stiffness in the older dog

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Janah

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my older Lab bitch who is pushing 10 yrs old is getting a bit stiff, especially in the mornings or after a long sleep.

Any suggestions for supplements to help her.

I am reluctant to go down the metacam route because of side effects.

I have done some research and would be interested to hear what products people have used and found effective.
 
I have glucosamine tablets off ebay for my 9 yr old cavalier who is slightly lame without them, and they have changed him completely for the better. And they all (him, JRT, plus 11 year old cavvie) have PlaquOff for their teeth which is seaweed, full of minerals and gives them all a new lease of life, even the 18 year old JRT.
 
Metacam long term can cause problems with kidneys or liver, but I wouldn't rule it out. My old boy I started using metacam on did very well, but I did get bloods run every six months or so. He did develop an intolerance to it (it was making him sick) so I switched to Onsior and Tramadol and Yumove. He's doing great on that. When he starts bunny hopping in the back, I get a physio out to him and that sorts him out again.

As far as I see it, you have lots of options.
 
Metacam long term can cause problems with kidneys or liver, but I wouldn't rule it out. My old boy I started using metacam on did very well, but I did get bloods run every six months or so. He did develop an intolerance to it (it was making him sick) so I switched to Onsior and Tramadol and Yumove. He's doing great on that. When he starts bunny hopping in the back, I get a physio out to him and that sorts him out again.

As far as I see it, you have lots of options.
 
youmove is good, I know of 100's and 100's of dogs and cats on metacam long term and only a handful have issues, vomiting is the most common side effect as like ibruprofen it can irritate the gut. my lurcher bitch is on it and has been for 2yrs (since cruciate damage, she is 7.5yrs) bloods are run 8-10 monthly-I am aware of the risk but her quality of life is far more important to me.
 
My collie is on green lipped muscle - has all the glucosamine etc plus fish oils and such. Definately helped in early days with her arthritis and does make a bit of difference now.
Talk to your vet about catrofen injections (not sure on spelling) which is every few months and can be helpful with arhtritis. It's a good step before the metacam.
Also at 10 I wouldn't worry too much about the liver and kidney damage - Meg has been on it for about 6 years and is onyl jsut starting to show damage to her liver now so while it does damage the liver etc long term it is very much long term.

I would suggest going and having a talk with your vet as there are options.
 
I use raw virgin coconut oil and diatomaceous earth on my 3, eldest is 11 pushing 12 has damaged both back stifles in the past, one has had a TPLO and the other leg can be bad on a damp day when he's trying to keep up with my longdog and the longdog has had a plate rod and pins in her femur after a nasty break, all run like the wind when they want to and no stiffness the morning after.
 
Why diatomaceous earth cremedemonthe? I have used it against external parasites on hens and I know people who use it for the same thing for cats and dogs, but never heard of it being used internally?
 
We use joint aid on our older lab bitch. It made a real difference. I have got youmove for when this lot of joint aid runs out, having heard lots about it. Cortaflex was good too.
 
JillA said:
Why diatomaceous earth cremedemonthe? I have used it against external parasites on hens and I know people who use it for the same thing for cats and dogs, but never heard of it being used internally?
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It is supposed to help with arthritis by supporting the joint, I use it too and not only are my hair and nails growing strongly my knee pains have gone that I used to have.
It helps in many ways just google it and see the studies and effects. I have tried it and it works for us :)
 
twiggy2 said:
youmove is good, I know of 100's and 100's of dogs and cats on metacam long term and only a handful have issues, vomiting is the most common side effect as like ibruprofen it can irritate the gut. my lurcher bitch is on it and has been for 2yrs (since cruciate damage, she is 7.5yrs) bloods are run 8-10 monthly-I am aware of the risk but her quality of life is far more important to me.
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I was going to say the same thing - re risk versus quality of life. Obviously if the dog starts vomiting you change the medication. But when you're talking about an older dog yes you might shorten their lives (as off possibility) by six months or so but if they're miserable for an extra six month due to pain...I think I'd rather have them a shorter time than have them in pain. I'm not wording this particularly well, but I would rather keep them comfortable.
 
huskiesinneed said:
Look at giving DEVILS CLAW, the equestrian one is as good as the dog one (same stuff) and can be given along with Metacam.

Also look at a BIOFLOW collar.

Beth
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please don't give devils claw and metacam together - they are both anti-inflammatories so would have potential for overdosing if both were given.
 
My friend was telling me about her dog a lab who was getting sore and stiff in her legs,I suggested she have a look on face book THE TURMERIC USE GROUP the dog loves it and is now not on any medication from the vet.

Worth a try .
 
mynutmeg said:
please don't give devils claw and metacam together - they are both anti-inflammatories so would have potential for overdosing if both were given.
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I have a dog in rescue with hip and knee displacia. Metacam wasnt working unless in very high doses. Vet said using both was fine. As devils claw is natural it has no side effects.

I.do not offer advice I know nothing about or have not chacked with a vet.
 
I don't understand the theory that you don't need to worry about using a natural product as it has "no side effects" if natural products don't have a physiological effect,then there is no point feeding it in the first place.
I don't know the answer as it isn't something I have looked into or discussed with my vet and if you have and it is working for your rescue, that is brilliant :)
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But, it worries me the general attitude lots of people have "oh it's a natural remedy it can't hurt" not having a go at all at you OP it's just a general attitude that I have noticed.
 
milo'n'molly said:
I don't understand the theory that you don't need to worry about using a natural product as it has "no side effects" if natural products don't have a physiological effect,then there is no point feeding it in the first place.
I don't know the answer as it isn't something I have looked into or discussed with my vet and if you have and it is working for your rescue, that is brilliant :)
................
But, it worries me the general attitude lots of people have "oh it's a natural remedy it can't hurt" not having a go at all at you OP it's just a general attitude that I have noticed.
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When I say no side effects I mean it doesnt upset their stomach or damage their liver or kidneys.

Not sure where I stated that it didnt hurt????

Anyway, my knowledge & experiencr is not needed here so I will leave you to it.
 
huskiesinneed said:
I have a dog in rescue with hip and knee displacia. Metacam wasnt working unless in very high doses. Vet said using both was fine. As devils claw is natural it has no side effects.

I.do not offer advice I know nothing about or have not chacked with a vet.
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fair enough - I was told not to feed both hence my reply.
I tend to go with what works/is safe for most cases - my collie is on paracetamol as needed on vet advice but because it has a high potential to cause damage if not used carefully I'd never recommend it to anyone else.
 
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