Pet Chat :: View topic - Stiff joints

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Health - Stiff joints

Nosey - Thu Nov 24, 2005 11:01 am
Post subject: Stiff joints

No not me

I've noticed over the past couple of months that after our morning walk Penny has a rest then has a bit of trouble lifting her back end off the floor when she goes to get up. Does anyone know of any suppliments i could try that might her joints or does it sound like a muscular thing?

annestaff - Thu Nov 24, 2005 11:54 am
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There's loads of products Nosey, I have used some of the following with Harvey..........

http://www.hyperdrug.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ARTHRIAID

http://www.cortaflex.co.uk/

http://www.synflex.eu.com/synflex_for_pets.htm

http://www.healthydirect.co.uk/HDSite/pages/category/category.asp?ctgry=Pet+Care&cookie%5Ftest=1

I found Cortaflex brilliant for stiff joint

Nosey - Thu Nov 24, 2005 12:11 pm
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Thanks for those anne. I'll have a look at them Wink

nemo - Thu Nov 24, 2005 4:20 pm
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I know how she feels Laughing

Seriously though I hope she feels better soon.

Mo

Nosey - Thu Nov 24, 2005 4:33 pm
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She's only 6 and extremely active. It seems a bit young to be suffering with stiffness. One of my Rough Collies didn't suffer with it until she was 10 years old. Different breeds i suppose Rolling Eyes

annestaff - Thu Nov 24, 2005 4:41 pm
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Have you had her hips checked out Nosey?

Nosey - Thu Nov 24, 2005 10:00 pm
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Her hip score is fine. Will pm you tomorrow with why i think her joints are stiff Crying or Very sad

pollaton - Fri Nov 25, 2005 10:51 am
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is she ok nosey. i hope it is nothing too serious.

Nosey - Fri Jan 13, 2006 2:55 pm
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Took your advice anne and went for the Arthriaid product. She's been taking it for almost 6 weeks now. There really is a marked improvement as far as stiff joints go.
Thanks Wink

pollaton - Fri Jan 13, 2006 5:48 pm
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thats great news nosey, glad she is feeling brighter. Smile

Nosey - Sat Jan 14, 2006 7:34 pm
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Thanks michelle. She's back to her 2 or more hours of walks a day so we can both get on the path to fitness again Very Happy

Pet-Village - Sun Jan 15, 2006 2:21 am
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Hiya,
Here are some things we use

Dorwest Garlic and Fenugreek
Dorwest Easy Green
Dorwest Keepers mix

and we gave both our kiddies Joint aid when they were growing
my brohter in law uses it on his staffie who is getting a bit stiff now and he has seen a great improvement in him.Hope this helps.

alisont - Thu Jan 19, 2006 7:37 pm
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My staffie, whos nearly 8, has developed what i guess is arthritus - vet thinks so too gave him rimiydal (unsure of spelling) for a short course which helped but have read theres certain side effects to this.

Have ordered arthriaid liquid to try and some dog oils, as want to go for the alternatives than the vets.

Hes had a walk today - fine out but hopping around since back.

Just want to get him sorted! Hes also on a diet as vet said 26.4 kg was too much says 23kg would be good, all treats have gone but its hard!

Alison

sambo - Fri Jan 20, 2006 10:07 am
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So sorry to hear your news Alison i know with my trixy i was told of glucosamine and was also told to keep her weight down so i know exactly how you feel, i'm sure someone will pop along and give you some better advice in the meantime i have found this article for you on glucosamine.

One of the most effective formulas for arthritis and hip dysplasia in cats is a compound called glucosamine. Glucosamine is an amino sugar produced from the shells of chitin (shellfish) and is a key component of cartilage. Glucosamine works to stimulate joint function and repair. It has been proven effective in numerous scientific trials for easing osteoarthritis pain, aiding in the rehabilitation of cartilage, renewing synovial fluid, and repairing joints that have been damaged from osteoarthritis.

Each animal produces a certain amount of glucosamine within their bodies. When animals grow older, their bodies lose the capacity to make enough glucosamine. Having ample glucosamine in your pet's body is essential to producing the nutrients needed to stimulate the production of synovial fluid, the fluid which lubricates your pet's cartilage and keeps your pet's joints healthy. Without enough glucosamine, the cartilage in their weight-bearing joints, such as the hips, knees, and hands deteriorates. The cartilage then hardens and forms bone spurs, deformed joints, and limited joint movement. This is how the debilitating disease of arthritis develops.

alisont - Fri Jan 20, 2006 8:43 pm
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Thank you for the info really useful, what with this new liquid, dog essential fatty acids oil, and a few other things i hope we get him sorted!

Unless he has walks it will be hard to shift the weight, he put on a bit before christmas whilst he was recovering from an op. Dogs on a diet - a right pain!!! I feel guilty if he has a treat and guilty hearing him winge for treats but am being strict with him, will get him weighed when he goes for next jab at the vets.

Alison Very Happy

alisont - Sun Jan 22, 2006 12:01 pm
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Hi anyone know how much glucosamine you can give a dog a day? Jeds trying the arthritic aid (600mg , glucosamine) but has been having some dog joint tablets that contain 400mg glucosamine.

