hugo' has got to the age of 10 and thank the lord still looks like a 3 yr old but if you look closely there are signs of age now. Recently he has had to come off Metacam (arthiritis) since it makes him sick. Any ideas on alternatives?

Of course I have an appointment booked with the vet but just wondered if anyone else had similar experiences with Metacam and if they found anything else? Don't like to see the poor lad sore but equally hate to see him sick...rock and hard place springs to mind.

One more thing (sorry to go on) he's started weeing LOADS lately and drinking more. No weight loss or lethargy, am going to get his blood tested but do you think this could be diabetes?

I guess at his age I should expect things to go wrong with him now but he looks so young that it comes as a bit of a shock to realise that he's actually knocking on a bit. Dear god I hope he's around for years to come, I know I am biased but he is the BEST dog I've ever had the pleasure of being associated with.

xx

 

[mattilda]

My Ridgey was on Rimadyl for a short period and that helped her quite a lot. Don't know if you can use this long term though. Am sure your vet will advise you. We also tried her on Cartrophen which you inject once a week for 4 weeks. Have to admit it didn't seem to do much for Matt Bags though.
Good luck.

 

[kt_p]

Our old boy was on rimadyl for 3/4 years until he died and it did help him a lot. He also had the injections which made him more comfortable for a bit. Your vet is best person to advise you though. I am sure you will find something to help!

 

[Lucy_Nottingham]

Rimadyl is, as said, probably the best next thing, however it does have more possible side effects than metacam. The vet might prefer to do injections..... its entirely their call (and yours obviously!)

With the other symptoms, another possible explanation might be cushings...... but thats a worse case scenario..... another explanation might jsut be side effects to the drug use for a long period of time!

Sure the vet will come up with a solution!

 

[chevs]

Hi

I used a bio-flo collar for my old dobe. It definately made a differance to her.

As suggested, there are other pain meds other than metacam. I adore dobes, i had 2 and sadly no longer have them, miss them terribly, they are such characters.

 

[jvoyce]

I guess you could try the condroitin/glucosamine/cod liver oil supplements route. Our oldies have benefited from Vivitonin which supports blood flow to muscles (thus knock on support to the joints I guess ?) There's another drug called Fitergol which does a similar thing as well I think ?

Hope the vet can find an alternative for Hugo. Fingers crossed.

 

[madmuppet]

my old Dobe, Kairo is a rescue and hes about 10ish.. a bit stiff in the mornings etc.. Hes got a bio flo collar on and altho at first i was one of those folks who poo barred the whole bio flo thing i am certain its working.. At his last check up the vet said hes wearing well for his age. Big hugs for your guy hugo and i hope that you can find an alternative for him.