Joint Supplements

[Jennifer and Jack]

Has anyone used this for their dogs? If so have you seen results with it? 

https://www.anmpharm.com/products/zmultra-soft-chews?gclid=EAIaIQob...

[Stella]

As it contains a drug (cox-2-inhibitor) I'd think you would need a prescription from a vet to get this??  I know a lot of this type of drug were discontinued in people because if significant side effects. 

FYI, this is what my boys get:

https://www.wellytails.com/products/dog-supplement-hip-joint-pain

[Jennifer and Jack]

Thanks.  Yes it is a perception only... You know I didn't catch the cox =2 inhibitor  ). I am aware of that with humans, I just forgot... I know that people who were on it as humans benefited greatly from it... I don't think Jack is hurting bad enough to warrant that risk at this point... I don't know how it metabolizes in dogs.... I was stunned to see the large amount of drugs Jack needs as compared to a human dose since they metabolize differently.  Do you find this helps your guys?  My Jack has some stenosis and and a cervical strain....   I am of the theory less is more when it comes to drugs but he can't seem to get past his neck pain.... We have had to stop long walks and stuff like that...

[Jennifer and Jack]

Prescription... :)

[Jennifer and Jack]

Never mind I found it.. Hmm interesting my vet didn't know it has a Cox 2 inhibitor in it..... That brings my confidence level down a bit in her... 

[Stella]

I know my human clients loved Vioxx when it was available as it really did help their joint pains. But those drugs were pulled because of side effects, that I'm pretty sure were cardiac. I have found the Wellytails to be helpful, especially in my 10 year old LD that still competes in agility! Basically you really just need a supplement that has Glucosamine, MSM, HLA and Omega 3 in for it to be helpful.  I'm a human Physiotherapist, and I also have a post-grad diploma in canine rehab, so I treat dogs too. I don't know if there is someone similar near you that could take a look at Jack's neck?  If they are appropriately qualified, it is often covered by pet insurance.

[Jennifer and Jack]

Yes, thank you so much, I know some humans who didn't even care about the cardiac risk because it relieved their pain so much.. I don't believe Jack is in that much pain to warrant a Cox2 if he ever gets to that point where he is in that much pain, I will weigh the benefits verse the risk.

Oddly enough when I pointed out to the vet about it having a Cox2 inhibitor in it, she shrugged her shoulders and said it was "nominal". Jack for sure doesn't need any more trouble with his heart as we are dealing with Left sided heart failure.....

We are fortunate enough to live super close to an excellent speciality center that includes all kinds of therapies.... I am very fortunate that Jack has outstanding insurance with no cap so I can get him anything he needs.. Thank God... 

I am unable to walk anymore any type of distance ( end stage lung disease) so I have to use a scooter to take Jack out.  Several weeks ago as I was riding the scooter with Jack on a very long leash. He stopped short and while he was hooked to a totally appropriate harness, he sustained some muscle strain and pain....  It totally scared me because I didn't realize that a neck strain/back pain would cause head bobbing.  I had no idea .... The neurologist is the one who told me that.. also him licking his sweet legs is most likely indicative in his case of some "pins and needles" feeling.

He is on limited walking on short leash for three weeks... I was offered hydrotherapy but he HATES water and I feel overwhelmed because I don't think he is hurting bad enough to warrant putting him through something he doesn't like.   especially now I am paranoid of his heart... Counting respirations and listening to his lungs is stressful for me because it is like waiting for the shoe to drop... 

Thanks for the tips on supplements.... we both just started on VSL #3., I will be buying what you recommended ... I don't think his insurance will pay for it without a prescription but it is worth it to me to give him a more safe supplement...

Thanks again for your kind input, I appreciate it....  Though Jack is going to be nine in March, I swear it feels like I just got him..... I still have to look to people who are well versed in canine care as we enter different stages of his life.... 

I just compared the two products.  The one you recommend is so far superior to what the vet one is.. Way higher doses..... I just ordered it....  Thank you so much. 

[Stella]

Underwater treadmill / hydrotherapy would not be my first choice of treatment. You would need a Physiotherapist with manual therapy skills that has the ability (and knowledge and skill) to palpate and mobilize the joints. Gentle traction often helps with spine problems. Low level laser might also be helpful. Head bobbing is usually due to limb lameness, but if he has nerve irritation that can affect gait and also cause licking of a limb. 

[Jennifer and Jack]

Thank you so much.  Head bobbing was what got my attention which lead to the testing.  So if his neck or spine was sprained or injured that wouldn’t go with head Bobbing?  The only thing we have been able to see is a sore or tender neck.   

Thak you again for your help 

[Stella]

If there was nerve compression - causing limb pain or parasthesia, you might get lameness and head bobbing. 

[Jennifer and Jack]

Thanks, x ray didn't reveal nerve compression and due to his heart condition they didn't think and MRI was warranted because of the risk of anesthesia.   I am anxiously awaiting the supplements you told me about... Thanks so much.