Ask the Vet About Arthritis in Dogs and Cats
As a practicing veterinarian, Dr. Dym has over 19 years of experience and dedication to enhancing the overall health and well-being of pets. His commitment and passion for pet health continuously drives him to learn more about the art and science of homeopathy through ongoing training and education.
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Question:My dog is taking rimadyl at this very moment and we are trying to find it for a cheaper price and don't know how to do that with them asking for presciption number are vet didn't approve have any ideas on another way to get the medication
Answer:This medication must be approved by a veterinarian that has met your dog face-to-face, primarily because it can be hard on their liver and blood work needs to confirm that their liver is ok to continue using it on any kind of regular basis. There are many generics for Rimadyl that might be more affordable like Novox - here is a link to compare: https://www.1800petmeds.com/Novox+Carprofen+++Generic+to+Rimadyl-prod10930.html
Question:My dog cries in pain sometimes when getting up or when we pet her, sometimes limps for a short time and then she seems totally fine. It seems to be her back leg, but when I massage or press against her leg, she does not wince in pain. Do you know what this could be?
Answer:There are MANY causes of limping & pain. So many that I will attach a link to our article about limping that lists many of them in the first paragraph and then goes on to recommend various over-the-counter and prescription medications, but see your veterinarian for a diagnosis if the limping & pain continues: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/limping-in-dogs-and-cats-2.htm
Question:I started my blue heeler who is on this hemp joint health from Pet Meds. At first she took them then I wrapped them in cream cheese then in Peanut butter and now she will not take them at all. They started to work for her but I have no idea how to get her to take them, She is suppose to take 8 per day for the first 3 weeks, We got thru almost 2 weeks and now she will not even look at them. What can I do? Is there a pill instead of this chewable? I was so happy for her because she was getting relief but not sure what to do now?
Answer:Call and speak directly to the manufacturer (NaturVet) - they will know what mixes best with their particular product - they will also know if they make a pill or tablet because I don't see that we carry one but they might make one. Pill pockets work nicely to disguise a lot of medication - here is a link if you would like to read about them: https://www.1800petmeds.com/Greenies+Pill+Pockets-prod11029.html
Question:Our beagle is currently on carprofen for his arthritis and joint pain. Is there a reccommended better non prescription option we could be doing instead of the carprofen?
Answer:Carprofen is much stronger and works much better than non-prescription medication. There are so many treatment options, I will attach our article detailing many of these but the article was written a couple years ago and there are even more, so contact your veterinarian to see what might be right for your dog. Here is a link to many over-the-counter and prescription options: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/cats-dogs-arthritis-treatment-2.htm
Question:I have a 12 year old English Bulldog/American Bulldog mix who is recently experiencing stiffness, and occasional joint pain. He is slightly overweight, around 80-85 pounds. I’m interested in finding a treatment plan to keep him comfortable, and keep arthritis symptoms at bay.
Answer:There are so many treatment options, I will attach our article detailing many of these but the article was written a couple years ago and there are even more, so contact your veterinarian to see what might be right for your dog. Here is a link to many over-the-counter and prescription options: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/cats-dogs-arthritis-treatment-2.htm Losing weight always helps and is free.
Question:I have a 10 year old lab she weighs about 77 pounds I was wondering what the best product to use for her for still joints. Thank you
Answer:There are so many treatment options, I will attach our article detailing many of these but the article was written a couple years ago and there are even more, so contact your veterinarian to see what might be right for your dog. Here is a link to many over-the-counter and prescription options: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/cats-dogs-arthritis-treatment-2.htm
Question:Our senior dog had a sheath tumor removed from the back of her neck in 2018. This may be growing into the spinal canal or could there be a disc material extrusion. So if we do an MRI on her my question is related to her quality of life. Depending on what the outcome is with the MRI she might need surgery. She is 16- a border collie mix. Also has a large splenic mass that does not appear to bother her. Hard decision to make. Suggestions?
