Arthritis

Posted: Thu Apr 25, 2019 7:17 am

Poor Foxie! Crying or Very sad

At the very early age of 3, bone arthritis was discovered on her spine when she had an X-ray for a sudden sharp pain she had (probably due to her back) while playing with her large Labrador friend. An osteophyte ("bone spur"??? - not too sure what the correct English term is) was visible on that X-ray photo in addition to some arthritis. My vet said it was probably an inherited condition (genetic), although Foxie's breeders, whom I contacted then, said that none of their dogs seemed to have similar problems.
She then started to see an osteopath someone had recommended once a year, and I gave her some DoggyFlex to help her. The osteopath always told me to continue practising agility but in a "moderate" way - which is what we've always done anyway. Life went on quite normally and joyfully for Foxie during all the past years, with her yearly session with the osteopath.

However, in January this year, I noticed that she started burping quite frequently, even a long time after her meals. I put it down to the recent change in her dog food contents and decided to try a new brand. But all of a sudden Foxie stopped eating completely. After 3 days of not eating anything at all, I took her to the vet's, who carried out all the tests, exams, etc, she could think of - nothing seemed to be wrong. She finally decided to have her digestive system X-rayed in case there was something there. She called me in the X-ray room to show me the photo. Nothing wrong with Foxie's stomach, tummy, etc, but her back... Shocked

There were several osteophytes, and the vet pointed all the numerous places where arthritis had developed on her spine. No wonder she wouldn't eat, she must have been in great pain - we had just had a series of wet and cold days too, which probably triggered the pain. I could have cried when I saw the X-ray. My vet addressed me to a clinic where the vets also specialize in osteopathy and acupuncture. I had an appointment there and the vet-osteopath who examined Foxie told me that although she is only 8 and a half years old, her back looks and feels like a very old dog's. Crying or Very sad

He manipulated her for an hour, telling me what he found and did as he went - dysfunction in her stomach (no wonder she burped and then stopped eating), in her colon, one of her kidneys... Plus various blocked vertebrae... Foxie was very helpful and nice all along, probably sensing that it was all for her own good, and when the vet gently placed her back on the floor, she immediately lay down and fell asleep at my feet. She has been prescribed some tablets (Dasuquin), is still allowed a little agility for her morale and to maintain some muscles in her back - she can jump over the very lowest bars (30cm), tunnels are ok, but she must avoid any steep down slopes (A-frame) and the see-saw, of course. Long walks are recommended.

So this is the present situation, I am not too optimistic regarding Foxie's future life as she gets older. She has recently started burping again, which she had stopped doing after seeing the osteopath in February. We have another appointment with him on May 6, which I am looking forward to.

Sorry for the long story, I thought it might help others. This is the X-ray which shows Foxie's back (taken in January), I think it says it all!

Posted: Thu Apr 25, 2019 8:45 am

Ohhh Nina, I am so sorry to hear this...my Betsy had arthritis ( hips/spine ) all her life, diagnosed at 8 months. I sympathise entirely...but, there are many drugs and techniques out there which may help to keep her much more comfy than she is at present, and can help to deal with flare-ups. It sounds as if you have a great vet and access to good complimentary medicine and I like that she can still do a little bit of agility.

Dogs are incredibly stoic when it comes to pain, arent they. I know that Foxie is in the best hands....and send hugs to you all xxx

Posted: Thu Apr 25, 2019 8:56 am

Poor Foxie - and poor Nina, the worry of it must have been unbearable. At least you know what the cause is. (I know that doesn't make it better but - you know what I mean). Hugs to both of you, give her a stroke or 2 from me. xxxx

Posted: Thu Apr 25, 2019 9:05 am

oh Nina so sorry to read about Roxie but the vet seem;s to be very good aith prognosis Hug's to Roxie and yourself, keep us posted
Issy Gem and Izzie
and Bryan
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Posted: Thu Apr 25, 2019 10:36 am

So sorry Nina, poor Foxy. As others have said it seems you have a very good vet who is up for complimentary treatments which I'm sure will help.

Posted: Thu Apr 25, 2019 10:47 am

The X-Ray clearly shows the problem doesn't it... Poor Foxie. She's in good hands though, with you and your Vet.
Hugs from us to you. Mxx

Friend for Life Joined: 07 Jul 2010 Posts: 6656

Oh poor Foxie, so sad for such a young and very active girl. I really feel for you Nina.
I know that over here Yumove advance has had very good results for Arthritis and also CBD oil. There is a group on Facebook with regards to the CBD oil.

