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[Anonymous]

I have a 14 year old Yorkshire Terrier with a collapsing right knee which I presume is from arthritis.  Has anyone had any experience with this and is there a solution or at least a way to lessen the “collapsing.”

[Anonymous]

You probably would want to get a diagnosis from your vet to confirm what the issue is….it could be anything from arthritis to a torn ligament or any number of things.  If it is arthritis, you could use some good supplements and add EFA’s and definitely Omega 3’s.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the advice.  My vet has said it is arthritis. I am presently giving her fish oil and flax seed oil, along with Cosequin (glucosamine and condrotin) and MSM. What else do yo recommend?  What are EFAs?  

[Anonymous]

EFA’s essential fatty acids.  Sounds like you have a good supplement program in place.  How about a grain free diet?  Grains really aggravate inflammation and dogs often do much better with no grains in their diet when they have arthritis.  Keeping your dog at a good weight to ease the joints too.

[Anonymous]

I am sorry for my delay in replying.  My question now is how do I feed her without any grain?

[Anonymous]

You could do a home cooked diet that is higher in protein and lower in carbs. I am also going to recommend Agility supplement.  Here is a link:  
http://www.banditsbuddies.com/joint-health.shtml

Edited 3/27/08 – How about you switch to a high quality kibble such as Healthy Pet Net’s Life Abundance or Flint River Ranch for 6 months, see how things go with the supplements you are using and see if there is improvement?  Sometimes just a switch to a higher quality food, you could even add in an egg a week for extra protein.  What food are you currently feeding?

[Anonymous]

What do you have to say about Rimadyl?  I have read all the stories about liver and kidney failure but I wonder if the pain free life for my dog is worth the risk.

Barbara

[Anonymous]

What do you have to say about Rimadyl?  I have read all the stories about liver and kidney failure but I wonder if the pain free life for my dog is worth the risk.

Barbara

I’m not a vet, but from personal experience with my Mother’s dog….I would avoid drugs until there was nothing else herbally/naturally that could be done to alleviate the pain.  I would go with a grain free diet and supplements to support joint health first.  

[Anonymous]

Personally, I would get a second opinion from another vet. Preferably an orthopedic specialist. Food and supplements aren’t going to help much. Kind of like aspirin for a broken leg. All they do is put a big dent in your pocket. I’m not a vet, but I have worked as a vet tech and rescue Bloodhounds.  

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