Cracking Joints

Question
QUESTION: Hello,
I have a half Bernese/half Shepherd female dog.  Since she was a small pup (she's two now), her joints will pop and crack (seems to be front legs only) when she gets up from lying down.  On occasion she will whimper as though in pain and then walk it right off.  She will then run and play normally.  She does not limp.
I have had her to our vet twice for this and she has had xrays with all showing normally.  
My vet gave me rimadyl for this but I really didn't want to start her on that so have been giving her an aspirin with her dinner.
I just wondered if this could still be Pano?  She is very tall and her front legs are like telephone poles!
Any information on how I can make her more comfortable would be appreciated.  She is the sweetest girl!

Thank you.
Gellia

ANSWER: Gellia -

Aspirin is not as effective an anti inflammatory as Rimadyl. I do not understand your reasons for not giving her Rimadyl if you can see that she is uncomfortable.

Have you had your veterinarian radiograph her legs - both front and back? That is the most effective  way to determine if your dog is having joint problems.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello again,
Yes, we did have xrays done and they showed nothing.  Yet she continues to "pop and crack".  
I gave her the rimadyl for a short while but it didn't seem to help her.  I was afraid to give it to her long term.  She really didn't do all that well on it and her appetite was off while she took it (she did alot of gagging).  
My vet has really found nothing and has attributed it to Pano but she's two years old and still cracking.  While on aspirin she cracks but I haven't heard her whimper.
Can she stay on this long term?  Could she stay on rimadyl long term more safely?  She's such a sweetheart that it kills me if she's in pain.  She really has very long legs.
Thank you again for you time and patience.
Gellia

Answer
Gellia -

I really do not recommend using an anti inflammatory that may cause your dog to reduce food consumption while she takes it. A reduction in appetite may indicate stomach upset or possible gastric ulceration.  

Rimadyl is not the only nsaid that can provide relief for your pup. Ask your veterinarian about Metacam or Deramaxx.  Both can provide help -be sure to remain diligent about stomach upset as it can occur in dogs as well as humans.

Glucosamine or Adequan maybe another option. Talk about all options with your veterinarian; he/she should be able to provide you with answers and ways to keep your pup comfortable.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM