Poms nee issues...

Question
Hello, Just so you know I have already seen a vet about my little poms probs and know exactly what it is and what will need to be done. I was wondering however if you had any ideas to make him more comfy until I can proceed with treatment. Well, heres the situation. I have a 2 year old male (neutered) Pomeranian. He is alittle over weight, but I am working on that (I have put him on a meal plan from the vet). He has been diagnosed with the disorder where his back knees pop in and out. He has the disorder in both of his knees, which the vet said was rare. Well, he obviously will need surgery, but considering the surgery will cost around $3500 I will need to save up in order to get the surgery, which I am in the process of doing. Well, he doesnt seem to have too much pain but sometimes I can tell they bother him, but not the the extent of whining over it. It is just a bother. Well, my question is how can I make him more comfy? I have been taking him on slow walks to hope to strengthen his knees but not put too much stress on him, this will also help his weight loss which I have been told will reduce dicomfort. Well, do you know of any specific thing I can do to help him? I understand if you dont have any ideas, just thought I would ask in case you knew something. Thanks so much.  

Answer
Rachel,

You can start your dog on Glucosamine/Chondroiton and MSM. The Glucosamine promotes bone and joint health in general, and MSM acts as a natural pain killer. It's not as effective as prescription medications, but its much more affordable and a much better choice for a dog so young. You can pick these up in the vitamin isle at your grocery store. The only thing I am unsure of is the dosage; my 50 lb dog gets 1500 mgs a day of Glucosamine (the Glucosamin/Chondrotin complex will have a slightly smaller dosage of Chondroiton than it does Glucosamine in it) and 2000 mgs a day of MSM. My best educated guess as to the dosage for this dog is one tablet a day of each at 750 mgs on the Glucosamine and 1000 mgs a day of the MSM, but you can call your veterinarian to see how much they recommend.

Ashley