arthritis cure for dogs

Question
My name is An and I've read about an Australian medicine that
is used to cure arthritis in Horses and is extremely efficient, but it was a long
time ago and I don;t remember the name of the medicine.

Can you, please, help me and tell me what could it be the medicine that is
Australian based and cures arthritis in horses?
I'd love to hear any alternartive metods for curing arthritis in dogs.. my dog is
about 60 pounds or 26, 27 kg and is a dalmation 10 years old. He has been
always a very active dog- running for miles, long walks for a few miles a
day..Now since his rear leg is like this for 1-2 months, i only walk him a lot
with no running. He sometimes keeps his leg up and doesn't touch the
ground while walking or standing, but after doing this for 1-2-3 days, he
starts walking with this leg as well, just i can feel is not as easy steping as he
was before. And this continues...he is walking for a while and then, for no
reason, he rases his leg again and doesn't use it for 1-2 days..
I'll deeply appreciate your time and help!

Thank You!

Smiles,
Ani D.


Answer
Dear Ani,
Thanks for your message.  Are you in Australia?  If so I can recommend some specific therapists that can help your Dalmatian.  He seems to be at a good weight for his age, so I don't think he necessarily needs to adjust his diet.  Has the vet actually x-rayed the hip joint to see what is happening?  With a proper vet diagnosis it is much easier to find suitable alternate therapies.
Acupuncture would be of great benefit, as would massage, hydrotherapy and the addition of flaxseed oil (linseed) and MSM and Glucosamine to the diet would be beneficial.  If you have anyone in your area that performs Photonic Therapy this would also prove a worthwhile option to explore.
I'm not sure about the Australian herbs, but I do use Robert McDowell herbal treatments a lot.  He has products that are medicinal strength herbals for horses and dogs.
You can find his products at: www.herbal-treatments.com.au
These products are brilliant.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Silva.