Answer:Yes, these are very hard decisions and one that you will really need to discuss with a veterinarian that has access to all of her medical records (blood work, x-rays, past biopsy results, radiographs, etc.) Just in general though, 16 is very old for a border collie so I would be leaning away from anything too terribly invasive. Sorry you are going through this (but also glad that she has lived such a long life with parents that I can tell care deeply about her).
Question:Is Arnica safe for my American Bulldog to take. She had double acl surgery on her him legs. Her pain is increasing and I can't afford to take her to the vet and get a prescription for carprophen or tranzadone. Wondering if arnica would be ok until I can take her in.
Answer:Yes it seems safe - always use a product specifically formulated for dogs, like this one: https://www.1800petmeds.com/T+Relief+Tablets-prod10795.html
Question:i buy gaba[entin 50mg tablets i can not find this online i can get a perscription from the vet
Answer:Your veterinarian will have to call the prescription into a compounding pharmacy for 50mg tablets. The smallest one we (and most regular pharmacies) carry is 100mg.
Question:Hi. I have 120 pound Newfoundland and some human meloxicam and I would like to give him a little bit for joint pain what is the safe dosage in milligrams for meloxicam to give to a dog that size?
Answer:I can't recommend a dosage without knowing a LOT more about him (age, preexisting problems, blood results showing liver & kidney function, etc.) so contact your veterinarian for the best advice.
Question:In addition to severe arthritis my cat has spinal stenosis and is lacking mobility in his hind legs. He is also incontinent And is unable to use the litter pan. I stopped using Dasuquin some time ago Because of how many pills I was needing to give him. I see now there are chewables for cats. I am looking to provide any additional relief to him that I can For his joints and to minimize inflammation. Can you recommend either of these joint supplements over the other: Glyco-flex soft Chews or Duralactin feline + fatty acids I’m leaning toward the first one. Also could I use the Super Pure Omega3 chews in addition? Thanks, Cheryl
Answer:Both of those are good and seem helpful ( Glyco-flex soft Chews or Duralactin feline + fatty acids) - they can actually be given at the same time (they contain different active ingredients) but don't start them at the same time so as not to upset the stomach, like a diet change. You wouldn't need to give the Duralactin feline + fatty acids and the Super Pure Omega3 chews at the smae time because they both contain fatty acids, but if you choose the Glyco-flex soft Chews , they can be given with the Super Pure Omega3 chews because they contain different active ingredients.
Question:What can I give my dog naturally for arthritis. He is a 9 yrs.old GSD.
Answer:There are so many treatment options, I will attach our article detailing many of these but the article was written a couple years ago and there are even more (laser therapy, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, physical therapy, etc.), so contact your veterinarian to see what might be right for your dog. Here is a link to many over-the-counter and prescription options: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/cats-dogs-arthritis-treatment-2.htm
Question:What pain reliever would u suggest for a 17lb 13 year old tabby cat? She has arthritis and will not come up and down stairs.
Answer:Onsior is probably the best NSAID for cats that seems to give them the most relief. Here is a link if you would like to read about it: https://www.1800petmeds.com/Onsior+-prod11333.html
Question:Can I safely increase the dose of carprofen- 17 lb cheweenie currently on 25 mgs per day- thank you
Answer:It depends on the last blood work run (liver function, etc.) - you are nearing the max I would want a patient of mine on - consider adding another pain control modality like laser therapy, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, an additional oral pain med that isn't metabolized by the liver, etc. Speak to your veterinarian about what might be best for your dog based on what exact problem you are treating and what is available in your area.
Question:Hello, due to the severe weather issues in Texas, I have been unable to get a renewed RX for Galliprant 60mg for our girl, Bella. She is down to 4 days and her hospital is not open due to loss of power and water issues. I am searching for an online vet to write her a RX so that we can get her meds sooner than later. Please let me know if you can assist. We don't mind an online consult etc. We just want her pain free after she goes on her bike rides. Thank you! Jennifer, Javie and Bella
Answer:A face-to-face meeting must have occured at some point in the past to legally prescribe medication in veterinary medicine, so continue to try to get in touch with your veterinarian or your local emergency vet.
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