Robbi

Forgive my ignorance but what is a prong collar I am imagining some medieval torture device, I hope I am wrong.

The NSAID medications are very effective at what they do. In most cases they are very well tolerated and a lot of the time when they are prescribed for long term use it is, as others have mentioned, a quality of life issue as to whether they receive the medication. I see a great many more patients benefit from this treatment than suffer from it, side effects get a great deal of noise made but occur infrequently.

Where possible and particularly in an older patient on long term treatment, I try to get a blood sample prior to starting the treatment to get a baseline for liver and kidney function. I recommend repeating this every 6-12 months (depending on the patient) to monitor any changes. I generally always try incorporate joint modification agents (cartrophen / zydex / pentosan injections), weight loss, moderate exercise and joint supplements in either a commerical form like Glyde or JointGuard, or fish oil and glucosamine. Sometimes in dogs that do not tolerate NSAIDs or those that need extra help I will add in a different type of pain relief like Tramal. I sometimes suggest physio, massage and acupuncture. I know that a lot of people use a chiro but I recommend ruling out major medical issues prior to treatment.

In general the NSAIDs should be given with or just after food, and not given if the animal is not eating or drinking well, is vomiting or has diarrhoea. If you have any concerns you should speak to your vet about the medication.

Thanks for this, it helps to know as much as possible about what we give to our furkids, I have their health and comfort formost and wouldnt dream of taking them off pain relief was just interested in finding out as much as possible about how to help them and their arthritis

They have been on joint formula containing glucosime and chondroitin, apple cider vinegar and devils claw. They werent very keen on the devils claw as it was basically dried bark chips but I think they did help. The younger guy is only 13 and vet said every second day on metacam is fine as he is only a little bit stiff in the hind legs but Jessica is 16 and her front legs are giving her a bit of pain and the knee joints are swollen so she is to be given her metacam daily. Is yoghurt or something similar a good idea to keep her gut flora healthy, I am open to all ideas

I have two elderly Kelpies who have been prescribed Metacam by our vet however I am concerned whether long term use of it may cause stomach ulcers or other side-effects. They are healthy and happy in all ways except for their arthritis.

Thanks Huski, I will have a look, anything to save on cooking is a good idea in my mind

I cook a stew using beef mince, pasta and frozen mixed veggies then add rose hip granules and garlic powder but I worry whether raw would be better? They love it however and wont eat commercial dog food any more.

Poor Rosie, I hope she will be okay. My old Kelpie (16) started the night barking about a year ago, after trying all sorts of remedies and suggestions I found the best thing was to just put her into bed with me at night, maybe not the best idea but it worked for her. I think you just have to try until you find the solution that works for you and Rosie