Limping I think its his right shoulder

Question
Bogey has been limping for 3 weeks now. I thought he pulled something from jumping in and out of the jeep. So this week I started him on 1 regular asprin a day. After 4 or 5 days I found no change. So I stopped giving it to him.I want to start him on glucosamine contrition 500mg and 400mg per pill. My question to you is 1-How many a day do I give him. 2- It is human pills 3- Do you think this will help his shoulder. Bogey is a 7 year old 85 lbs German Sheperd. He is kept inside like a king and sleep on a bed. He never had anything like this before. He also is a pain in the neck to take to the doctors. It is his worst nightmare. Thanks so much for you input any advice will help. Regina

Answer
Hi Regina,

At 7 years old, a dog Bogey's size is about the age equivalent to a 50 year old person. While not yet a "senior", he's not as young as he used to be, and probably doesn't bounce back from injury as quickly as he may have a few years back.

The only problem with trying to treat this on your own, is that you really have no idea what the problem is. Are you treating a torn ligament, a strain, a ligament rupture, or something else?

Even though you find it hard to control your dog at the vet, seeing the vet is exactly what your dog needs. Maybe you can arrange with your vet's office a time to bring him down when it's the least crowded, or just keep Bogey in your car until the office is absolutely ready to see you, thereby avoiding the whole waiting room scene.
Difficult patients are nothing new to a vet clinic, they'd be willing to work with you to make it as pain free as possible, for all involved.

Without proper treatment, your dog may not heal correctly, and be left with a limp.

Glucosamine contrition supplements are thought to help degenerative joint conditions, such as Arthritis or Hip Dysplasia. While it's a probably a good idea for a 7 year old German Shepherd to get a Glucosamine supplement, it might not be doing much for his present injury.

Glucosamine/chondroitin supplements do nothing to elevate pain. It is suggested to continue pain relief medication, then wean your dog off of painkillers over a period of six weeks to see if the glucosamine and chondroitin are helping.

Not all glucosamine and chondroitin products are created equal. The difference in various products lies in the dosing, carriers, vitamins, minerals, and purity of the ingredients. Products that contain human grade glucosamine and chondroitin are much more likely to be of high quality and in a purer form. In addition to ingredients, the concentration of actual glucosamine and chondroitin vary from product to product. Products designed for dogs often have ascorbic acid or manganese to help aid in the uptake of glucosamine in the canine. Canine products may be flavored or fortified with other minerals. The most expensive product is not always the best. Compare the ingredients between products to ensure that you are getting what you pay for. Some of the most popular products for canines include Drs. Foster and Smith's Joint Care, Cosequin made by Nutramax, and Glycoflex.

Some dogs do very well on glucosamine, others do not show much progress. It has to be given daily for up to two months before results may be seen. Studies have shown that cartilage degeneration will reoccur about four to six months after the product is discontinued. The exception to this would be young animals that were on it for 3 months or so following a joint surgery or injury.

The most commonly prescribed dosage of glucosamine is 20mg/lb of body weight, or 1 of the standard 500mg tablets per 25 lbs. of body weight.

Just for your own info, a dog Bogey's size can have one 5 grain (325 mg) buffered (NOT safety coated!) aspirin tablet, twice a day (every 12 hours).
To reduce stomach irritation, give the buffered aspirin at mealtime. Discontinue if your dog starts to vomit, or stops eating. There are better prescription medications for chronic pain.


I really hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,
Patti