7 yr old w/arthritic hip

[all for goldens]

Hello everyone. I promised my sister I would get on here and find some information for her. She has a seven year old GR that was just diagnosed with arthritis in his hips. It is not sever as of yet. Although, right now it is bothering him alot. I know that it is important to keep their weight down and have given her that advice. He is 90 something lbs right now. Soon the heavy side. Of course, he is way larger then breed standard and will never be the expected 75 lbs or so.

I am doing some research and looking up old posts, but was wondering if there is an specific advice someone can offer us. The vet prescribed some suplements that she needs to pick up and put him on (going to butcher this) glycocemine. She also recommended some JM brand of food that I have never heard of, but will look at as well.

I know that there are many on of you on this board that know a great deal on this topic and was looking for your advice and experience.

Any advice, suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks,
Samantha and Callie

[konabear]

Yes, I'm sure there are lots of threads out here. Glucosamin, Chondroitin, MSM combo works very well. Used it on our arthritic mutt. It is ok to up the dose, we also gave him higher amounts of Omega fatty acids (fish oils). Any good pet store will sell these. We used Nordic Naturals Omega pills and Natures something for the Gluco/Chond/MSM combo. We give it to our GR after a hard day playing.

[Tailer'sFolks]

Check out this site:
https://www.coastsidebio.com/Order_Form_no_refer.htm

I use the ArthriSea for my hands and shoulders. The Jerky is good too...for the older dogs.

If you decide to use this product...tell 'em "Tailer" sent you.

[Jo Ellen]

I know rimadyl is not to be taken lightly but something your sister probably should discuss with her vet.

Rimadyl is an anti-inflamatory and it's important to minimize inflamation as much as possible because the more arthritis flares, the more arthritis develops .... a vicious cycle.

Just a thought.

:003

[johnwa]

<ul type=circle>
<li>Weight control!
<li>The aforementioned information given by others about supplements: My vet recommends the Glucosamin 1500 mg 2 times per day, Chondroitin 1200 mg 2 times per day, the Omega 3 & 6. Confirm with your vet, however.
<li>Dog’s with severe OA should be keep warm and dry, as cold weather/dampness may increase their pain and stiffness.
<li>Moderate exercise on a leash is recommended because it helps to maintain the muscle mass and helps with joint flexibility. Swimming is excellent. No jumping or standing on their back legs, however.
<li>Check with your vet before giving any OTC medications: Some vets believe that aspirin is actually counter productive because it ultimately destroys the cartilage.
</ul>

[Seamus' Mom]

Cosequin is something I used with my last golden who had some arthritic type problems. I believe it is a glucosamine-chondroitin supplement. You can find it at most on-line pet supply stores.

[JennR]

Cosequin is a great helper.

Talk to the vet - there are lots of good, easy things you can do depending on the severity.

I had an older golden with arthritis, and now a foster who is dealing with it as well. The foster dog is just on prednisone as an anti-inflammatory, and a cosequin supplement (glucosamine & condroitin supplement). My other golden was on Rimadyl, and then something else too, I can't remember what.

Generally speaking, a healthy diet and exercise each day (not excessive) are a great help.

Good luck, let us know what you find out!

Jenn

[all for goldens]

Thank you all for the information. I have passed it along and hopefully my sister will be able to ease Bear's discomfort with all of your wonderful advice.

[JsMom]

Jo Ellen mentioned the Rimadyl - I am a big fan as it helped my Jake immensely. And it can be used sporatically - just on days that he's especially hurting.

If her dog does go on something like that, please tell her to check the individual website of the drug - I know I used to get some pretty good rebates and coupons from them.

Also, the weight factor is a biggie. Sorry pupper - no more treats until you're skinny. :)

[elvira]

Rimadyl can have serious side-effects, so I would stay away from it as long as possible. I have good results with gold-accupunture in Germany, I think this is also done in the States. It reduces the pain and stops the artritis becoming worse.

