knee problems/limping

Question
QUESTION: Hi.  We have a six year old EBD named Mabel.  She has had two successful knee surgeries, (one 4 years ago and one 5 years ago).  She is an extremely active dog, but lately she has been limping.  Took her to our usual vet, who said she has arthritis.  They gave us Deramaxx and said if she doesn't improve in a week, they want to xray her knee.  She hasn't improved, but I'm afraid to let them xray her.  Could you possibly recommend an EBD-vet specialist?  I'm located in Oceanside, New York.  Of course, Mabel means the world to us and I don't want to just trust anybody.  Thank you for your time and expertise.

ANSWER: I'm sorry but I don't know any orthopedic specialists in your area at all, but I would put her on glucosomine right away and keep her on it forever. I would crate rest her until the limp goes away and forget about the xray. If the meds aren't working, get rid of them.

It may take 2-4 weeks before you see any improvement from the glucosomine as well.

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

QUESTION: Hello Marjorie,  Thank you for your quick response.  Is Glucosomine the same as Coseqin DS?  Mabel has been on that since her surgeries and the vet here had suggested upping her dose to three a day, (she had been taking two a day).  Is Glucosomine a different medicine?  Also, she did seem to have improvement with the Deramaxx.  She's been off it for a few days and it seems the limp is more apparent without it.  Would you suggest the Deramaxx and the Glucosomine?  And are there any detrimental side effects to the Deramaxx?  I've read there are and don't know what to do.  Again, I thank you so very much for your reply.  As you can imagine, Mabel is like a child to us.  Thank you.

Answer
Yes, it's the same thing, but I'm betting it's more expensive that what you can buy at the drug store. I sincerely think there are natural, homeopathic treatments that don't have any side effects that will give you the same results as Deramax. See if you can find an herbalist in your area and ask what they might recommend for your dog.