Anyone had success (or otherwise) with glucosamine supplements for arthritis?

[TheGirlOnTheLanding]

LandingCat is an elderly gent now (17) and had his boosters and bi-annual health check this morning. He was quite stressed anyway (dislikes going to vets, big curious Newfoundland dog in waiting room) but reacted very aggressively to the vet checking his hips, so she suggested they were getting quite painful. He's such a sweet-natured soul at home, and can still jump up on his chair and the window ledges, but at his age, arthritis is pretty much a given I think, so I'm sure she's right. Trouble is, she can't prescribe Metacam for him as it would interact with the long term steroids he's on for his gut issues, so she couldn't offer anything to help with the pain, though did say the steroids would suppress the inflammation to some extent.

So I wondered, has anyone tried glucosamine supplements, especially in an elderly cat like this, and did they help at all? I'm not keen on forcing more tablets down him unless they're likely to make him feel better. And apart from that, is there anything else we could try? I hate the idea that he is sore and we can't fix it but I still think he's enjoying life enough to want to keep him going for a while yet.

No one?

I think others on here have used blue mussel extract in powder form with some success.

Thanks Fluffy, I have just googled it and looks like it's supposed to have protective effects on the gut too, which would be an added bonus.

Plus a powders less traumatic for both of you.

Here's a recent thread for your interest.

It's used extensively competition horses at considerable expense and many swear by it in particular the liquid over the powder. I have a significant back problem and it was suggested many years ago that I try it for a month, the osteopath who suggested it said he has some clients who swear by it and other who don't notice any difference. I did take it for a month (the liquid) and I think it did help a and the osteopath who I didn't tell I was taking it was surprised at the significant improvement in movement in my very twisted spine? But I couldn't stand the flavour of it and gave it up and I found that the capsules didn't have the same effect, a friend who also has a back problem found the same thing.
But the last time I read the horse press about it, which admittedly was quite a few years ago, as I've had a road to Damascus conversion and been cured of my horse obsession, the clinical research was still saying that so far no benefit has been found.
In the horse world cortaflex is/was widely used by top completion riders who are hammering their horses joints, they also do a preparation for humans which I and my friend took and dogs and cats as well. Last time I purchased it it was very far from being cheap (although this was nearly 10 years ago now so maybe it's got cheaper, I'm struggling to remember but I think you have to take a loading dose for a few weeks then a maintenance dose every day).

By the way I tried green lip muscles and it didn't make any difference.

Cortaflex is the name of the glucosamine supplement that I took not sure that was clear from my last post!

Thanks Cozie and Happy, that's very encouraging, definitely worth a try.

Ha! I've just opened the glucosamine tablets the vet sold me and they're feckin enormous. Was expecting little pills like his steroids, but these are the size of paracetamol tablets for an adult human. Powdered shellfish is definitely the way to go.

The other thing you might want to try is high strength omega 3, something likewww.takeomega3.co.uk , you can portico the capsules and put directly on food.

Portico? Prick!

I've just had a look-see for Cortaflex as recommended up thread and Lordy it's expensive. Still.

As was mentioned in the other thread to which I linked, the green mussel firm wiil happily send you a (very generous) sample to try for free. I went for the 'sprinkle' because my old boy is an extremely fussy eater so that was going to be the one he might take along with his other meds. He was prepared to take it and I do think it was making a good difference to him. Unfortunately he is so old and his arthritis so advanced that he's had to go on hard analgesics to supplement his metacam. One of those things, I fear - and the green mussel extract has gone off to The Lodger for prophylactic use, him being out in the wind and rain every day although very much younger.

Thanks Let and Cozie.

Cozie, do you mind if I ask about analgesics? Vet only mentioned Metacam and said she couldn't prescribe it because of the interaction, she didn't mention any alternative pain meds, and didn't seem too convinced by the glucosamine (which was why I asked on here.) I suspect the chronic gut issue may be made worse by pain meds but I'd like to do a google and see before I take him in next. Always best to do your homework rather than be caught on the hop as I was on Friday.

Thanks.

Oh, sorry, also where did you get the sample Cozie? There is no mention of it on the web page, did you email them to ask? LandingCat also a fussy eater, which is why we've had to persevere with tablets any time he's needed them - sprinkling or hiding crushed tablets in food meant he walked off in disgust then indignantly and loudly demanded proper unadulterated food. Shellfish flavour might be acceptable though.

Your vet seems like a thoughtful type and I'm guessing she'd have mentioned if she was aware of alternatives which wouldn't have contra-indications for his existing meds. (I'm lucky because Seniorboy, despite his age and arthritis, has been remarkably free of other conditions.)

Maybe have a read of this first? There are plenty of environmental assists you can consider for him as well as meds but also four supplemental analgesics listed at the bottom (one of which Seniorboy is using on an 'as needed' basis.) There may be new analgesics out there as well.

It's one for some research and full discussion with your vet I think. In light of his age and possible condition, she may take the view (as I think my own vet has) that a few good months free of pain are better than limping along being depressed with life.

But that's a call only you can make - on the basis of veterinary guidance of course.

PS - I think I just phoned the number on the website and asked for some sprinkle sample if I recall. Very quick and easy. (And I subsequently bought some.)

Green lipped mussel extract helped my old boy for a few months. It came in pill form and he ate it like sweets, loved it.