[all for goldens]

Thank you for the information on Rimaydl. Her vet and she have discussed this and the vet would like to explore other options that are less stressful to the body first before putting Bear on this drug. If they cannot find a way to relieve the pain, then they will look at Rimaydl as a possibility.

I feel a change in food, weight, and a little more acitivty will probably do Bear well. He is unusual for a GR in the fact he is not active at all. My sister has also not been using quality food and is now ready to make a switch to one with better ingredients. So cross your fingers that the small steps work. Bear is her baby and she is prepared to do anything that makes it easier for him.

Thanks again.

[konabear]

Yes, I would recommend not using Rimadyl at this point, lessen the weight and up his supplements. Rimadyl is good short term, and if you go to the website, they will send you a rebate check for the vet for your prescription. It was $10 a few months ago.

[Cham]

I work as a Medical Asst in an Internal Medicine office. Part of my job in addition to patient care is to meet with the pharmacutical(?) reps. Rimadyl is manufacted by the Pfizer Co, so it was particularly interesting to me that my Celebrex(Pfizer) rep told me that he would never give his dogs Rimadyl, he gives them an enteric coated ASA or even an occasional Celebrex if really necessary. I also have a friend who works in the research and development lab at Pfizer and he echoed the same warning as the rep, except in stronger terms and more gruesome details.

I am so thankful that I had read previously on this site about Rimadyl, so when my vet gave it to me for Hailey after she was Spayed, I tossed them in the garbage disposal after 2 doses. She got those two because I didn't see the warnings until the next day!

Never again will I run the risks associated with this drug with my precious baby.There are far better alternatives out there for pain and inflammation relief for our 4 legged darlings.

[Jo Ellen]

Enteric coated ASA ... what is that? And what is Celebrex? What is the difference between these and rimadyl?

I understand that rimadyl should only be used in the short term ... but what is considered short term? A month? 6 months? 2 weeks?

I just refilled Daisy's Rimadyl prescription on Monday :o

[Cham]

[QUOTE=Jo Ellen]Enteric coated ASA ... what is that? And what is Celebrex? What is the difference between these and rimadyl?

I understand that rimadyl should only be used in the short term ... but what is considered short term? A month? 6 months? 2 weeks? ]

I'm sorry. sometimes I forget what and where I'm typing,[duh], ASA is medical shorthand for Aspirin, Enteric coating is a process that helps protect the stomach from any side effects from the aspirin. Enteric coated ASA is recommended for patients who take aspirin on a regular basis. Celebrex is a member of the Nsaid family[anti-inflammatories], similiar to Vioxx and Bextra which was taken off the market a while back amidst lawsuits.Vioxx from what I am told will soon be back on the market.
I have been taking Celebrex for years for my knee ( 2 surgeries and looking forward to at least one more :( ) Truthfully, I don't think I would give my dog Celebrex without talking to the Rep a bit more about the possibly side effects.

As far what is considered short term, I have no idea, Pfizer would tell you that Rimadyl is good for long term use, frankly I just don't trust their track record on this drug. Too many reports of liver damage in dogs for my taste. :mad:

[Hali's Mom]

I had a lab mix who developed arthritis around age 10. Gave her Rimadryl most of the remainder of her 17yrs. It did give her relief........................ and an ulcerated stomach. I have to hope, in retrospect, that her additional 7 yrs. of comfort were worth it in the end.

[JsMom]

I have to admit that Jake got Rimadyl steady his last 2 years of his life - he was 15 when he went on it steady and it was to keep him comfortable. At that point I really didn't care if it hurt his liver since I felt it was at the end of his life. Little did I know he would live to 17. :o

Since the dog is only 7, I guess it would be best to go to a less harmful option.

Jo Ellen - I wouldn't fret too much - Daisy is on it until she has her surgery right?

[HeatherM]

we added MSM to cady's glucosamine/chondroitin and i've really noticed a difference. we get our's online from drs. foster and smith. they recently changed their formula, so they have discontinued the one we are using (i stocked up when they went on clearance!), but they have a new series of JointCare products. there are 3 of them, i think, depending on the severity of your case. the website does a good job of explaining each.