Guest Chaser Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 Earlier this year my 8 yr old, Rosie, began favoring one of her front legs. She had previously dislocated a toe on this same leg so I thought that maybe it hadn't healed right and was bothering her. I took her to the vet to have it checked out and had x-rays taken of the entire leg just to be safe. The x-rays came out completely normal, but Rosie yelped when the vet manipulated her shoulder. We were about to go on vacation at the time (Rosie came with us) so the vet gave her a 2 week supply of pain meds and suggested we start her on glucosamine. The pain meds worked great and we minimized her walks so she could heal and started her on the glucosamine. She has been taking the glucosamine since April, but it just doesn't seem to be working any more. Lately, she has been stiff even in the afternoon, when previously she was only stiff when she first woke up in the morning. These past few days she hasn't even wanted to eat. In the morning she will just sit in front of her bowl until she decides to go back to bed. Hand feeding is not working, and I have to be pretty creative to find ways to get her to take the glucosamine (hiding it in PB and other yummies). I have no problem taking her to the vet (I swear we have frequent flyer miles there) but I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions of what else to look for? Should we have x-rays done again already? Does it sound like arthritis, osteo, muscles? Should I try other supplements first? I could use any suggestions or similar stories you have! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest longdogs Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 I didn't have any luck with glucosamine either. Only drugs made a real difference to William's arthritis. We started by using Rimadyl which did a very good job but was sort of stop-start because we'd discontinue the treatment after he'd recovered, then a few weeks later we would have to restart, at least during the winter. We eventually had him on a continuous low dose of Metacam instead, which seemed to suit him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyTzu Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 You can try change brands of glucosamine. You can also try using Fresh Factors from Springtime Inc. I have had great success with products from Springtime. I currently use both Fresh Factors and Joint Health for my older guy. Quote Wendy and The Whole Wherd. American by birth, Southern by choice. "Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup!" ****OxyFresh Vendor ID is 180672239.**** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grey8greys Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 My one girl has arthritis in her right ankle, glucosamine didn't help her so I put her on Fresh Factors and Joint Health from Springtimeinc. and she hasn't had any problems. She is 9 1/2 yrs old. She has been on them for a few years. I adopted my other girl last year at the age of 7 and I started her on them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaliforniaGreys Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 I didn't have any luck with glucosamine either. Only drugs made a real difference to William's arthritis. We started by using Rimadyl which did a very good job but was sort of stop-start because we'd discontinue the treatment after he'd recovered, then a few weeks later we would have to restart, at least during the winter. We eventually had him on a continuous low dose of Metacam instead, which seemed to suit him. Same here. I think Glucosamine and the others do their job, but I also believe there comes a time when you need an anti-inflammatory Quote Missing my little Misty who took a huge piece of my heart with her on 5/2/09, and Ekko, on 6/28/12 For the sick, the lost, and the homeless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greytlady94 Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 My three (ages 10, 10, & almost 9) are also on Fresh Factors and Joint Health from Springtime. Quote Greyhound angels at the bridge- Casey, Charlie, Maggie, Molly, Renie, Lucy & Teddy. Beagle angels Peanut and Charlie. And to all the 4 legged Bridge souls who have touched my heart, thank you. When a greyhound looks into you eyes it seems they touch your very soul. "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more then he loves himself". Josh Billings Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KennelMom Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 As other have mentioned, it could be the glucosamine you are using. We went through several before we found one that made a notable difference in our seniors. We've had several seniors that needed maintenance doses of anti-inflammatories (rimadyl) for their arthritis...but that wasn't until they were 13+ years old. You may also want a second xray just to be safe. At least a follow up visit. 8 is very young to be having such severe arthritis. Oh...have you checked her pads for corns? That could certainly cause limping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Greytminds Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 RAW Chicken feet one a day keeps the authritis away! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burpdog Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 Fresh Factors & MSM or Joint Health Quote Diane & The Senior Gang Burpdog Biscuits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 If she's having pain/stiffness and not wanting to eat, I'd get her to the vet for a thorough check and x-rays. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6greyhounds Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 We are having good results with GlycoFlex III with our almost 15 year young gal. Our vet also uses it and check it out at KV Vet Supply.com - Quote It is better to have loved and lostThan never to have loved at allMissing my Big Blue eyed Bear Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Enna Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 Maybe try an MSM supplement? It helped one of our older hounds with arthritis pain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calif_chaz Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 Three vet visits, 2 sets of clean x-rays, supplements, weeks of rimadyl, vet suggestion we try exploratory arthoscopic on leg (knee) joint~~~diagnosis of corns by owner, with huge help from walking group leader, and input from greytalk. Sam had gotten very down, depressed, staying in bedroom a lot, etc. Now we have our old Sam back with the help of thera-paw boot and corn treatment. Go with your gut feeling, get lots and lots of input and god bless the internet!