Friend for Life Joined: 09 Jan 2009 Posts: 19246

Poor Foxie, i'm so sorry Nina Sad

sending her a gentle hug.x

Posted: Sun Apr 28, 2019 7:03 am

Thank you so much for your support, it is greatly appreciated by Foxie et me! Very Happy

I finally took her to the vet's on Thursday afternoon as the weekend was getting closer and her condition hadn't improved, and I didn't want her to be in pain with no possibility of relief, and my vet prescribed NSAI tablets (Cimalgex) to be taken for 3 days only. Foxie started to feel much better yesterday - no more burping, and she ate her whole dinner last night. I'm relieved for her! No long walk today, only a short one this afternoon. The weather has been much nicer since yesterday, which I suppose will help too. I am really looking forward to the appointment with the vet-osteopath on May 6th - not too long to wait now...

Posted: Sun Apr 28, 2019 8:53 am

Oh brilliant news for Foxie et toi, Nina! Very Happy

It is wonderful when you see them out of pain...and the 6th isnt too long now....take it easy, the both of you xx

Posted: Sun Apr 28, 2019 10:40 am

That's good Nina, maybe you could find a natural anti inflammatory that will help her and can be taken long term safely. Things like Turmeric, Bromelain, Rose hip, Devils claw, Celadrin.

Posted: Sun Apr 28, 2019 11:13 am

Jacquie, a friend whose 10-year old Beardie also has arthritis (in her elbows) has given me the recipe for turmeric paste, it's quite easy to make. However, I'll wait untill our appointment on May 6th, as one of the 3 vets in that clinic is also a qualified phytotherapist and I'm sure he can tell me which among all the natural remedies is/are the best for Foxie - there are so many that I find it difficult to choose!

Friend for Life Joined: 17 Mar 2011 Posts: 1495

Hi Nina,

Really sorry to read about Foxie. I hope she feels much better soon.

Thinking of you and Foxie

xxx

Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2019 6:23 am

So sorry Nina. My Moll who will be 13 on May Day, is stiff and I don’t want to go down the medication route as Beardies are so sensitive to drugs. I have always incorporated fish in their diets for joints and they have Yumove advanced every day. She soon races up and down the house when the leads come out.
Let us know how you are getting on please. XX

Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2019 6:32 am

Thank you so much for all your encouragements and advice. Yesterday Foxie seemed to have overcome her bout of arthritisn with the help of the NSAI tablets Rolling Eyes

. Like Gerrie and some other friends here, I am not a big fan of that type of chemical either and am currently trying to find the best natural products that can help her. I'll see what the vet-osteopath says on May 6...

Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2019 8:16 am

Hi - if it is of any consolation at all, my Betsy ( BeardieBorder ) was on Metacam and the like off and on for most of her life - and in the later years of her life mainly on, and on the full dose. She had no problems with stomach/bowels etc, and the drugs kept her mobile and cheerful. She was also on Synoquin from about 9 months old.

I was fearful of meds and still am really, but have to say that for her, the NSAIDs when and as needed made a complete difference to her....

Just saying Smile

Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2019 6:48 pm

Oh dear Nina, just catching up on Foxie's troubles.

It must be worrying trying to find the right treatment for her. I hope the consultant can give you some positive news on your visit.

Thinking of you and Foxie. Xx

Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2019 8:32 pm

Am on the hooman equivalent of Yumove, having heard the benefits for dogs. Good luck Foxie x

I will report back, but my nose is nice and cold and wet at the moment Mr. Green

Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2019 5:57 am

There are lots of natural remedies on offer - Canisil, Pernacox and others, all containing some ingredients well-known for being efficient for arthritis. Has anyone ever tried Pernacox? Its main active ingredient is green-lipped mussel extract. I am rather tempted to try it...

Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2019 7:02 am

I used it last summer ... it helped my mobility, with only minor side effects.

Me in North Cornwall last year ...

Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2019 7:07 am

Oh but you look wonderful, Mark!!! Laughing

However, I hope Foxie won't have the same side effects when she takes those tabs: Shocked

Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2019 8:33 pm

All looks a bit fishy to me Mr. Green

Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2019 8:41 pm

Posted: Wed May 01, 2019 5:42 am

Posted: Wed May 01, 2019 7:42 am

Nice of you to show us your muscles , Wink