Considering returning to the vet to get his hip x rayed as everytime he has a walk hes fine but then terrible once home and limping round everywhere Sad

Need to try this arthritic aid for 3 weeks see if it kicks in.

Alison

annestaff - Sun Jan 22, 2006 12:35 pm
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I found the shop bought glucosamine in tablet form not so good. There is a product called cortaflex which I found is great help with my dog. It comes in liquid form and you just add it to their food. It gives you the exact dosage on the bottle for the weight of dog.

http://www.cortaflex.co.uk/catdogproducts.html

I cann't talk highly enough of this product, really put the spring back in my dogs step Very Happy

alisont - Sat Jan 28, 2006 4:11 pm
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Well still dont really know whats going on, Jeds spent all day at the vets didnt get his xray til gone 2pm, we saw the vet at 6.30 have seen the xrays.

Vet now thinks he will not need an op - knee joint not that damaged but is very 'uneven' almost jagged round the edge of knee joint. Vet is hoping its severe arthritus and is treating him for that but he says there is something 'he doesnt like the look of' with the xray. He has warned us that it could be a tumor. If no improvment in 2 weeks then he will do a biopsy on the tissue in that area.

He spent rather too long for my liking describing treatment for cancerous growths - if it is this then its not good in this area.

So will see how he goes over the next 2 weeks.

Alison

annestaff - Sat Jan 28, 2006 4:35 pm
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Harvey was limping for ages and even x-rays didn't pick up that he'd snapped his cruciate ligament, has your vet mentioned anything like this?

alisont - Tue Jan 31, 2006 9:28 pm
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Hi yes this is what the vet first thought it could be - he manipulated the leg once Jed was sedated then did the xray. Ive seen the films - one leg looks fine but the knee joint looks slightly jagged round the edge on his bad leg. He doesnt think its the cruciate ligament but says if no improvment a second xray might be needed. He would then carry out a biopsy as he is not ruling out a tumour.

What treatment did Harvey need?

At the mo Jeds on rimadyl - he isnt limping now hes also got a magnetic collar and is taking arthritic aid. The difference using rimadyl is amazing, but think its just masking something?

Am going to the vets again on the 10th Feb.

Alison

annestaff - Tue Jan 31, 2006 10:43 pm
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A snapped cruciate ligament didn't show up on an xray, they only way they knew was to actually knock him out and go in to have a look. I told the vet if they found anything wrong whilst he was under anesthetic to carry on with what ever treatment was needed.

Harvey had completly snapped his and they basicly made him a false one, the road to recovery was very slow and he was on metacam and pain killers for quite some time.

That was about 2 years ago and just today we walked about 5 miles and he hasn't limped once since we got back. I don't let him race around too much and tend to walk him on soft ground and not do too much road walking as I feel this is kinder on his joints.

The vet told me there was a high chance his other would also snap but up to now everything seems fine Very Happy

I also took him to hydrotheraphy after his operation which really did him the world of good and helped build his muscle up again without causing anymore injury.

alisont - Wed Feb 08, 2006 9:55 pm
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Bit of an update on Jed - he's been to the vets tonight but its not good news, the vet says his leg is worse and crumbling - says the cartlidge and ligament (cruciate ligament ) is worn away/damaged and he needs a major op on it soon.

Said he will take 6 months to recover totally but be a bit better in 6-8 weeks. Vets away next week so will be week after will have to take him in. Always a worry and hope we are doing the right thing - but vet doesnt see any other options.

Alison

alisont - Sun Feb 12, 2006 2:01 pm
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Whats the aftercare like? Vet said he will prob need an overnight stay but wondering what care/support will be needed after?

Will Jed be able to move about and manage the stairs?

Have brought a ramp for the backdoor.

Alison

sambo - Sun Feb 12, 2006 5:26 pm
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Awww bless him i'm sure your vet is right and with the proper care he should be fine i cant offer any advice to after care as i have never been in that situation but im sure anne or another member will have some valuable advice for you i think the ramp for back door is a brilliant idea not too sure about the stairs though.

Hope all goes well and please keep us posted on his progress.

alisont - Tue Feb 14, 2006 9:17 pm
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The ops booked for next Tuesday, will have to drop him off on the way to work, pick him up after or might be an overnight stay, depends how it goes.

Dreading it Sad

alisont - Wed Feb 22, 2006 7:38 am
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Jed has had his op which was a sucsess - a metal plate has been put in and part of the ligament had snapped so had to be removed. Jed is only just coming round now so is staying overnight so he can be checked by the vet and given pain relief. He will hopefully be coming home tomorrow.

Am glad it went well but we have been told we will have to confine him to downstairs and not allow him to climb stairs or jump on the bed etc...or sofas - very worried how we manage this as he is an active dog who wont stay still long. Will have to ask about sedation.

Be glad to get him home!

sambo - Wed Feb 22, 2006 11:34 am
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So glad to hear everything well with jed im sure he will make a super recovery all he needs now is loads of tlc as for keeping him calm maybe designate a room for him downstairs with his bed food etc and keep it quiet for him while he recooperates keep us updated will you on his progress and maybe post us a pic of him.

Give him a hug and a sloppy kiss from me and sasha.