Pain Management In An Old Dog

[sbk]

Scruffy is about 15 years old, not overweight (actually pretty skinny little dog) and has arthritis in his back and stiff legs. Often, when laying down, his back legs tremble. He is growing more unsteady on his feet over the past few weeks ---otherwise he appears healthy--is eating well, and from time to time, seems to feel better and will walk about as though the pain is not too bad--other times it is obvious he has alot of pain. We've had his kidney function tested and he is fine, no apparent health issues other than the arthritis and the general problems we all get when we get old (cataracts, mild deafness- fortunately he is not grumpy!) .

So, is there anything I can give him to help with the pain that won't have long-term bad effects? I am wary of NSAIDS as I realize they can damage the stomach lining. I read a half an aspirin a day could help ease the pain, is aspirin less harsh on the stomach?

He eats a pretty healthy diet of meat, vegetables and rice. Should I be giving him glucosamine? Would it help ease the pain in the long run?

[jdinasia]

back in the US I had an old dog, there was an ibuprofen pill that was mixed with an antacid that the vet gave him, it worked well

[Boo]

my dad had a german shepard which once older (around 9-10) got back leg trouble, he used to give him evening primrose & cod liver oil in his feed to help with the joints & he lasted another 4 years without major problems. Dunno if it is recommended but worked ok for Kane.

[Nienke]

Hi Sbk,

You could try Synoquin, it provides the cartilage with its key building blocks to improve joint function and mobility. It is really a good product and many dogs and cats over the world already have benefitted of it. If your vet or the pet store doesn't sell it you can order it online: http://www.petshopathome.com/product?ser=synoquin&cat=0

Furthermore:

* I would take the dog of all grains immediately. Grains are a no-no for dogs and cats with joint and bone problems.

* Supplement with vit. C. But then it should be Vit C with Sodium or calcium ascorbate, not only vit. c.

* increase muscle tone by having the dog swim as often as you can.

* A 15 year old shouold not be vaccinated anymore

* An arthritic dog is a sick dog and sick dogs should NEVER be vaccinated.

hope this helps,

Nienke

[sbk]

No rice then? And any suggestions to ease his pain now?

[mangotogo]

Hi, I am not sure if you can find this here at a veterinary hospital in Thailand. Cartrophen is a series of injections that I usually would give to older arthritic animals in Australia. Not painful and no side effects: weekly injections for 6 weeks ( just under the skin). Most animals would show some response after the third injection.

There are also other drugs used as anti-inflammatories; Metacam or Meloxicam is a liquid that can be administered in food or directly in the mouth ( very small volume per kg). Also gives immediate relief. My old Whippet used to get a smile on her face a couple of hours after i would give her her dose in the later stages of her life.

Meloxicam can cause bowel ulcerations if the dosage is too high or the animal shows intolerance : so it should be used carefully and if black or bloody stools appear: cease immediately.

Hope this helps you out.

[bina]

tulfedine or rimadyl and or a shot of steroids for a one off quick help; has great results for several dogs that i ve seen that came in barely walking. for the very old dogs, its less important often for thinking about long term rather then thinking about quality of life today and tomorrow; the long term might not be so relevant....

have him sleep on mats; keep him warmer then other dogs like wearing a light weight coat or t shirt. that actually helped two different old dogs we had at the clinic. and its not so cold here now, but the wind seemed to affect them according to the owners. mild and slow exercise only, no going up and down sofas and stairs etc.

aspirin is an NSAID also...

no advil etc

we recommend lots of stuff but frankly most of it seems to help the owner feel he is helping the dog; including all the caritlige improving stuff...

one of our vets is now doing acupuncture for dogs and cats but not sure how much it really helps; some people swear by it... and i know of one horse who feels much better do to acupuncture for some kind of joint pain lameness...