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View Full Version : Best long-term arthritis treatment for dogs?



O'Riley
07-15-2010, 02:04 PM
I hope it's okay to ask a non-Cushing's question? I was going to post in the "everything else" section, but I don't know how many people visit that category.

In addition to Riley, I have two other dogs, one of which is a nine-year old Basenji who underwent extensive reconstructive orthopedic surgery several years ago after she slipped out of her new "escape proof" harness while we were on a walk and immediately proceeded to run in front of an SUV. I found out the hard way how Basenjis earned the nickname, "The Ten Minute Dog", since that's how long they usually live off-leash. She did nearly die, but thanks to some good ER doctoring, she pulled through and was able to undergo the lengthy surgery to fix all of her broken bones with plates, bolts, etc. Her pelvis was fractured but stable so the doctor decided to leave it alone. The surgeon said my dog would eventually develop arthritis, and now I'm pretty sure she has. Her blood work is normal except for monocytes and platelet count which fall just outside the high end of the range. The general vet said this doesn't mean anything, but my research indicates that these values can indicate inflammation. I use the urinalysis multistix at home, and the abnormal values were Protein (30+); pH 6.0; and high specific gravity of at least 1.030, maybe higher. Her urinalysis at the vet was normal, and no bacteria were cultured. She has this constant, low, almost imperceptible painful moan. I've been looking into various arthritis pain medications that can be given long-term, but each one seems to have serious side effects. A member of this forum or the diabetes forum, mentioned that they use something called RecoverySA.

Would there be any benefit to doing xrays since I think it's pretty certain, given her surgical history, that arthritis is the most logical source of her pain?

Thank you for any suggestions about the safest long term treatment for my beautiful girl.

~Rose

Roxee's Dad
07-15-2010, 03:19 PM
Hi Rose,
It's okay that you posted here, I will leave it for a few hours then I or another moderator or admin will move it to the "Everything Else" section. ;):)

We use Adequan shots (injection) for our Mickee's arthritis. We had to get the shot once a week for a month and then monthly thereafter. Some dogs may need it every 3 weeks and some go 5 or 6 weeks between shots. Really seems to work great and has relieved a lot of his limping. If he has a bad day in between, we supplement with metacam but rarely and only on an as needed basis.

Bichonluver3
07-15-2010, 08:19 PM
Chloe also had surgery years ago for a subluxing patella so she was headed for arthritis in that knee for sure. I had noticed her starting to stiffen uop. I had nothing to lose so I started her on glucosamine and she is now running with the rest of the "pack" and dancing around her food bowl!:D Go figure!!
Have you tried that?
Carrol

lulusmom
07-15-2010, 08:25 PM
Hey Rose. Leslie provided a link to Squirt's surgeon's website and there is a section that covers the great results they've had in bringing much comfort to arthritic patients with a new treatment that involves an implant. I can't remember what it's called but I'll go see if I can find the link for you. When I read it I thought to myself that if any of my guys ever get to that point, it's definitely something I would do. Hang on...I'll be right back.

Glynda

Okay, I'm back and the procedure is called BioScaffold Implantation.

http://www.azzore.com/category/dew-review/