Update on Diesels spinal stroke and query on Seraquin???

Ok have just returned from the vets with Diesel as I was worried about his co-ordination and control over his hind quarters and back/spine in general.
Its now 5 or 6 weeks since his spinal stroke(FCE) and 4 weeks since his MRI and the vets advised to come back after his period of convalescence if I was at all worried.
Well I was- he seemed to be in discomfort, even at rest even crying out yesterday evening for no apparent reason. He is still only having 3/4 15-20 minute walks per day and we were concerned to increase this due to his apparent discomfort.
To cut a long story short the specialists referral back to the vet mentioned that they were concerned with some discs in his neck and spine(sorry cant remeber what number ones, I think vertebrae 5 and 6 were one of them) due to normal degenerative wear.
He is generally very stiff from where his hips are and I know it sounds funny but if he went round in a circle its like his back legs dont follow properly?????? and he is really clicking from his hind leg joints when he walked
Also he seems to be having problems regulating his temperature, he is either really hot or freezing cold??
Anyway enough rambling - the vet has prescribed him Seraquin for his mobility- a high dose initially then we are going to drop it down in 4 weeks and I was wondering if anyone has heard of this and whether there are any bad side effects. The ingredients appear to be Glucosamine, Chrondroitin and Turmeric extract for joint and cartilage function.
Regarding his temperature I enquired whether it could be thyroid as he has also gained weight recently- but this is more likely due to decrease in exercise. So he is on a diet and if he doesnt lose any weight then we will look at testing for thyroid.
Would just be interested for your views before starting the seraquin......

Hi our Bailey is on Seraquin from his surgery for a ruptured cruciate. He started on 3 tablets per day and is now on 1 and a 1/2.

He has had no side effects from these tablets and he has been on them for 2 months. I think they start them high to get the levels up and then they go onto a maintenance level. They are simply like vitamins etc that we would buy from Tesco but for dogs.

Loads of people give the same thing that they buy from shops locally. I am going to ask my vet next week if Seraquin is actually any better than the normal Glucosamine that we take because it is so expensive.

Watch your hands thought they stain your skin yellow!! I crush them now between two spoons and put them in his food,

Can't help with any advice, but poor Dielsel

dont know much about that drug sorry. oscar has nerve damage in the spinal cord at the base of this tail his symptons near enough match diesels apart from the weight gain let me know how you get on with the seraquain.

Thanks Guys for your wishes and thanks wids, its reassuring that you have not seen any side effects. I will start them tonight and look forward to yellow hands!!
I asked the Vet todsay about human Glucosamin and Chrondoitin as I knew from the forum that people on here have used the human variety as they are less expensive and she mentioned something about the levels of salt in the human version and overdosing dogs on salt??
Also she said something about the purity of the dog version being specifically formulated for dogs- but hey if I buy them in the shops thats less money in the vets pocket so she would say that. I am sure people on here have not had any probs so will ask again when I go back in 4 weeks! She also said it was like a low dose anti-inflammatory?????
Thanks Staffie2 I have said all along that Diesel and Oscars symptoms have been very similar- I personally think Diesel has some nerve damage from his spinal stroke too, his is also near the base of his spine.
Think the weight gain is my fault for carrying on feeding him the same amount and his exercise decreasing!!! Am now taking him to doggy blubber club to help him lose it as this wont help his joints.

Will keep you allup to date, briefly of course as ever!

Hope the new meds work for him, he has been through such a lot at such a young age

Big hugs for him

Sorry i havent got any advice but i hope the medication works, poor little soul!

I am sorry I have no answers for you about these meds - but I would like to say I hope Diesel's health improves - big hugs to Diesel xx

I hope the meds work

hope he improves oscar is on the glucosimine from holland and barrett they do do a dog one but the ingrediants are exactaly the same as the dogs one even the staff in the shop said they are they same and alot cheaper aswell oscar is on these.x


High Strength Chondroitin / Glucosamine Complex

120 Caplets


Price: £24.99

Ahhh everyone is so cool on this site. Diesel sends you all a big kiss
Staffie2, I thought people had been raving about some on the forum, would you be able to check the ingredients for salt please.
I queried whether I could use human ones and the vet waffled on about something to do with the salt content?
He is actually really happy today and is fast asleep.
I am trying to get a new comfy dog bed for him off of e-bay as a surprise for him. Then I cant get rid of the smellie Duvet he has been using since he was poorly!

Asked the vet yesterday about all these glucosamine options because of Bailey.

Briefly the answer was:

No they are not the same for dogs and humans. There are different types.
Dogs don't absorb the correct quantities they need from the Human one also you need to look at the other ingredients in the Human ones and make sure you are happy with them.

Next she said you don't have to get them here at the surgery you can shop about but make sure you get one that is specically made for dogs.

So my decision was that because I have to make sure that Bailey is getting the right amount into his system then I will continue with the Seraquin dog ones. Pleased to say though I have found them on a reputable site ( I think ) for 45% of the price I am paying the vet.

If u get a prescription then go to VioVet (search on google) and buy online from them. You save LOADS! I used to buy my JWB from them before I went raw and it was so cheap even with the delivery charge about £10 cheaper than the shops.

Agree looked at viovet last night really good site..also vetuk.co difficult to choose between them. Seraquin is cheaper on vetuk but it depends on what else you buy and delivery etc which one is best overall.
I can't believe I have been paying so much for dog food.