Moving slow in his old age . . .

F

famousohara

Cathlete
I'm hoping some of you "doggie moms" have some advice for me. I have an 11 year old bordie collie mix. His name is Angus. Winter is becoming tough on him and it's absolutely heartbreaking for me to see him get up so slowly. I'm sure his joints are not feeling the best and am wondering if any of you give your dog any nonprescription supplements that would be beneficial to him? It's funny, because the minute I mention going outside, he hops around like a 2 year old and gives the squirrels in the back yard a run for their money - but when he's laying down inside and attempts to get up, he really does show his age.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Mo
 
I have seen good results with Vetri Science Glyco Flex. I also give my dog who has hip dysplasia an herbal anti-inflammatory called Zyflamend by New Chapter.

Incidentially I have also been taking Zyflamend and it is awesome. Less than a week after my doctor gave it to me (for different reasons I might add) my shin splints and joint pain was gone. My shin splints were so bad that they could be seen on the bone scan.

http://www.vetriscience.com/glyco-flex-II.php
http://www.newchapter.com/products/zyflamend

Both should be easy to get online. I hope Angus feels better soon!
 
I got a prescription from my vet for the Royal Canin Joint Mobility food and purchased it at Petsmart, I think the vet's have a type of joint mobility food also. It really did help my aging collie mix. I had purchased this powdered supplement but it had EsterC in it and it really upset my dogs stomach.
 
Hi Mo - Though he's not old, we also use Vetri Science Glyco Flex II. Rascal is rather flat footed and makes him prone to "wrist" injuries (we've already dealt with a fracture) that have arthritic effects.

I get it from Entirely Pets: http://www.entirelypets.com/glycoflexii.html

Our vet also gave us some Previcox, which is an NSAID, to be used on an as needed basis...usually after some hard charging doggy daycare days (couple of times a month). I believe that's a prescription medication though.
 
My vet gave recommended triple buffered ascriptin for our older animals, until it stopped being effective and we went to Rimadyl instead. I used it with success with two older German Shepherds (both lived to be sixteen), and then our smaller border collie, who is now twelve. As of last year we put her on rimadyl: there's no cartilege to speak of in her left hip joint. Chelsea still acts like a puppy most of the time! Even though often it's only using three legs ... Border collies are amazing.

BTW, I worked with a vet when I was a student, including dispensing prescriptions, and sometimes people had negative reactions even with over the counter meds. I always run the dosages and timing of even over the counter medications past our vet, often by phone, just for safety' sake :) Also, if you can afford it, xrays to determine the condition of the joints can be helpful. Not all meds will be helpful, if for instance your kid has no cartilege to improve, as was the case with our Chelsea. And, it can help you track the progression of any joint deterioration. It's pricey, tho. Some vets will help with the dosage recommendations over the phone without charging an office visit (ours does). And I had a long conversation with ours about the pros/cons of ascriptin, given the possible negative effects on stomach (ulcers) etc, before going that route.
 
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Mo--Sometimes a baby aspirin can work miracles (and they don't cost much). It might also help for you to massage your dog's hips before he stands up. Helps to get the blood circulating and warm the joints. I agree with Shadowpup, Rimadyl can also work wonders.
~michelle
 
I lost my old girl b/c of arthritis a little more than 2 years ago. She was large (about 90 lbs) & one day she just couldn't stand on her own anymore. :( But she was 16 & she did have a good life.

Anyway, the vet recommended glucosamine & MSM, both joint lubricants & both used by humans w/arthritis as well. They def. helped for a while, but like shadowpup we had to do Rimadyl eventually for the last 6 mos. She got insanely fat & was always always always hungry & thirsty, but I think she was still relatively comfortable given the circumstances.
 
Hi Laura,

My dog is 12 1/2 and we also give her glucosamine & MSM. She is also always so hungry and thirsty. Did you know what was causing the hunger and thirst? She is also a big dog over 80lbs.

Thanks,
 
famousohara said:
I'm hoping some of you "doggie moms" have some advice for me. I have an 11 year old bordie collie mix. His name is Angus. Winter is becoming tough on him and it's absolutely heartbreaking for me to see him get up so slowly. I'm sure his joints are not feeling the best and am wondering if any of you give your dog any nonprescription supplements that would be beneficial to him? It's funny, because the minute I mention going outside, he hops around like a 2 year old and gives the squirrels in the back yard a run for their money - but when he's laying down inside and attempts to get up, he really does show his age.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Mo
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My Vet recommends supplements from Pet Smart and Pet Co only. He told me to stay away from any brands from Walmart and the such.

I have a 10 year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback and the symptoms your dog has is what made me take mine to the vets two years ago. He was diagnosed with arthritis after x-rays. I'm allowed to give him dog (I must stress not human as human aspirin can kill animals) aspirin and he takes a supplement for joints and bones for large dogs. These do make a difference. Also, during the winter months I only allow him out for a quick walk or to do his business.

Oh, another thing, walking is good for dogs with arthritis. I thought that would be a contradiction, but was told it's good for them.

--Tara
 
Baby aspirin or any human aspirin should not be given to your pets. Human medicines should never be given to your pets--period.

