Best arthritis meds for an 8 yo...
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Best arthritis meds for an 8 yo...
Submitted by mslita on April 21, 2010 - 12:30amMaddie wakes up really stiff (8 years old), and because she's in a bit of pain, sometimes she doesn't want to eat right away. We wait about 30-60 mins before we feed her, and then she sometimes only picks at it. She eats REALLY well in the evening, however. So, I think it's arthritis stiffness and pain that's keeping her from eating in the AM.
Within the last week, we've started giving her Cosequin DS, but it takes about a month before you really start seeing the results. Is there anything else we can give her? I know there are some things out there that have a lot of BAD side effects, so I would appreciate something that won't compromise her liver, kidneys, etc.
Thanks,
Lita and Maddie
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Thanks for reminding us about acupuncture.
I think too often we look to medications and surgery as options and forget to consider other therapies.
i use metacam.....
i had two 9 yo girls and the metacam worked wonders.....i saw an improvement in less than three days....
artrose medication - acupuncture
I agree with Ela1ne, all medication have side-effects, but without it older dogs would have a crappy life. And, lets face it, before your girl will experience the possible side-effects, she probably won't be around!
I personally choose for quality of life. I rather have a dog for a shorter time and know that he had a good painfree life, than have him longer and know he had pain.
Then there are other therapies which can help keep the medication use as low as possible. Vit C helps to improve the general healthsituation.
My last two Bulldogs have had great benefit from regular treathments by a Acupuncturist/vet. I dare say that Charly had 3 years extra thanks to this vet! After we realised that the medication didn't work for him in keeping him mobile we brought him to this acupuncturist. He could run after the treatment! He was 8 years old at that time and got another 3 year extra and he had a good life!
Ineke
Its unfair/incorrect to assume other pain meds will have
bad side effects. ALL medications can have side-effects, but many dogs do well with pain meds...better than they would have done without them. I know that Rimadyl has a "bad rap" with some people, and certainly any dog with liver problems should avoid its use entirely, but I have used it successfully for arthritis pain management for 6 or more years on several of my bulldogs including one I have now.
Adequan
You can refer to my response to the post below this one for our story. I highly recommend Adequan.
