He’ll be twelve years old in November. Most of the time he acts like he is still three. Lately, he’s had a few times of being stiff in the neck and slower getting up and down. He’s also had a few times of being reluctant to climb stairs.
We’ve taken him to the veterinarian twice for this problem. Since he is a senior citizen and a 55# dog, we had a senior wellness workup done for him. His bloodwork and urine was normal. He had a few days of a muscle relaxer and Rimadyl. He responded well and was back to normal very quickly. A couple weeks later, the same stiffness came back. We treated it the same only this time, after the Rimadyl, we began a daily regiment of Cosequin only.
Now, a few weeks later, it’s back again. I’m looking at options. I’ve heard so many negative things about Rimadyl that I’m afraid to use it on a long term basis as a maintenance drug. I’ve increased his Cosequin since there’s varying doses on the back of the bottle. I’m hoping that helps.
I am researching adding fatty acid tablets and special diets. I’m also reading about some other supplements, holistic treatments, natural dog care and even acupuncture that folks have told me work well for arthritis in dogs.
It sure is hard to see this great dog age! He’s the smartest dog and just lives to love and play.
He’s typically daddy’s boy…until he doesn’t feel well and then he only wants me! It’s really a neat experience to see our dog suddenly become my boy and only want comforted by me when he is feeling ill. I didn’t realize a dog would react the same way that a child typically d0es when ill.
We’ve always said Nedd is almost human and is our son. I guess he’s proving us right!
Trina, I’ve had good success with vitamin C. My previous dog, a golden, had severe hip dysplasia & arthritis but lived to the age of 15 without surgery, and was quite athletic until her last year. She was on Cosequin and vitamin C, which helps keep the connective tissue strong so it can hold the bones & joints in place. That way the bones don’t rub against each other and get out of alignment, causing more inflammation & pain.
The dose for Cassia, who was a fairly small golden retriever, was 1000 mg of vitamin C twice a day with food.
I also added vitamin C powder to my horse’s grain in her final years, as she also had severe arthritis. And I gave her Flexequin, which you can order online from Spirit Plus Nutrition. I now give Flexequin to my current dog, Golda (the 12-yr-old golden retriever/yellow lab who is my avatar for these comments). Send an email to and ask Ron what he recommends for dosage, and ask him what the cost is for different size packages. He’s very helpful.
Liz
Comment by lizardt — April 18, 2008 @ 4:05 am