Your advice needed please

[carol pearson]

Ozzy is nearly 8 and has arthritis. I have tried different natural supplements, although glusosamine always seemed to upset his sensitive tummy.  He was on Dog Pain Gone for a while that seemed to help but 4 weeks ago he seemed in a lot of pain so went to the vets and he was started on Metacam and Synoquin.  He is much happier and walking a bit farther (he has 4 short walks a day, he was down to 5 to 15 minutes but now does 15 to 30 minutes on some days}

I am amazed the Synoquin is suiting him especially has he is on a loading dose of 3 tablets this is for 6 weeks.

I have received advice from COL recently concerning acupuncture and hydrotherapy and I am keen to try one or the other and have access to both within a 10 minute drive.

I am thinking to try to reduce the Metacam but should I wait until the 6 weeks loading dose of Synoquin is complete and do I reduce very slowly?

Would you suggest I try acupuncture first, and should I start now before reducing Metacam?

Do any of you use acupuncture and hydro theray?

Would appreciate any help.

[Sasha B]

Hi Sash is 3 and a half and has arthritis in one of her hind legs due to an injury. We have used hydro therapy ocsassionally but not on a long term basis. Whilst it did help he rbuild up muscle I can't say I saw any other benefits. But as I say we only used it ofr 10 sessions and then stopped ofr a while.

I give Sash Get Over It from CSJ which is a herbal remedy. I have in the past not been a great believer in herbal remedies but even my other half commented when we ran out and she had not had it for a while that she was limping and not using her leg properly . This may not be strong enough if Ozzy's arthritis is bad but they also do a herbal remedy call No Ache which is the painkiller version. I have not used this myself but have heard it has great results.

Hope you find something that helps its not nice to see them in pain.

[carol pearson]

Thanks Sasha B

I have read a number of posts on COL that seem to suggest that acupuncture may work better that hydro therapy but of course every dog is different.

I actually have some Get Over It in the cupboard, Ozzy would not eat his food with it mixed in.  I did not see the No Ache on their web site it may be worth looking at.

[vixen]

Marley was diagnosed with arthritis in July at the young age of 5  
It was thought at first she had torn her cruciate ligament but xrays revealed arthritis which had been there a considerable time judging by the degeneration in her joint.
I could have opted for a very invasive operation but instead opted for a more natural approach. I wasn't keen on using prescribed medication long term due to side effects.
She is on Yumove tablets, fish oil, she has a magnetic collar, I monitor her weight and exercise and she goes to hydrotherapy every week.
I don't honestly know if any or all of the above are helping her but something is  .  Most days you wouldn't know she has anything wrong with her  
I haven't tried acupuncture yet whilst she is maintaining her present condition but will keep that idea for a later date.

[carol pearson]

Poor Marley 5 is young for arthritis.

Have tried Yumove it upset his stomach. We have a magnetic collar and a magnetic insert in his bed.

I would like him to come off the Metacam asap but will need to see how it goes, I am hoping the Synoquin is working but not able to tell because of the Metacam.

As you say it is difficult to know what is working but your approach is obviously working for Marley.

[JaspersMum]

Have you thought about Massage therapy.  You should be able to find a someone near you here but the newly qualified therapists will be adding their names very soon too so keep checking back http://www.k9-massageguild.co.uk/therapist.asp

You could also try Phytoforce Mobility or Nupafeed GLM (Green Lipped Muscle), Yumove or Joint Aid (just a few suggestions)

[carol pearson]

Hi Jaspersmum I have just been researching Phytoforce Mobility and reading reviews, I had not heard of this one.

It seems like a good product that I can use with the Synoquin (glucosomine from the vets, I will stay with this for a while has it has not upset his tummy).

According to their website, the Phytoforce Mobility may be beneficially when using anti-inflammatory medication, to sooth the stomach.

Have you tried this or as anyone else.