He's been on metacam but kept throwing it up. The vet seems to think there's not much more we can do other than change his anti inflammatories. He's 11 and is suffering more each day. Does anyone have any ideas? I don't want to give up on him yet.

Has anyone tried hydrotherapy? There's a pool fairly locally but I don't want to freak him out if it's not worth it.

If your boy is vomiting with the Metacam, it should really be stopped. NSAIDs (which drugs like Metacam and Rimadyl are classed under) can cause gastrointestinal disturbances in some dogs, this occured in my elderly arthritic Lab as well. There are alternatives that can be used though-my dog is now on Catrophen injections and he is doing well on these.

How long ago did your dog start the Metacam? Another alternative that can be used with prescription medication is something like a good quality glucosamine/chondroitin. This helps build cartilage tissue and in moderate arthritis it can really be of benefit, where medication is concerned occasionally the dose can be lowered if the joint/cartilage is improving. Hydrotherapy would be worth a try if a) he likes swimming and b) the pool therapists are trained in medical therapy programmes. The pool should contact your vet for a referral so they can work on the most beneficial programme but generally this can help arthritic dogs (and even cats!) very well.

Best of luck.

Have you considered any homeopathic types of medication? I give my 13 year old dog shark cartiledge sprinkled over her breakfast and I think it makes a difference, although perhaps yours is suffering more extremely, poor thing.

I also read in another thread on here that acupuncture can be used for arthritis, but I don't have any further info on that. I do know a dog who was treated with acupuncture for epilepsy and it was extremely effective, so it may be worth researching.

Not sure how easy it would be to find a vet that practises it in your area, though...

Poor pooch, give him a cuddle from me

Joint & Arthritis Supplements : Vet UK for Healthy Happy Pets

There are lots of arthritis products here you can look at that your vet could talk you through My spaniel is enjoying green lipped mussel treats at the moment. He also has regular courses of cartrophen injections to try and keep further arthritis at bay.

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I bought my corgi a bioflow collar for her arthritis and it has been marvellous, I wouldnt have believed the difference in a dog. she has had it on for 2years and is 11 going on 2. They cost around £30 but it is money well spent. Just Google bioflow to find out more,

I actually scoffed at the idea of a magnet collar making a difference.... had to eat my words though when my older cat started to jump up on the work top again when I hadn't seen her able to do that for years!

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this sounds perfect for ur dog. >>> Glucosamine & Chondroitin tablets *NEW*-Dorwest Herbs Ltd

and heres a link to the whole webste. Dorwest Herbs Ltd - Herbal Medicines and Dietary Supplements Since 1948

PLEASE TRY RUSTOX. It is fantastic for arthritis and will not interfere with any prescription drugs given by your vets.

Years ago, my first GSD had bad hip dysplasier which led to severe arthritis but thankfully, we had a homeopathic vet within our practice who recommended Rustox.

You can purchase these from any Holland and Barrett store, or even boots, and a short course (following the directions), should work. Please remember however, that you must not keep your dog on Rustox indefinitely.

Our dog would be on them for a week and may not need another dose for months, they really are that good.

Oh and nearly forgot. My 6 1/2 month old GSD puppy is currently undergoing hydrotherapy. He is badly cow hocked and the treatment is working really well. Please be sure to find a GOOD hydrotherapy centre, as it could do more harm than good if given by an amateur.

Best of luck

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I give my Bobby a Cod Liver capsule, as well as Metacalm, and it keeps his joints supple. Some days he is running around like a puppy.

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A Dog's love is unconditional! and wuff from Alfie Mini black Schnauzer, born 9/10/09. R.I.P Charlie, Harvey and Bobby.

I give both my Labs glucosamine 1000 mg shark cartillage 700 mg and green lipped muscle its a natural anti inflamatory . they have also had a course of cartrophen injections to bulid the cartillage in their elbows as they both have OCD ,

I would also reccomend a Bio flow collar it is a magnetic therapy i was advised about 4 weeks ago by the lady who ran the farm where we went on holiday she has reccomended them to lots of people over the years and she says everyone has had improvements to some degree , Jess was lame for about 11 weeks from falling on her shoulder x rays showed no break yet she had this limp , i ordered a collar £30 she wears it all the time and after about 10 days her limp just went , she now runs around normally and even after rest gets up with no trouble , i am ordering a second for my other Lab as i got a 50% off voucher , im not saying it will cure you dally but it should at least make life more compfortable . I really reccomend the collar even if you dont thinkit will work £30 isnt much to find out is it ??

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