Just want to make that clear as this is very bad advice.

I won't normally comment on what someone should do as I always suggest seeing your own vet, but this can kill your animal or cause other serious problems internally that can go undetected until it's too late.

Oh, and I'm a Veterinary Technician if that makes a difference. Less than 1/2 a year to go until I'm a DVM.


MDolfiniReed said:
Mo--Sometimes a baby aspirin can work miracles (and they don't cost much). It might also help for you to massage your dog's hips before he stands up. Helps to get the blood circulating and warm the joints. I agree with Shadowpup, Rimadyl can also work wonders.
~michelle
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I'm sorry for your loss, 2 years ago or not.

Animals do take many medications that humans can take, but in much lower dosages--hence why you can't give our aspirin to them and so forth.

16 years-old is a very long life! She must've been treated really well and loved. :)

Always hungry and thirsty is usually a sign of other issues, not arthritis itself, which is commonly caused by arthritis in it's later stages (i.e. when a dog can no longer walk).

Always watch for increased appetite or excessive drinking--these are huge warning signs. Also watch for how long they pee.


LauraMax said:
I lost my old girl b/c of arthritis a little more than 2 years ago. She was large (about 90 lbs) & one day she just couldn't stand on her own anymore. :( But she was 16 & she did have a good life.

Anyway, the vet recommended glucosamine & MSM, both joint lubricants & both used by humans w/arthritis as well. They def. helped for a while, but like shadowpup we had to do Rimadyl eventually for the last 6 mos. She got insanely fat & was always always always hungry & thirsty, but I think she was still relatively comfortable given the circumstances.
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I think I could have written your post! Our dog is about the same age but is a doberman/shepperd mix. He is a big dog (130 lbs) and they are known to have hip problems. He is a beautiful dog and as a wonderful personality! When i take him outside he hops around for a little while but he isn't the same as he use to be. A couple of days ago I had both dogs outside and i was tossing snowballs for them. Both of them use to like catching the snowballs in mid-air. Anyway, one of the balls hit him, not even hit him, just tapped him b/c I was about 2 feet away from him and he cried! I was thinking....give me a break! He as turned into such a drama queen!:rolleyes: Then when we were outside yesteday I was throwing balls for Charlie (the young dog) and Chico (the old geazer) was as far away from us as you could imagine:eek: He wanted nothing to do with catching snowballs and he certainly didn't want one to hit him.

I enjoyed reading this thread. Even though he doesn't seem to be in pain or limping,something is bothering him b/c he as slowed down quit a bit in the last year.

Lori:)
 
All,

In case my earlier post wasn't clear, I definitely recommend going to a vet before giving a medication - and many will recommend triple buffered ascriptin for dogs (as opposed to a baby aspirin). Mine did, and helped with dosage selection, and brand selection too. I've personally had two different vets, in different offices, who have made this recommendation. And, similar advice was given to my father, in a different state.


This this is not to cast aspersions on the vet tech training that others have had. People are taught differently. I've had some of that training as well, worked for five years in a vet office, and went through much of the prevet training to boot, before taking another route with my career. I work pretty tightly with our current vet; our animals live long, healthy lives under our care (I have a 29 year old mare who I've owned since she was 6, our dogs live to late teens, and our cats have done similarly well). I give every shot it's legal to give, can do an IV or sew a wound in a pinch, have assisted in surgery, and recently helped hold for xrays of our border, who we adopted as a rescue (fear agression). So, I consider myself an experienced pet owner. But I'd still always ask my vet, and check my PDR as well, before giving meds, because I am not a veterinarian. I do the same thing for myself - my oncologist and I had many good discussions about cancer drugs before I allowed them to be injected in my body :) My comment was just to suggest a topic of conversation *with* the vet to not suggest a prescription :)

I loved the comment about exercise! I think it makes a huge difference, for animals as well as people. My older mare also gets plenty - she walks around pretty spry, most of the time. My shepherd, who we lost at 16 to cancer two years ago, went with me on walks even on her very last week (short ones). What we learned with the border is that it is better to give her the Rimadyl after her walk, because otherwise she tends to really overdo it. And I like to split the pill and give it twice - which I did run past our vet - so as to keep the level reasonably consistent in her body.

And now I'll tiptoe out of this thread again :)
 
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famousohara said:
I'm hoping some of you "doggie moms" have some advice for me. I have an 11 year old bordie collie mix. His name is Angus. Winter is becoming tough on him and it's absolutely heartbreaking for me to see him get up so slowly. I'm sure his joints are not feeling the best and am wondering if any of you give your dog any nonprescription supplements that would be beneficial to him? It's funny, because the minute I mention going outside, he hops around like a 2 year old and gives the squirrels in the back yard a run for their money - but when he's laying down inside and attempts to get up, he really does show his age.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Mo
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Hi Mo,

I have a 5 year old Border Collie, Tiffany. She ruptured her ACL ligament and limps when the weather is damp. I don't think she will ever walk normally again. Border Collies are such high energy dogs which really is heart breaking.

