Arthritis in Dogs

Arthritis

Limping due to Arthirits

See Also Glucosamine and Chrondroitin for Dogs and Hip and Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs

Comment 1: Our dog limps a little due to arthritis. We put her on a course of prednisone, and the problem went away, but 2 weeks after the last of the gradual weaning off period, it is back. So presumably an inflammatory origin, which I think is useful information, but doesn't really help pinpoint it. I noted while she was on the Pred, she was a lot more irritable: she clobbered her little Chessie sister twice during this period and we were worried, but off the drugs, they are back to being good buddies. Anyone else observed a behavior change on this drug? Maybe just that it made her hungry??

Help with Arthritis

Comment 2: That would be Vetri-disc. I give my two seniors (Cocker-Beagles, 14 years old in January) Wellness Fish and Sweet Potato kibble. I also give them, weekly, a tablespoon of plain yogurt and a litte bit of Caratino oil and add some aloe vera juice to their water once or twice a week. Both have ear problems and dry skin in the winter, and, of course, arthritis. I usually give them aspirin when they have arthritis flare ups. For their ears, I am in the process of switching them to gentian violet and boric acid instead of the vet prescribed stuff (which doesn't do much good).

Appetite

Comment 3: Do you know why pred was chose for a limp? I can't remember what all you've done xray-wise, but I would need to get to the bottom of the CAUSE!!! Have you seen an orthopedist?

Yes, pred increases thirst, appetite & can increase aggression (steroids) along with all the other nasty side effects!

Treatments for Dysplasia

Comment 4: There are 2 injection treatments, maybe 3. You would have to talk to an ortho specialist on this to find out anything.

1. adequan injections
2. hyaluronan injection directly into the joint. This is for joint lubrication that changes from arthritis. Hyaluronan replaces joint lubrication and allows for easier movement and less inflammation.
3. This one is newer and has been brought over from overseas from use in horses - Orthokin. Research is here: http://www.neue-orthopaedie.de/downloads/InflammationResearch_2003.pdf and company is Orthogen http://www.orthogen.com/en/index.htm . Dogs own blood is used, spun down and injected back into the joint to manage inflammation of arthritis. BTW, if someone wants to know more about this and specialist doesn't know then I can give an A&M contact who does who is doing the research on this one.

Depends on how severe it is. You may be able to manage with supplements glucosamine and MSM or have to go to injections. If pain persists general is arthoscopic surgery to remove the chips causing pain then rehabilitate then injections or management with supplements.

Xrays for Arthritis

Comment 4: If the limp is intermittent and in either foot, it is just possible it is a problem in the spine. I noticed that too in Reign and wondered what was going on. X-rays told the rest of the story. There was swelling and nerve damage. We haven't X-rayed her spine yet, that's probably the next step, although the orthopedist wants me to take her to Phoenix or Ft. Collins for CAT scans or MRIs. (Apparently there are no facilities for such in Albuquerque). This limping thing is very transient: really only obvious for a few steps after she gets up from "sphinx" position, like when chewing on a bone or a kong. But, she has a slightly odd gait much of the rest of the time. The acute limp is USUALLY left, but sometimes right front. It almost looks like the leg "goes to sleep." If that's all it is, I would quite worrying, but if that was it, I don't think the pred would have done anything, and it did, so we are back to some form of inflammatory thing.