Bella's arthritis

D

DaveFisher

Forums Regular
Our 9-year old Bella was diagnosed with arthritis when she was only 2. We were in a training class and she refused to jump over even the lowest hurdle which is not like her and I knew something was wrong. Xrays showed the arthritis at that time.
We have kept her on Cosequin every day since then and this week we re-checked and the arthritis is in her spine and hips. She still gets around pretty well and wants to be included when the other 2 play although she doesn't move very quickly. Once in a while she will run a little but we try to keep her active, but not overly so. She goes for a walk on the leash every day and the doctor said to keep that up.
When she has a bad day we give her Rimadyl but keep it to a minimum due to the side effects. The doctor now has prescribed Tramadol which seems to be helping as she seems to feel better. I understand it has fewer side effects and can be given daily. She also gets an Omega 3 capsule every day.
Does anyone have any suggestions or experience we can use to keep her as comfortable as possible? She is a brave girl, never whines, but I know she is in pain some of the time and it kills me to see her like that.
Any suggestions would be very welcome.
Thank you.
 
I'm sorry to hear that Bella was diagnosed so young, I'm sending good thoughts your way. I have no advice, but I hope other members chime in soon.

I think one of our members, Caro, has experience dealing with arthritis in her dogs.
 
I had exactly the same experience with my male. I only found out about his elbow degeneration when he came up really sore after an agility trial. He is almost 5yrs old and still does flyball, although he is starting to struggle with our usual walking regime.

Do you get injections? I find the pentosan injections are fantastic, two weeks after a round of injections he is a new dog. I think in the US they use Adequan which has a similar effect of rebuilding and lubricating joints. Definitely speak to your vet about the injections, they are used in conjunction with the other things you are using.

I really recommend seeing an animal physio, they give you a regime for managing exercise and strengthening and different therapies. Deska also puts his back and shoulders out because of the odd way he walks so the physio works this out for him. I've also had acupunture recommended but we don't have an animal one where i live. Here's a link to some of the recommendations from the physio and specialist http://www.sheltieforums.com/showthread.php?t=9845&highlight=Deska

Stem cell injections have been getting amazing results over here, I'm saving the $6,000 for that one!

I know how heart breaking to see your dog struggling, but you have done a really great job managing this for 7yrs.
 
Corbinam and Caro, thank you for your messages and the good advice. I definitely will discuss injections with our doctor and will use the website information you provided.

Bella thanks you, too.
 
My 12 year old sheltie, Maggie May, has significant arthritis in her lower spine/hip area as well as her elbows. She was limping quite a bit, sleeping a lot & just generally, was not her self.

About a month ago, we started her on Adequan injections (once weekly) and cold laser therapy (twice weekly). At home, we apply heat to her back (using a towel between her & the heat pad so she won't get burned, do passive exercises & take her for gentle, short walks. She's on Tramadol twice daily for pain) just reduced from 3x daily, 1/2 Dasequin daily, Wellactin, & a vitamin powder. She's doing so much better - almost no limping, definitely more alert & happier.

I'd definitely recommend the Adequan injections & physical therapy. I think the combination has made Maggie much more comfortable. It's such a relief that she's better.

I hope your Bella is feeling better soon.
 
here is what cutting edge technology is
http://vivastem.com/testimonials.html
it is not cheap, about $350 a shot but it is serious alternative for 9 year old dog.
It treats ACL injuries without surgeries and I have few people in our agility club who treated their dogs with very good results.
 
Last edited:
*Caro said:
I

I really recommend seeing an animal physio, they give you a regime for managing exercise and strengthening and different therapies. Deska also puts his back and shoulders out because of the odd way he walks so the physio works this out for him. I've also had acupunture recommended but we don't have an animal one where i live. Here's a link to some of the recommendations from the physio and specialist http://www.sheltieforums.com/showthread.php?t=9845&highlight=Deska

Stem cell injections have been getting amazing results over here, I'm saving the $6,000 for that one!

I know how heart breaking to see your dog struggling, but you have done a really great job managing this for 7yrs.
Click to expand...

The advance of stem cell injections is amazing! Viva Stem technology uses not stem cells themselves but stem cell fluids/ which is what stem cells produce in the body/ , is just am IM injection, no overnight stay, IV or anything. It is about $350 per shot and 2-3 shots is a course of therapy. While it is still not cheap results I have seen are significant. For those of you in US, Dr Serpico is most happy to teach your vet how to do it. I was really impressed by this vet.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top