Arthritis need help

[johnnyl]

I have a 8 year old female (TIA). She is the best dog ever, I could not have asked for a better dog. We have taken her to the vet and we have now been on arthritis medication for 5 months, and now we are on heavy pain medications. She has had a hard time standing and walking. We have made her home cooked meals and given her the most comfortable conditions we can. Soft beds pillows the works . I have always given her the best of the best, but it seams that her condition is not improving. It is braking my heart. The vet said that she does not show any pain and does not cry when he moves her back legs. But we all know that she is hurting. she is a one tough dog. The vet said that it is a matter of pain management now and quality of live.I don't know what to do. I don't know if her pain is so serious or if she can work through it. I hope that this is acute arthritis and the warm weather comming will help her. I don't know what more to do. Her loved one's say that I am doing all I can. I have been a wreck the last two weeks about the possiability of putter her down. My mom and girl friend too. She is my best friend. Any help would be great.

Thank You
John L
Any help would be a

 

[Austin's Mom]

I'm sorry about your baby. Have you tried supplementing with glucosamine? I see you're in Buffalo where it can get pretty cold, if she goes out don't let her lay on the cold ground. Or even on the cold floor in the house. Cold is the worst thing for arthritis.

 

[Net45582]

What meds is she on? You may have to try different ones until she finds one that works for her. Do you give any supplements such as glucosomine(sp)? I know some owners use a hydro therapy for their older dogs....swimming etc. What does she sleep on? Just some thoughts.....lots of hugs usually help too-well they don't hurt anyway.

 

[Kerry Jane]

I have my 8 year old boxer on both glucosamine and duralactin for arthritis and joint pain. He isn't too bad but these things do seem to help. I have also heard that vit C can help as well - I know of some people who gives their dogs 1000mg vit C (specifically ester c) and who swear by it (you may want to do some more research on this one).
I also think that regular excercise is helpful too.
Good luck with your girl!

 

[johnnyl]

Thanks /update

Tia has been on (cosequin DS) and Tramadol for pain. We are also on deramaxx because Rimadyl was not working well for her. She sleeps on a large pillow bed but she likes the couch better. It's soft and filled with lots of blankets and pillows. I am hoping to get through the cold here in buffalo to warmer weather with her but, today she did not want to eat much
(fresh chicked, rice carrots and celery + some Can food) I made and had to hand feed her. She also has not gone #2 in over 24 hours. The vet said that her legs may hurt to much to squat.
I will try the Vit C and see what happens.

Thank you all I will update tomorrow.

 

[LilygirlCO]

You might want to pick up the book, Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog by Wendy Volhard. She's written great things about helping arthritis in that book. For instance, she recommends CM (cetyl myristoleate) or use glucosamine sulfate which you can also combine with chondroitin sulfate. Anyways, she also has a yahoo group you can join. It's pretty amazing what CM done for severely arthritic dogs. Here's her website:
http://www.volhard.com/

There's also a product called Nzymes which I have yet to try but here is a testimonial:
http://www.nzymes.com/Testimonials/cody.htm

 

[tank & dozer]

Our first dog broke her leg twice and developed arthritis in the joints. The vet said to give her glucosamine and that seemed to work well. Anytime we were going to take for long walks or any place that required more walking we would give it to her before and after. It really helped her out especially when the cold weather would come.

 

[crazychopper]

adequan

You may want to ask your vet about adequan injections. I have seen dogs that could bearly walk run again.