HD and Medication?

I don't have any human over-the-conter recommendations, but Deramaxx (a veterinary anti-inflammatory) worked great in our dog for joint pain. She was only on it for a few weeks because she had to go on Prednisone (can't take both at the same time), but it definitely helped her pain a lot when she took it.

Hi Snostar...
I use Glyco Flex III, it not only has the MSM, bu Gluc Chondroitan and Green lipped Mussels, all in high amounts. There are others on this board that really like that brand as well. I know it is expensive but the product works REALLY well and its absorption rates have been scientifically studied (vs some brands where you don't really know what is and is not being absorbed)
I also use Vitamin C to tolerance... this winds up being nearly 1,000mg twice a day for my dog but others can tolerate much less...
Natural Pet Pharmaceuticals makes a homeopathic remedy that goes in the waterbowl called "muscle, joint, and arthritis relief"... it REALLY helps Oliver... I ran out last week and the few days he did not have it, he was much stiffer and showing more pain than normal.
I also use Knox Nutra Joint... it takes about three months to see any change, but it does help to rebuild cartilage that has been lost.
I use "Wholistic Pet" Deep Sea salmon oil for the omegas which also help joints.
Massage and Accupuncture are also some natural yet effective things that help with the pain... they REALLY work, and you can find a dog accupucturist on the CHi Institute website, they are well qualified and can really help.
Finally... I also use the herb "Horsetail" but I consulted with my holistic vet on that one... there are counterindications for some other medical conditions, it's not recommened for long term use, and should only be done in consultation with someone knowledgeable... it helps with tightening up of the ligaments and osteoarthritis.

I know Callie would normally post with her recommendations for a pet having pain from the arthritis associated with HD, she's a guru on all things herbal for arthritis and pain, but she's going through a lot with one of her dogs (see the post in this section on Billy) I would pm her that way she can get back to you with more solutions as well.

As for prescription meds... if you HAVE to go the NSAID route in the future, I'd go with Metacam over Rimadyl... although both can have some SERIOUS side effects. IF you go that route, make sure you taalk to your vet about the possible things that can happen and know what to look for if your dog is having a problem with the NSAID.

Have you considered consulting a board certified orthopedic surgeon about your options? What kind of dog do you have? How big is she?

Karen

There is also a new  thing out called doggonepain and every where I have seen posts about it, the people love it.  Two on one of my golden forums with 11 year old goldens use it.  Anway, it is made in 'Australia by a comapany called American BioSciences and it is "all natural herbal and cartililage join formula providing joing support and pet revitalization.
 
I set off and got a free sample, which of course isn't enough to tell anything about how it would work, but wanted to know more about it.    The print is small and i can't read it with my "evil eye" (magnifying glass) , so i may not get all this down exactly right, but  it says the it is a blend of feverfew, celery seed, wheatgrass, boswella, bromelain, papain, cortdalis, root, cayenne, tumeric, shark cartikage, and a blend of native Australian blend herbs.  My suggestion would be to google it.
 
Aslo avoid the NSAIDS as long as possible, espeically the rimadyl,  Good luck.

I've heard enough bad things about Rimadyl, so I didn't want to use that if at all possible. My girl, Aspen, is a Border Collie and therefore VERY active. I really hate to see her in pain. It is not very noticable yet, but I can see it - she is my shadow! We will be seeing the Vet tomarrow to talk more about her condition and to talk about future options. Hopefully he will have some good nesw for us! I will check into some of the things everyone has suggested! Thanks!