Opinions?

my xena is really limping now it's Arthritis and also adnormal muscle in her back leg can anybody remember the op she around 6 month or so ago! so should i stop taking her out or give her metacam? if i stop taking her out she will just get worse becasue she wont be moving but i give her metacam all the time it going damage her livers :-< i dont know what to do

Could you limit the medication and only take her out every few days?

I did know of someone with a staffy that was diagnosed with arthritis at 15 months old (!) Shes nearly three now and she controls her condition with salmon oil capsules, very high quality food and supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin.
You MUST continue to take her out, its important she stays fit and lean as the joints will stiffen through inactivity and become more painful for her. Also without exercise the muscles will waste and make her more prone to injury.
Hydrotherepy is very good for dogs with arthritis.
My nana has suffered from awful arthritis since her mid 20s. She has injections into her nerves now so she doesn't feel the pain so much-can the vets do something similar?

my xena is nearly 10 year old now, i give her omega 3 everyday

I used to give my gsds glucosamine and condriotin tablets every day and when we lost them (11and12) the vets said their joints were wonderful
Although regular exercise did help when i run out of the tablets i did notice a stiffness

Have you got the option of taking her for hydro therapy? Excercising in water does not put any additional strain on her joints. Perhaps try a human medication (reduced dosage) containingMSM which helps with the cartilage.

I would go with Lynne's suggestion, can you get her in for hydrotherapy??

the only place who does it live the other side of city

Errggghhh typical

Do you know anyone with a swimming pool ??

no

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3681505/Trail/searchtext%3ESWIMMING+POOLS.htm#pdpFullProductInformation
not cheap but maybe an option?
or maybe
http://www.amazon.co.uk/foot-inch-Easy-set-pool/dp/B0002VZ2DW/ref=sr_1_17?s=kids&ie=UTF8&qid=1331236076&sr=1-17

I echo the glucosamine etc, i also used a magnetic collar which i believe helped my old boy, u can get coats and even beds with magnets in too although i havent tried these. Metacam made my boy sick sometimes. Re. Walks , i used to take him just 5 to 10 mins 2/3 times a day. Hope this helps x

My mams ex guide dog had metacam for arthritis Steve as you say if she stops going out it will get worse try giving her rest days and shorter walks and take her swimming really good for dogs with arthritis its non load bearing but loosens the joints

shakespearesdog wrote:I did know of someone with a staffy that was diagnosed with arthritis at 15 months old (!) Shes nearly three now and she controls her condition with salmon oil capsules, very high quality food and supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin.
You MUST continue to take her out, its important she stays fit and lean as the joints will stiffen through inactivity and become more painful for her. Also without exercise the muscles will waste and make her more prone to injury.
Hydrotherepy is very good for dogs with arthritis.
My nana has suffered from awful arthritis since her mid 20s. She has injections into her nerves now so she doesn't feel the pain so much-can the vets do something similar?

I agree with all of that. If you can get her swimming every so often it'll help a lot.

Jethro has arthritis powder on his food every day..has done for years..and it has helped him. It contains green mussel powder and other things..gives him honky breath but it is worth it!
The vet said he is really good and to keep him on the powder ( there are quite a few good ones around..only needs about half a teaspoon on his food each day ) plus he does get the omega oil too.
And keeping the weight off is a must !

Claire just got Riley some "Joint aid" after I read about it here http://www.doglistener.co.uk/adult/adult_dogs.shtml if you scroll halfway down the page youll see he's pretty impressed with it. Riley limps quite alot after he's rested after a run and he wont weight bear on his rear right leg. were 1 week into the treatment and he is getting "slightly" better but weve kept both dogs leaded this week anyway. it's recommended 4 weeks max dose then just supplimentray doses after that, will keep you informed it I think its worth it in a week or so.

Cod liver oil is good for stiffness. a small walk everyday just to keep her moving will be a good idea, and also massage her bad leg to get the blood floowing.

Also those pedigree chum treat things are good. my old lab was a bit stiff so after a month of waiting to see if it was just a bad few days or more i gave him one packet of them and i swear he was never stiff again after it lol

We got our tablets from healthspan they are very good and are free delivery well worth trying
Our shepherds did their normal walks but abit slower as they got older and still loved charging around (which is good for gsds)