Originally posted by tatsxxx11:
Dear Lab Loving Mom! I too am a lab mom; her name is Star and she is 2 years old. I also have a husky/shep named Cody!! Cody, who is 6, has hip dysplasia and severe arthritis in one hip joint. My beloved Jingles (yellow lab-Rainbow Bridge) also suffered from arthritis in her senior years. Like you, I shyed away from some of the stronger medications due to their potential toxicity, e.g. liver damage with the use of Rimadyl; especially in labs. With both Cody and Jingles, my vet instead prescribed precisely the course that you are currently on. Glucosamine/chondrotin supplement, ascriptin and regular moderate ambulation 3 times daily. Wading through "waist deep" water is ideal if that is possible. I also bought a good orthopedic bed which seems to help her greatly. I am currently considering massage therapy and researching the use of accupuncture. Where I live, both services are available at some of the veterinary clinics. With Cody, while she was by no means overweight, the vet suggested that she lose appx. 5 lbs.-on the thinner side-as minimal weight on the joint is ideal. She seems a lot more comfortable, although at times she still limps and hesitates when rising from a lying down position. It's so hard to see them begin to lose all that carefree abandon; running, chasing and jumping. Especially when you are owned by a playful, romping labbie I hope your baby improves. The vet always trys to comfort me by saying that just as in humans, as our pups age, their joints become less flexible, a little painful...just like us. While the joint disintegration cannot be fully reversed, there are those things, such as those things you are doing, that can help to make them a lot more comfortable and active. What kind of food is he on? There are several good products that promote joint mobility. I also give Cody a kelp based treat, "Sea Jerky" purchased at my vets' which she adores and that the vet says is an good additional aid. Please let me know what your thoughts are. And if YOU hear of anything else that's helpful, please let ME know. I also want to say a big welcome to you. This is a wonderful forum; we are truly like family. Before long you will really get to know all the terrific members AND their furbabies! I hope you stick with us. I desperately need a fellow lab lover to compare "Nawteedawg" stories with. And no dog in "nawtee-er" than a lab We all post pics of our kids here. Just hunt for a topic with pics on it; they are all over the place. Try "Pic. of Your Dogs" (I think that's the title, or close to it) in "Dog Breeds." Here's my photo album where you can check all my furkids. http://community.webshots.com/user/tatsxxx11 Big labbie hugs to Cody from me, Star and MY Cody! Hope to hear from you soon. Sandra

[This message has been edited by tatsxxx11 (edited May 04, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by tatsxxx11 (edited May 04, 2001).]
What a wonderful, warm welcome, Sandra! Thanks so much for your heartfelt reply. I am comforted by the number of folks who have dealt with this this- as Cody is my first dog to reach elder status, I am looking to make his passage into senior life as lovely as possible.
I will keep in touch- those darn labs- smart, sarcastic, oh-so-naughty, and the LOOKS! Oh my gosh, can he make em and give em! I don't know about your Star baby, but Cody makes up new games every 2-3 months. The newest is a game where I cover one paw with my hand, pretend to not notice, and he will "top" my hand with his paw, and this goes on and on until he tires of it. What a guy. Bless sweet Jingles for the joy she gave you, and a big hug to your Cody and Star. I will be sure to pass anything on I find to help- I am going to take another person's suggestion about water therapy. Water is a natural for these kids.
The food I feed is Nutros with Glucosamine, and is mainly lamb and rice. (He also has allergies to contend with) I will visit your URL to see the gang, and try to scan my pics and post soon. Take care, and thanks, Cheryl