Dog Community

Teddi ED Management Saga Continues

Posted : 12/14/2010 1:06:02 PM

Ok two weeks ago the Teddster started limping on her right front. I am 99% sure it is her right elbow, she was "diagnosed" with dysplasia two years ago. We did not get to what "kind" of dysplasia as it would have required an MRI or CT scan. So we just went with the 'blanket' description, and opted management.

For the past two years Teddi has gotten along great with moderate exercise, Cosequin DS, MSM (1000mg). fish oil, and monthly Adequan injections. Now she is sore. So I am contemplating some changes. One thing is increase her MSM to 2000mg daily. Another thought I have but would love to know if anyone has done this, is switch from Cosequin to Dausquin. Dausquin is supposed to be the next level, a bit more expensive, but if it works.... Two years ago it was really new, and most the vets I spoke with (active ingredient ASU) said the jury is still out. So if anyone has personal experience, or better yet switched from one to the other I would love to hear.

Another supplement I am thinking about in addition to the joint supplements is Duralactin. Does anyone have experience with that? I gave to my horse years ago, but don't remember noticing anything. It is not expensive, and I am thinking that my be a good addition.

Lastly and this is my most "aggressive" thought so far, is try some cold laser therapy and see if we can get whatever has flared to settle back down. Experiences?

I am hoping to hold off acupuncture a bit longer, I know it works but would rather try to be a bit more passive at this time if I can, and control her pain. I know I can increase her Adequan injections too, but she got her monthly injection 4 days before she came up lame. I am thinking that won't help... yet. I think I need to adjust somewhere else.

I am open to your thoughts pro and con, and also if you have other suggestions? Teddi goes to the ortho surgeon Thursday for her annual hip xray. I plan to have them get her elbow too, so we can compare the pics from two years ago. Then I see my regular vet the following week with Gabby and thought I could go over thoughts with him.

I feel so bad for Teddi. Pain has been part of her life, so she doesn't really seem to care, but she is limping which means she hurts. So I am not letting her go outside and play with her sisters, she can't go for walks, and she thinks I am being mean to her. I have given her 'some' previcox the past couple weeks to help her not hurt, it works, but I am not ready to keep her on NSAID's yet. I want to wait until absolutely necessary. She is only 4, I hope she is around quite a while still.

calliecritturs

Posted : 12/14/2010 3:21:24 PM

Durlactin? I wish they made it for humans, I'd be taking it. Now it may or may not help depending on how involved her immune system IS in this inflammation. It's a milk byproduct so as long as you know she's not lactose intolerant it shouldn't hurt and would be worrth a try -- the make a canine formula now.

The other thing I *always* recommend is Knox Nutrajoint -- it literally helps the body **rebuild** cartilage (which may be why the Adequan isn't helping -- if the cartilage is literally worn away then there isn't anything left TO hydrate and "plump up". But NutraJoint is completely different -- it REBUILDS.

You may or may not find the NutraJoint powder now -- and if you get the capsules you don't really need the glucosamine (similar to Adquan - it hydrates existing cartilage to plump it up). Condroitin is the one that is more anti-inflammatory but G&C are pretty much the same as Adequan.

NutraJoint is primarily calcium and bovine cartilage with some minerals added in. Shouldn't screw up your cal/phos ratio tho - the calcium is tiny.

And the other thing -- add a relaxant for her particularly WITH the other stuff. When you hurt you tense up and the relaxant can help anything else work better because it relaxes those sore joints a bit. Valerian or passionflower -- both are just nervine herbs and not habit-forming but won't conflict with anything else. Pure relaxant -- not a sedative.

Jewlieee

Posted : 12/14/2010 4:19:52 PM

Not sure what to suggest other than maybe you shouldn't hold off on the acupuncture. I recently had a long discussion with a woman who has a 4 yr old dog with similar problems and she does it once a month. She says that eventually the appointments should space out further. She swears by this stuff. She uses a lady by the name of Ann Rice here in East Lansing, have you heard of her?

Maxs Mom

Posted : 12/15/2010 8:52:17 AM

Jewlieee
She uses a lady by the name of Ann Rice here in East Lansing, have you heard of her?

The only Ann Rice I know, wrote the Vampire Chronicles.... I am thinking it is a different person. Stick out tongue Wink

Maxs Mom

Posted : 12/15/2010 8:54:01 AM

Callie good to know about Knox Nutra Joint. I thought about that but did not know how it differed from g/c supplements. Thanks!

I truly appreciate the input... this is what I need. So I can make decisions... I need to know what does what.

Jewlieee

Posted : 12/15/2010 9:06:50 AM

Maxs Mom
Jewlieee
She uses a lady by the name of Ann Rice here in East Lansing, have you heard of her?

The only Ann Rice I know, wrote the Vampire Chronicles.... I am thinking it is a different person.

I told the lady the same thing lol

kpwlee

Posted : 12/15/2010 3:59:00 PM

Poor Teddi!!!!

I've been using the knox nutrajoint powder for years - I really can't say whether it helps or not but it is very unusual for a dog with a CCL tear to not have arthritis and Bugsy did not and he seems to be doing really well. So I just keep doing it LOL

BTW I use equine MSM for Bugsy - I buy the big tub and he gets 1/4 tsp a day or something

I might also see if you can get Traumeel and Zeel tablets - I get them from Amazon because their prices seem to be the best. Zeel is specifically for joint pain and the Traumeel is an anti-inflammatory. I can say that these help Bugsy if he is feeling any pain - he even sleeps better if I give it to him which is an indication to me that he is more comfortable.

I haven't used any other stuff (he gets gluco/chon and fish oil - all human supplements) thus far but will definitely go to acupuncture and massage should he be in pain regularly.

Good luck - let us know how the appointment goes

Give her an extra kiss and give a kiss to all the girls for me!