Looking For The Majick Bullet

[NorthernStarPits]

Is there any new products about that help dogs with arthritis?. Old dog gets glucosamine MSM and chondroiten mix at the moment, but it seems to not be working as well as before. Anything else i can try him on?

[Kajtek]

My sis dog had horrid problems from young age. She ended up having permanent acu-pressure implants (I think they are called 'gold bullets') at the age of 4. It worked wonders. This maybe worth investigating.

[NorthernStarPits]

Implants! I will have to google them and check them out.

[NorthernStarPits]

This procedure involves implanting gold-plated beads that are about the size of poppy seeds and have a slight magnetic charge. Sometimes gold wire is also used. The beads are injected using a 14-gauge needle while the dog is anesthetized.

Like acupuncture itself, gold-bead implantation is very safe. The implants are often used for musculoskeletal problems such as hip dysplasia, osteochondritis, arthritis and spondylosis of the back. Age has an important influence on effectiveness.

Another area where gold beads are used is in neurological disorders such as epilepsy and Wobbler's syndrome.

Using what is called a "French pulse technique," the vetacupuncturist uses her own pulse to diagnose what points to stimulate with beads. When she is holding the bead-loaded syringe over the correct point, the practitioner will feel her pulse increase and get slightly more erratic.

The implants should not be used when cancer, tumors or bone infections are present, because their weak positive charge can actually encourage growth. Only vets certified in acupuncture can do gold bead implants.

My dog has spondylosis too it looks like a doily wrapped around the spine on X-ray, is it common for vets to do this in Aust I think i read they need to be trained in TCM, I will need to find one in Vic to have a chat.

How much did it cost your sister?

[Cavandra]

ESTER C tablets DAILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Vitamin King, Natural City, or your health food shop for $10 a bottle more.

[Kajtek]

It was about 5 years ago and it took some effort finding the vet who could do it in Sydney. Things may have changed.

As far as I remember, the cost was ~$600 for the lot.

Edited June 13, 2008 by Anna

[NorthernStarPits]

Cool thanks for that, both, with the Ester C is it effective whilst also taking the glucosamine or should it be on its own?. will it interfere with the other supplements.

[dogbesotted]

I would also be adding in Vit E, Cod Liver oil capsule, salon oil capsules/ fatty fish meals. OH swears that the cod liver oil and the salmon oil make the difference for him. OH also takes glucosamine and chondroitin and ester C. LOL legacy of years of rugby.

Good Luck

H

[Rebanne]

I too second the gold beads. I had my GSD done many years ago when it was brand new in Aus. It worked brilliantly.

[Poodle wrangler]

Maybe consider anti-inflammatories and/or painkillers from the vet?

All medications have potential side-effects.

I would rather take the small risk it than see my dog in pain. I wouldn't be deterred by some of the horror stories you hear about anti-inflammatories. They're used a LOT and side effects uncommon. Always give with food.

Cold weather + arthritis= pain .

[Aly]

I was wondering whether a heated doggy bed would help ease the stiffness because of the cold weather now.

Belinda

[kamuzz]

Google Arnica - some people have found it helps to add that one into the mix.

[~*Shell*~]

We use Krill oil for Zero - 1 capsule a day (we open the capsule with a pin and put it over his food). It's more concentrated than fish oil. He didn't have porblems with Zero before so I don't know how well it's working but our vet suggested it to help his joints now that he's getting to the ripe old age of 4...