Arthritis and cataracts

[Dogaredabomb]

My 11 year old jrt is showing signs of arthritis in one back leg. He gets a tremor in it from time to time and has changed how he sits a little.

He doesn't appear to be in pain. The vet recommended a supplement called Nutraflex which has had no effect either way.

I'm wondering what to do next? If anything? Should I investigate steroids? Avoid steroids? Ignore it till it progresses?

Also cataracts, he can see perfectly well but his eyes look cloudy across the middle. I pointed it out to the vet who said yes, possibly cataracts but yes he can see.

I'm wondering whether to consider cataract surgery while he's still fit enough to tolerate it.

He's fit and well in general apart from being on apoquel for a skin allergy (for years).

It's an unpopular choice on MN these days, but my mother's Cocker is on Librella - has been for about 2-3 years now, closer to 3 I think. She's about 13 (rescue so unsure). This morning she did 4 miles on a walk with me and she's already prancing around demanding more walks...it's completely changed her life. It doesn't necessarily have to be librella, but worth exploring options with your vet - as with humans, dogs react differently to different treatments.

As for the cataract's I'd put a dog that was healthy and relatively fit through it. It's relatively simply and often successful - and the implications for not doing it can be pretty dire in terms of pain for you dog. Worth chatting through with your vet if you're worried, but at his age he's still relatively young for his breed - JRTs are pretty resilient little dogs.

I've had good results with PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide) from Vince The Vet.
Not cheap but it does seem to make a difference.
I take it too for my knee pain and I have noticed improvements (I get mine from a human supplier although probably no difference).

She also has red light therapy. I don't know if it makes any difference if I'm honest. Physio and acupuncture too which I think both help.

Did you discuss painkillers with the vet? Mine is on Galiprant which is easier on her tummy than other NSAIDS. Might be worth doing a trial even if he's not showing signs.

Can you make changes too? Change walks to more slow and sniffy if not doing already. Rugs at home if you have hard floors. Steps up to sofa. Have a look at CAM (canine arthritis management) for more tips.

No experience of cataracts surgery sorry.

It’s definitely worth testing a variety of joint supplements- all things on that front are not equal. My girl was much worse in YuMove than she is on ProDogRaw Flex for example.
I second the advice regarding Librella. My almost 14 year old Goldie has been on it for approx 4 years now (prescribed before the mood on it changed) and it’s been brilliant for her

The cloudiness may not be cataracts. My spaniel has a light cloudiness but the vet said age not cataracts (dog is nearly 13). It's called nuclear sclerosis. Cataract surgery in dogs has a much lower success rate than in humans.

If he's only showing signs of arthritis in one back leg, I wouldn't jump straight to Librella.
My cocker has arthritis in one leg and has pain relief for the days she needs it.
If your dog has adjusted how he sits, I would think he is in some degree of pain. They are very good at masking it.