Arthritis in an old Spaniel
Discussion
Jackson our Springer is around 13/14 years old now and is having gradually more and more trouble with arthritis in his legs. It often takes him a while to stand up and we have to help him up steps.
I had him on Yumove for years and changed this to Synoquin on the vet's recommendation which seems to have helped, but I feel that something more effective is required. I'll take him to the vet again at some point soon but I'd be interested to know what works for other people's geriatric dogs. Maybe Metacam?
He's on a senior food and his weight is fine.
I had him on Yumove for years and changed this to Synoquin on the vet's recommendation which seems to have helped, but I feel that something more effective is required. I'll take him to the vet again at some point soon but I'd be interested to know what works for other people's geriatric dogs. Maybe Metacam?
He's on a senior food and his weight is fine.
I've had numerous dogs on Metacam with good results. No issues with upset tummies either, which some dogs can get (and which needs to be watched for). I did have one dog on Cartrophen many years ago due to early-onset arthritis in his elbows.
As I understand it, there are quite a few drugs for this out there now, so even if one doesn't work, there are others to try.
I've also heard that some people use Turmeric paste with good results, but have no personal experience of that.
Hope you find something to help
As I understand it, there are quite a few drugs for this out there now, so even if one doesn't work, there are others to try.
I've also heard that some people use Turmeric paste with good results, but have no personal experience of that.
Hope you find something to help
The mainstays of treating arthritis are as follows.
Weight - get the weight down to a sensible level (usually more of an issue in Labs than spaniels)
Exercise - Short frequent low impact exercise at a constant level day to day.
Neutraceuticals - Yumove , Seraquin etc, alternatively Royal Canin mobility support food (often seems to work better)
And finally drugs -
Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) Metacam, Rimadyl, Onsior etc. All prescription only medicines and as with any drugs have the potential for side effects. They tend to put extra pressure on the kidneys and / or liver and so will require monitoring with long term use via blood tests and regular visits to the vet.
Sounds like your dog is at the stage where he would benefit from these so time to visit the vet.
Discuss the use of Cartrophen with your vet too, with lower risk of side effects, sometimes it seems to do wonders, sometimes very little but the only way to find out is to try.
Weight - get the weight down to a sensible level (usually more of an issue in Labs than spaniels)
Exercise - Short frequent low impact exercise at a constant level day to day.
Neutraceuticals - Yumove , Seraquin etc, alternatively Royal Canin mobility support food (often seems to work better)
And finally drugs -
Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) Metacam, Rimadyl, Onsior etc. All prescription only medicines and as with any drugs have the potential for side effects. They tend to put extra pressure on the kidneys and / or liver and so will require monitoring with long term use via blood tests and regular visits to the vet.
Sounds like your dog is at the stage where he would benefit from these so time to visit the vet.
Discuss the use of Cartrophen with your vet too, with lower risk of side effects, sometimes it seems to do wonders, sometimes very little but the only way to find out is to try.
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