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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

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Original poster

Arthritis

21 replies

Howmanysleepsnow · 08/10/2022 18:55

My 12yo lab has been on metacam for 2 years and it’s not working anymore. He’s fallen on the steps down to the kitchen a couple of times the last few days and is finding standing hard in the morning before his meds (he does manage better once he has them, but not to the extent he used to). He’s booked into the vet on Thursday and we’re going to try librela. Has anyone used this and did it help? I’ve picked up a disabled ramp for the front steps so he can manage them. Is there anything else I can do? He’s generally very happy and cuddly still, just uncertain about steps.

OP posts:

Littlebean123 · 08/10/2022 21:05

Hi,
Sorry to hear he is struggling 😢
Our old collie was on it for a little bit before he passed (reasons relating to heart murmer) it seemed to help a lot better than metacam. Just watch for swelling on the injection site (I was told this is normal) and it did take a few days to kick in properly. But he seemed to be much better on it.
Hope it helps your doggie out and he feels more comfortable 😁

CMOTDibbler · 08/10/2022 21:11

I know a few people with their dogs on Librela, and its been amazing for them. My bosses very elderly dog seemed to really be on his last legs, and since starting Librela he's had a new lease of life

Suzi888 · 08/10/2022 21:19

Librela if you can afford it. May get it with PDSA if on benefits.
Others have said CBD oil works wonders. Good luck 💐

hellsbells99 · 08/10/2022 21:26

My sisters dog has been on librela for 2 months. It is working well. She has also been put on a diet using Hills Metabolic and mobility dry food. She has lost 2 kg which has also helped (she is a large breed).

Badger1970 · 08/10/2022 21:30

Our cocker (9.5) has just started a course of Cartrophen. He seems to have improved already - our vet wasn't recommending Librela due to the supply issues that seem to occur with it.

He's also better on paracetamol than Metacam - it didn't work well on our old labrador either and she had Pardale (co-codamol) which helped her more.

Thenakedwineglass · 08/10/2022 21:38

My dogs been on it for about 6 months and it’s been amazing. She tried tablets at first which worked to an extent but made her very groggy, but no side effects with librella so far. Also long term it doesn’t affect kidneys etc like the painkillers do

Have you tried yumove supplements ? We tried them first and they had a big improvement too - double the dose for the first 6 weeks

junenotoffred · 08/10/2022 21:42

My very elderly arthritic spaniel had his second Librela injection 2 weeks ago, the difference in him in the last 6 weeks is nothing short of a miracle. At nearly 17 years old, he sniffed and ran well over 2 miles yesterday, chased a squirrel and was ready for more today (a few weeks ago he would have been very sore after such a walk) Worth every single penny.

Original poster

Howmanysleepsnow · 08/10/2022 22:58

That is so good to hear! Fingers crossed it works well for him too. I was/am worried he’s approaching the end of the line.
Does anyone know the paracetamol dose for dogs ? I might give that a try too.

OP posts:

Bordercolliesarebest1 · 09/10/2022 06:32

Hi, yes about the paracetamol, our border collie is on it on the advice of the vet. He weighs 36kgs and can have the max dose of 3/4 of one tablet 500mg twice a day,so that's 1 and half tablets per day maximum.l only give mine half of one as its easier to split the tablet and l think it helps especiallyin the morning. So that's 1 tablet split over the day. Please don't exceed the maximum dose though that's why l stick to 1 tablet most of the time.
He is also on librela and it has really helped him for the past 2 years as he is riddled with arthritis. From not being able to go on walks he can now do three short walks a day.However he is now showing signs that his arthritis is getting worse. Galliprant is another thing that may help if you haven't already tried that.
Good luck, l am sure you will see a difference.

KangarooKenny · 09/10/2022 06:52

Can he wear a harness so you can help him with the steps, or a folded up towel under his tummy to help him ?

Bordercolliesarebest1 · 09/10/2022 08:24

I also give mine CurcuPet-K9 (tumeric) it's a natural remedy for joint pain. I think this is also helping him. Its not that expensive maybe worth a try. As I've said mine is a large border collie he is on 2 tablets a day, they are tiny so no problems taking them. One month supply costs £13.00.

Badger1970 · 10/10/2022 21:04

My cocker is 20kg and he has half a paracetamol in the morning and can have another half 12 hours later if he needs it but one seems to keep him pain free for 24 hours.

SarahSissions · 10/10/2022 22:14

Have you tried Hydrotherapy or canine massage?

Diplidocus4 · 10/10/2022 22:22

Have a look at golden paste - tumeric
There is a FB group

Courtjobby · 10/10/2022 23:53

Librela is like magic!!! Makes my old dog feel like a puppy again, it seems the longer he's on it the younger he gets!

Courtjobby · 10/10/2022 23:55

Also he does hydrotherapy which is a massive help and fish oil treats

PuddinAforeDinner · 11/10/2022 13:29

I have an 11 yo DD who has osteoarthritis and is on Librela, Gabapentin and Flexadin (joint supplements), he also has hydrotherapy which has worked wonders for him. I hope you find something that suits your dog.

Original poster

Howmanysleepsnow · 14/10/2022 07:28

Quick update! He had his first injection yesterday morning. The vet said it’ll take at least two weeks to see any real effects. Last night he stood on 3 legs to wee for the first time in months…. Could it be working a bit???

OP posts:

Hanswurst · 14/10/2022 07:31

My old lab was on metacam plus turmeric paste. Losing a bit of weight also helped hugely!
All the best, it’s awful to see them struggle and in pain :(

Bordercolliesarebest1 · 14/10/2022 10:04

Really pleased to see your update. I think you will see a difference within days as you have already noticed an improvement.
It does wear off towards the end of the 4 weeks though so don't be disappointed as the injection needs to done on a regular basis. Our boy has arthritis everywhere, spine, hips, legs and paws and it has been a wonder drug for him.
Good luck and l hope it gives your boy more precious quality time with you.

MontyDonsBlueScarf · 14/10/2022 11:02

Glad the injection seems to be working.

Managing arthritis seems to be about finding something that works for a while, and then finding something else, so I'll add my experience as another possible tool in the box.

I have a 12 year old very arthritic dog who was doing well on Onsior, but it eventually stopped working. The vet advised a change of medication with a two week gap. During the gap I tried her on Joints supplement from Vince the Vet, and the difference was astonishing. It took about 3 days to have her leaping around like a puppy again. I was very sceptical and was quite prepared to be told I was imagining it, but infrequent visitors to the house have commented on how much happier and more lively she is, so it's not just me. www.vincethevet.co.uk/joint-health/joints---small-200g

Good luck, I hope the improvement continues.

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