arthritis

Question
We have a 7 year old yellow who is very active. Lately she has been limping on her right hind leg. Xrays revealed a little arthritis in her spine. Any thing we should be doing for her besides glucosamine and long acting non-steroidals?

Answer
Hi Dave,
Sorry about your girl.  Other than glucosamine/chondroitin (which you can give up to 1500mg/day), you can try some massage therapy, acupuncture, and, for excercise, swimming.  

Heat therapy can help, also.  You can use a heat pack, wrapped in a towel, and placed on the affected area.  

The key to arthritis is to keep her active, even though she may not want to be active.  Allowing her to lie around doing nothing can only exacerbate the problem.  Maybe she can't chase after bumpers any more, but a nice walk will help.  Swimming, again, is wonderful, non-weight-bearing exercise, and if you have access to a heated pool!...  

Rimadyl has helped alleviate the pain in many Labradors.  Before giving that, I would make sure to pull a complete blood panel on her, especially checking her liver, kidneys and thyroid.  You can start on a low dose, enough to help take the edge off, and for those days when she seemes to be more affected, give her a higher dose.  Rimadyl, of course, does have its side affects, but, given with care and attention (pulling blood levels at least once a year after starting it), it can be quite helpful.

I hope I have given you some helpful ideas.  Good luck with your girl.  It isn't easy seeing them suffer.