Dasuquin for Arthritis?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm considering starting JD on Dasuquin for osteoarthritis. Is anyone here using it, and if so, do you feel that it has helped? 

[Rae]

Rozee has Polyarthritis (arthritis in five or more joints) and after many test and specialists she is now on Pentosan injections every two weeks and, at age 9 years, she's almost like a puppy! You might might want to talk to your vet about this. We found it a real life changer and saver for our girl!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you, Rae. I had not heard of this before. JD's main problem is a herniated disc with nerve compression, but there is also some osteoarthritis involved. I'm definitely going to talk to my vet about it. Can I ask what the injections cost?

[Rae]

Rozee is a big girl (74#) so she gets 1.25cc every two weeks because her Polyarthritis is so bad. Most dogs get one just once a month. We do the injections ourselves...real easy just under the skin. We get 9 injections from one bottle. Right now we get 11.25cc for $91.24 which works out to $10.14 per injection. Of course, we'd pay much more to have our sweetie feeling so well. I'd say her quality of life has improved at least 200% since taking this.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Is it similar to Adequan, do you know? 

[Rae]

I don't know. Our vet highly recommended the Pentosan because there are very little, if any side effects. We haven't seen any with Rozee.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks for the info, Rae. We had a consultation with a veterinary neurologist and a veterinary physical therapist last week and the Dasuquin was suggested. I'll ask about the Pentosan. .

[Sheree Small]

I believe dasequin is pills, and adequin is injections, thus stronger.  My vet said start with the dasequin and see how it does prior to the adequin.. It may work well and you won't have to go the injections

[Jennifer and Jack]

Late to this discussion ..way late but I wanted to say I saw a women at the vet who's dog was getting those injections as well and they had the same result..... 12 year old dog who can barely walk before injections, after injections is puppy like.... I have this tucked in my pocket of needed

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Karen, I just saw this.  Don't know what you've decided but I've had Finn on Dasaquin for about 3 years.  Compared to how he was, he's been pretty much symptom free of the lameness from HD.  His x-rays haven't shown any arthritic changes and that was the purpose of putting him on Dasaquin -- to slow the progress of arthritic changes that could result from HD.  His flexibility has remained good.  Interested to hear if you decide to go with the Pentosan and how JD is doing.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The problem with the Dasuquin for Jack is that it contains animal flavoring that could be a problem with his IBD, and soy, ditto. I called the company and they cannot tell you what kind of animal the "natural" flavoring comes from because it changes with each batch. I just wish these companies didn't feel that everything made for dogs has to be flavored and chewable. What is wrong with putting a pill down a dog's throat like we all did for years, lol?

The same company makes a product called Cosamin ASU for humans which basically contains the same ingredients as Dasuquin minus the animal protein flavoring, but the amounts and proportions of glucosamine, chondroitin, and the ASU blend (which is what the specialist feels will help him the most) are completely different. I'm thinking about trying it anyway. 'm just always terrified of giving him anything new because of the IBD. The specialist advising me about this is not his IMS and not an expert in IBD. It's really hard when you have all these different conditions and vets, lol. He's overdue for a visit to the IMS so I guess we'll wait and talk to her about the joint supplements.

His specialists felt that the Pentosan would not be the right option for him.  

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I sure would vote for a pill.  I hope the IMS can figure out a solution.  Poor Jack, he (and you) have had to go through so much.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

And he never complains, which makes me feel even worse for him. I know you totally get that. :)