Hi Barb, you must be feeling really devastated. I have a 6yr old female performance sheltie recently diagnosed with severe arthritis in the hip and a 7yr old male with advanced arthritis in his elbows. My boy was diagnosed about 4yrs ago and the prognosis was grim. He's proof that good management can make a big difference.
So here's the things I've found helped. Sorry, it's long but there is definitely a lot you can do.
Weight management. No doubt your vet already told you this but it is critical to keep them underweight. Currently I've halved my female's food intake and have bulked it out with vegetables. It's important to keep up the bulk when they are on NSAIDs but you can easily reduce the calories. And throw out all the treats - for my dogs treats are now kibble, or for special occasions, boiled chicken breast. You'd be amazed how many calories treats have.
Supplements. You're probably already giving Kenzie a joint supplement with Glucosamine and MSM. Check if the supplement has Green Lipped Mussel (aka New Zealand mussels). They have been scientifically proven as a natural anti-inflammatory. If it isn't in the joint supplement you can buy the capsules for humans and pop one of these in her food each day. They can't taste them.
Physiotherapy. I really recommend at least one visit with a physio. They give you exercises to do at home to strengthen the relevant muscles and massages to ease the joints as well has help you with ideas for exercise. When dogs have sore joints they tend to over-compensate in other areas (Tully actually damaged her shoulders this way). The physio can identify where she is carrying her weight and the areas to watch.
Injections. There is something called pentosan polysulfate that comes in injectable form and basically lubricates the joints and slows their breakdown. I've found the results are nothing short of amazing and gives pretty quick relief. Plus it doesn't have side effects. Over here it is the standard treatment for arthritis and available at all vets, but I understand in the US it is commonly used in horses but not all vets have it for dogs - so ask the specialist if they do the Pentosan shots. There is another injectable available in the US called Adequan, I can't attest to its efficacy but other people on this forum can. There was mention on an ortho forum of problems obtaining it. But again something to talk to the vet or specialist about.
Bedding. Make sure the bedding is about 2" off the ground - it makes it easier to get in and out of and keeps them above the draughts. Soft is okay, but not too soft that she struggles to get in and out (I cut up an old foam mattress for my boy). Somewhere to lay in the lounge as well so she's not laying on the floor.
Walking. Let her choose the pace. I've found my Tully prefers to walk at a trot because it's easier for her hip joints, while Deska plods so I let mine walk off lead so they can set their own pace. Both will stop and sniff a lot - that's their way of having a rest. Watch for signs she needs to stop - it took me a while to read the subtle signals. And try to avoid hard surfaces as much as possible as they jar the joints. As my male worsens I have a trolley for him so he can take a break when he needs to (he thinks he's King of the world in it), but Kenzie may not be at that stage yet.
If I think of anything else I'll post again.
