Question:
I have an 11-year-old collie/husky mix. He is having some problems with his left rear leg. I've read your columns that suggested using buffered aspirin, turmeric powder and the like.What (aside from cost) are the pros and cons with the use of something like Rimadyl or aspirin or even glucosamine products?.
C.M., Reston, Va Jul 11, 2004
Answer:
There are many different medicines that could help alleviate and even reverse your dog's debilitating osteoarthritis. The trick is to first try the least expensive and most effective medicine with the fewest harmful side effects.First, see to your dog's diet; if he is overweight, cut back on the calories and carbohydrates and ask the attending veterinarian about an L-carnitine supplement in the diet to help reduce your dog's weight.Then try homeopathic preparations like Rhus toxicodendrum and Byronia, or "naturopathic" supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane), which can be bought over the counter but should not be given without veterinary consultation and supervision. Also, add vitamins C and E and flaxseed oil to the diet, which ideally should be homemade.Acupuncture therapy and massage will also help, and will have none of the harmful side effects associated with steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and brand-name pain relievers like Aleve and A
Subscribe