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6greyhounds Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 BTW when Softee's back end went out we had x-rays, etc done and they discovered arthrititis and old age and we increased her Glycoflex III to 1 tab instead of 1/2 tab day. There are days that I look at her and think today is the day and then whe will go out in the yard and act like a puppy Quote It is better to have loved and lostThan never to have loved at allMissing my Big Blue eyed Bear Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mountain4greys Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 My vet told me a long time ago that either the glucosomine will work or it won't. And if it doesn't, then change brands until you find one that works. We get ours from greyhound gang, and it has worked great on 3 of ours. Our 9 year old was very stiff, and would limp if she got bumped by another grey. She hasn't been stiff and hasn't limped in the year that we've had her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PatricksMom Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 When Glucosamine stopped working, our vet felt that it was still worth using, just that it was time to add pain medication on top of it. If you just did X-rays and they were clean, it sounds like arthritis. What pain medication did you use, and at what dose? It may be that just wasn't the right med. for her, or the right dose--sorting these things out takes time. Quote Beth, Petey (8 September 2018- ), and Faith (22 March 2019). Godspeed Patrick (28 April 1999 - 5 August 2012), Murphy (23 June 2004 - 27 July 2013), Leo (1 May 2009 - 27 January 2020), and Henry (10 August 2010 - 7 August 2020), you were loved more than you can know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShantisMom Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 Try another brand of glucosamine. Give it 4-6 weeks. That was not enough for Shanti. We had to add Previcox in. Quote The Girls Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4My2Greys Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 Are you also giving chondroitin along with the glucosamine? The two work together for the best effect. Glucosamine provides the building block to synthesize new cartilage, while Chondroitin works to block the destructive enzymes that break down cartilage in the joint. Some other things you might want to investigate are Hyaluronic acid, which works with glucosamine in the building of cartilage and you might also want to check into Cetyl Myristoleate. Here are a couple of links concerning Cetyl Myristoleate that you might find interesting. Cetyl Myristoleate in the Treatment of Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis Cetyl Myristoleate for Arthrtis: Science or Speculation Judy, Mom to Nadir, Beanie, and Bruiser Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest charmsmom Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 My vet said she ONLY recommends Cosequin for greyhounds. I just can't afford it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PatricksMom Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 My vet said she ONLY recommends Cosequin for greyhounds. I just can't afford it! I do think Cosequine's great and I've used it for years, but if you can't afford it you can't afford it. I've had to ask before if there are less expensive medication options available. Imo, a vet should provide alternatives whenever possible. Lots of people here use Greyhound Gangs glucosamine and seem really pleased with it--perhaps that's an option. Quote Beth, Petey (8 September 2018- ), and Faith (22 March 2019). Godspeed Patrick (28 April 1999 - 5 August 2012), Murphy (23 June 2004 - 27 July 2013), Leo (1 May 2009 - 27 January 2020), and Henry (10 August 2010 - 7 August 2020), you were loved more than you can know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest charmsmom Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 I'll have to check into that. With two seniors, one with early signs of arthritis, I should get them on something! Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Chaser Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 Thanks for all the great replies! To answer a few questions posted: Right now she is only on the glucosamine (from Greyhound Gang). --Thank you for the links to those other drugs! Most of them I had never heard of before! I honestly don't remember the name of the pain meds (or dose) she was on before. They worked fabulously when we gave them to her for 2 weeks in March and she didn't start having problems again until just recently. I'm almost positive it's not corns, my other grey gets corns so I know what they look like and am constantly checking her for them as well, but she has beautiful toes! So a few more questions: For those of you with arthritic dogs, do you continually keep them on pain killers, or do you constantly give anti-inflamatories or should supplements do the trick? How long would it take for something like arthritis or cancer to show up on an x-ray? If they were clean in March would something show up if we took x-rays again already? Thanks so much for your help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaliforniaGreys Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 (edited) I only have one boy now with arthritis.He's on an anti-inflammatory twice a day and will stay on it. His arthritis never did show on an xray but it doesn't always show. I know nothing about cancer. It's not my preference to keep him on the drug but it's needed for him to be comfortable, and that's what counts for me Edited July 22, 2008 by cbudshome Quote Missing my little Misty who took a huge piece of my heart with her on 5/2/09, and Ekko, on 6/28/12 For the sick, the lost, and the homeless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ChasesMum Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 (edited) We have Chase on SynoviG3 - I have a thread in food and dietary on it, it has MSM in it and so far so good! Our other grey that we lost to Osteo had his xrays cleared twice by our vet - initially we tried meds, and chiropractic, etc but the second time the oncologist saw what he thought was cancer on the films. So yes, if it was cancer it certainly could show between March and now. I don't want to scare you, but we lost him just over 4 months later so it hits kinda close to home hearing stories with limping dogs. What twigs me is the appetite...I personally would be taking mine in if she wouldnt eat. Unless yours has periods where she has done that before and you KNOW its normal, but it really sounds like its not normal. Edited July 22, 2008 by ChasesMum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyTzu Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 My vet said she ONLY recommends Cosequin for greyhounds. I just can't afford it! There are other options. My holistic Vet loves that I use Fresh Factors for my oldsters. Quote Wendy and The Whole Wherd. American by birth, Southern by choice. "Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup!" ****OxyFresh Vendor ID is 180672239.**** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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