Need info from anyone whose dog has had treatment for arthritis

[Lady's Human]

Lady was on meloxicam for the last 1 1/2 years, did well on the drug, it helps with a cranky shoulder tremendously.

[Freedom]

Adequan is injectable glucosamine and chondroitin. I rave about it, it helped RB Marlin so much and now Willy is on it and also doing very well.

There is a 'loading' period; two shots per week for 4 weeks. After that, you move to 'maintenance' which is once a month. If you are able to gi e injections I gave my Dad his insulin shots for diabetes, so I was already used to giving injections) a vet tech can teach you how to give the shots at home. Most vets insist the dog come in for the loading shots, but after that, you can do the monthly ones at home.

Marlin was diagnosed with hip dysplasia, and arthritis set in as is typical for that. Marlin loved to jump up on the sofa, but was no longer able to. Once on the shots, he could get up again himself. About 3 or 4 days before his next monthly shot was due, he couldn't jump up again and would whine and fuss until I went over and gave him a boost up. Within 20 minutes of his next monthly shot, he was able to jump up on his own again.

Willy had x rays of his spine, hips and knees. No issues other than arthritis in hips and knees, left side much worse than right side. (His spine was all fine no arthritis). The reason for the x rays was that he was no longer able to do his Agility class; just walked up to a jump and stood there. Once on the Adequan, he resumed Agility and even entered a competition - and won 3 first place ribbons!

Adequan comes for horses - equine - and dogs - canine. There may be others, those are the 2 I know. Taking Marlin in to the vet for his monthly shot was $47 - and THAT was with a tech giving the shot. I could purchase a vial online from Drs Foster & Smith for $68, and it held enough for 12 months of shots -- based on Marlin's dose. The dose is based on the dog's weight. Anyway my point is, it was a HUGE savings for me to buy it online and give the shots myself. My vet 'donated' the 12 syringes for me!

Willy will try to bite me, I can't give his shots at home, so in we go once a month. BUT I still purchase it myself, and take it in with me, so the visit is just $12 as the meds are mine. Still a savings! I just make sure the vet writes the prescription for Adequan (canine), so I get the right version.

Don't know if your friend can order from Dr. Foster and Smith but maybe there are other options there, so look into it.

[kittycats_delight]

Thank you all for the information. I am going to do some research and get the name of these in Italy along with the active ingredients and then forward it on to my vet to find out if any are available here. The only thing they suggested for Kiera was cortisone shots. Big big thanks to you all. You all ROCK!!! Will let you know what we find out and what the course will be for Kiera. Next time I am there I will get a photo of her with her person.