Old or not?

[henrys mum]

Over the last few weeks we've noticed Henry being quite lame when he gets up from lying down. We managed to find out that he could stay on the Joint Aid while on his hypo-allergenic diet so put him straight back on it (he was only off for 2weeks) but it didn't make any difference even on the full dose We were worried that he'd turned into an 'old dog'. After talking to the vet I reluctantly agreed to try him on Metacam, but only 1/2 a dose as I'd rather he wasn't on drugs. But I have to say that he's now running around like a 2yr old again!! (giggle) No lameness and he can be on a small dose to keep him going. He even nicked my poppy from my lapel (no pins thank goodness) when I was standing up!! (giggle)

[Sianny]

I've heard wonders about Metacam from my friend who has a Choccy lab, poor girl strained her ankle!


So glad to hear he's running around like an, erm naught puppy again! I bet you were secretly pleased at the poppy theft, like "SOMEBODY'S BETTER!"

[henrys mum]

Yeah it's back to a grown up puppy! As soon as he was allowed to play at class, the trainer said "Whats got into Henry?" He waltzed right over to two bitches who were starting to eyeball each other and split them up to play! Thinks he's the man!!

[Captain Chaos]

Been there with this with Tula (9) ...with her it was only a temporary strain/ sprain, so after a week or so on Metacam she was much improved. The only thing the vet warned me about, is that if they feel vastly improved and go bonkers, they can then do damage to themselves and make it worse, as they are not taking it easy and resting.
When I had a GSD, he went on Metacam on a daily basis aged about 12 plus, and it really seemed to help his quality of life. In fact I'm wondering what the dose would be for me... [laughing]

[Stacey100]

My Murf is 11 at the end of the month and has been slowing down and stiffening up a lot,he suffered a back problem last year which caused him to lose the use of his back legs, the surgery he had has helped alliviate the main problem but he will be left with stiffness and soreness for the rest of his life now.

As the weather is getting colder, he is struggling more, I keep metacam for him for when he is having a bad day, touch wood, he's been ok off it for a long while now, another thing I use is herbal tablets from dorwest herbs which help alliviate arthritic conditions and he does seem to find these helpful to him, I was also using cod liver oil but it was suggested on here that cod liver oil is not good for dgos so has left me wary of using this for him now.

[pastylover]

I was also using cod liver oil but it was suggested on here that cod liver oil is not good for dgos so has left me wary of using this for him now.

It's the vitamin A in cod liver oil which might cause a problem as the dog may well get enough through its normal diet and an overload can be toxic. Ordinary fish oils with a high concentration of Omega 3 fatty acids are fine and very effective, especially if you don't feed oily fish normally.

[Stacey100]

I was also using cod liver oil but it was suggested on here that cod liver oil is not good for dgos so has left me wary of using this for him now.

It's the vitamin A in cod liver oil which might cause a problem as the dog may well get enough through its normal diet and an overload can be toxic. Ordinary fish oils with a high concentration of Omega 3 fatty acids are fine and very effective, especially if you don't feed oily fish normally.

Thank you! I am looking at alternatives that won't cost a fortune. x

[Caramomo]

So long as its not a liver oil, you should be ok. I think salmon oil is a popular alternative.

[henrys mum]

Unfortunately the additives for food aren't an option as we're trying to find a trigger for their nail problems and they're on a restricted diet. But I'll keep all suggestions filed for the future

[tosca]

Belle was on Metacam after her surgery for a week, I am glad to read good stuff about it.