I use a joint supplement by Pro Pet Glucosamine Healthy Care. It is inexpensive and I purchase it at Wal-mart.

I have some prescription anti inflammatory meds for Tiffany, but I did research and the possible side effects scared me.

My pets are my family and I do whatever I can for them. I even have pet insurance for them. It paid all but $50 for Tiffany's ACL repair.

My vet said to never use human drugs on dogs. There is a real chance of liver damage.

I have a couple of canine anti inflammatories, but I am afraid to use them after reading the potential side effects unless my girl really gets down.

My vet also stressed the importance of keeping Tiffany's weight down. She was 62 pounds, but is now 50 lb. I cut out all her treats.

On another note, when I took Tiffany in for her ACL ligament, routine bloodwork and a urinalysis revealed a UTI infection and an underactive thyroid.

Now she and I both have to take synthroid (doggie and human, of course).
 
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Sixteen years is a very long lifetime for a dog.

My Husky/Chow mix is 15 and still plays like a puppy.

But my vet told me that 17 years is about the upper limit for a canine lifespan.

It is so sad that Man's Best Friend has such a short lifespan.

Dogs bring so much joy to us who love animals.
 
I have a 12yr old Dalmatian (she is 60lbs) that has arthritis and she is doing it well with the treatment that my vet recommended. I have been dealing with it for the last 2 years.

1. First and foremost my vet said to make sure she is at her ideal weight (which she is now) that is less stress and strain i.e. no extra weight to cart around.
2. She gets Deramaxx which is an arthritis medicine
3. She gets this great glucosamine "Dasaquin" I think it is the best brand out there (you need to get it from your vet)
4. I give her fish oil - yes fish oil recommended by the vet it is a natural anti-inflammatory (she loves it too)
5. Once a month she gets a glucosamine supplement shot called "Adequan" http://www.adequancanine.us/ it cost about $22 a month. They inject it into alternating cheeks each time she goes. Personally I call it "puppy Botox" we ride to the vet in my Volvo she gets her shot and feels great for the next month. Hey I am closing in on birthday with an "0" in it and I keep an eye on those Botox ads, lol!
6. We do short walks everyday - kind of a move it or lose it thing.
7. I also keep her from being an idiot - she is a Dalmatian so she is still nutty so I NEVER let her off the leash and I capture her if she starts going wild.

It breaks my heart to watch her and her brother another dalmatian get old he will be 13 in June (he has hearing issues or has just decided to stop listening to me, I did say he is male and all!) I do everything I can for them I love them to pieces.

Best of luck to you!!!
Meg
 
Ditto this post.

I went through 4 years of schooling to become a Veterinary Technician and am currently half a year away from become a DVM and 1. It's against the law for VT's to diagnosis or to tell someone what to do with their pet as a course of action and 2. History is the most important and only the vet that your animal goes to knows all that in detail.

Always, always, always talk to your own vet.

I'm a very experienced pet owner myself. I take care of a feral colony, have socialized and adopted out 30 feral kittens, have 5 cats myself, 1 dog, a pigeon that was brought into where I work that was injured and couldn't be re-released, and a Parakeet that just showed up at my fiances job one day (seriously, just out in the parking lot, hanging out). I've been through the ringer with some pets. On top of this I'm very educated in this field, but that means crap when it comes to others pets. The safety of your own pets thrives on the knowledge you hold about them and those Vets and VT's that see them regularly.

Great post!!

Shadowpup said:
All,

In case my earlier post wasn't clear, I definitely recommend going to a vet before giving a medication - and many will recommend triple buffered ascriptin for dogs (as opposed to a baby aspirin). Mine did, and helped with dosage selection, and brand selection too. I've personally had two different vets, in different offices, who have made this recommendation. And, similar advice was given to my father, in a different state.


This this is not to cast aspersions on the vet tech training that others have had. People are taught differently. I've had some of that training as well, worked for five years in a vet office, and went through much of the prevet training to boot, before taking another route with my career. I work pretty tightly with our current vet; our animals live long, healthy lives under our care (I have a 29 year old mare who I've owned since she was 6, our dogs live to late teens, and our cats have done similarly well). I give every shot it's legal to give, can do an IV or sew a wound in a pinch, have assisted in surgery, and recently helped hold for xrays of our border, who we adopted as a rescue (fear agression). So, I consider myself an experienced pet owner. But I'd still always ask my vet, and check my PDR as well, before giving meds, because I am not a veterinarian. I do the same thing for myself - my oncologist and I had many good discussions about cancer drugs before I allowed them to be injected in my body :) My comment was just to suggest a topic of conversation *with* the vet to not suggest a prescription :)

I loved the comment about exercise! I think it makes a huge difference, for animals as well as people. My older mare also gets plenty - she walks around pretty spry, most of the time. My shepherd, who we lost at 16 to cancer two years ago, went with me on walks even on her very last week (short ones). What we learned with the border is that it is better to give her the Rimadyl after her walk, because otherwise she tends to really overdo it. And I like to split the pill and give it twice - which I did run past our vet - so as to keep the level reasonably consistent in her body.

And now I'll tiptoe out of this thread again :)
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