arthritis

[Melodie]

Has anyone heard of or had any experience with treathing canine arthritis with ESWT (extracorporeal shock wave therapy)?

[Scooby4]

I wouldn't have enough money to go through that type of treatment. Besides there are soo many other less expensive alternatives out there.
Try the Glaustomine tablets. My dog loved them. Regular exercise routine may be helpful. I noticed a difference in my dog when he adapted to walking up stairs. Maybe try some massage therapy yourself. Just rub in small circles over the joints and bones. Stop if the dog tries to nip at you. It means "stop that is bothering me now".
My vet gave me some good medication but can't remember the name of it. Maybe getting some once-a-day dog aspirin may help.
With soo many other healthy options out there, I question the need for such "new age" methods.

[dragondawg]

soft tissue injuries (e.g. ligaments). Another frequent word seen is tendinitis. There is discussion that it creates hyperstimulation analgesia by nerve stimulation thereby relieving pain.

Given most doggy arthritis is bone/socket type of diseases, it's problamatic that ESWT would be effective.

ESWT article (http://www.bcma.org/public/bc_medical_journal/BCMJ/2004/may_2004/shock_wave_therapy.asp)

[pnance]

I agree that if you haven't yet I'd try Glucosomine/Chondroitin (not sure if spelling is right). Bear's been on if for almost 3 years and though he still is a little slow to get up, once he's up he can run with the rest of the dogs, even on our hill. A friend who has a 12 year old great dane also tried it and his Dane is now much more mobile than he was before it. The vet gave me a list of 3 good ones which I can see if I can find and post if you'd like.