Dog TPLO surgery: Is MSM safe with Rimadyl? What supplements help?

Dasuquin with MSM and Cosequin DS Plus MSM (both by Nutramax Labs) are excellent products. I prefer these because it is the same company that makes the human product, Cosamin, and one of the few companies that submits its products for outside testing to verify ingredients. The GlycoFlex line of products would also be one to consider. These are my own personal recommendations.

Yes, as far as we know these supplements are the same. You can use human branded forms of glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and fish oils for dogs. These supplements are all very safe. Ensure you are using the dose recommended by your vet for maximum efficacy. I hope that helps and Sail gets better soon.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Thankfully panosteitis is a self limiting disease and will resolve. The hip / elbow dysplasia can be quite uncomfortable and may need surgical intervention if severe enough by an orthopedic surgeon. NSAIDs are ok to give short term but long term is where you may see liver damage. I always start with a conservative approach for arthritis / joint discomfort. Below are the products I would recommend for Rogue and starting these early may be beneficial in the long run. Some of these products you will only be able to purchase from your vet. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further. 1. Fish Oil- Wellactin- Omega 3 fatty acids (DHA) is recommended for arthritis. This is especially important with arthritis patients with kidney disease. Very safe, in overdosage may cause acid reflux or diarrhea. If used in very high doses (especially with aspirin products) may cause prolonged bleeding. Dose is generally 100 mg per 10 pounds. 2. Glycoflex- Glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM supplements are beneficial for multiple types of arthritis and appear to aid in cartilage health. Generally 100 mg/ 10 pounds of body weight is the recommended dosing for glucosamine. Glucosamine products should be used cautiously with diabetic patients. 3. Cetyl-M- This joint supplement uses Cetyl Myristoleate as the main ingredient. This supplement helps in lubricating the joints. This is highly recommended for hip, knee, shoulder, elbow, and carpus arthritis. This supplement is very effective for arthritis/tendon sheath pain. This is commonly used for animals that are chewing over a joint. 4. Duralactin- This product uses milk proteins to reduce inflammation in the body. This product is very safe and has been used in most species of animals with almost no side effects. This is highly recommended for back arthritis/pain. 5. Niacinamide- This is one of the B vitamins and appears to help with arthritis- the dose is 500 mg for dogs over 25 pounds, and 250 mg under 25 pounds. Give the dose 3 times per day. This product is very safe and inexpensive. 6. Adequan Injections - This is an injectable product that can help especially with spinal arthritis in many species of animals. This is an injectable form of chondroitin and works much more rapidly than oral forms of chondroitin. Should not be used with bleeding disorders. This injection is given every 1-4 weeks to help with arthritis. LIFESTYLE CHANGES - Weight loss and exercise are critical to the management of arthritis. If your pet is overweight, changes such as decreasing treats, changing to a diet or prescription weight-loss food, and increasing the amount of low-impact exercise such as swimming, will help to decrease pain and support the joints. PRESCRIPTION DIET - Prescription formulation diets are recommended to provide fish oil, glucosamine, chondroitin and other supplements. This is an especially good option for patients that may be difficult to medicate. Royal Canin Mobility Support and Hills j/d are excellent options for joint supplementation. Reevaluate how much food you are giving each day as these foods are high in fat (fish oil) and may cause weight gain. COLD LASER THERAPY- These treatments stimulate stem cells to re-activate and continue the healing process. This also appears to aid in blood flow and reduce muscle spasms in the area. These treatments are performed weekly for one month, then once monthly as needed. These especially help during the cold winter months when arthritis flairs up. ACUPUNCTURE- can be used to stimulate blood flow and pain release with arthritis.

Cosequin is a joint supplement and while it can help alleviate some of the symptoms of arthritis it is not the same as Rimadyl, a non -steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. You could talk to your vet about starting Cosequin, it’s possible that Manski might need Rimadyl less frequently if it helps. There are also some generic options that might be a little more affordable.

Hi and thanks for using PetCoach! Sorry to hear that Nevaeh is going to have surgery this Friday. Great question regarding supplements. I would advise that you check out the following website- http://www.vrshealth.com/canine-products/?petcoach=1977951 Look at Canine Omega Benefits and Osteo TruBenefits I wish you and her the best of luck. I hope she does great.

For treatment of growth problems it should be fed until at least 18months of age; in many cases a low dose is used long term to maintain cartilage health without any side effects on the liver or kidneys

Use caution when giving any fatty supplement to a pet with a history of pancreatitis. Too much may cause a flare up or aggravate an existing case of pancreatitis. Cosequin DS or Dasuquin are excellent joint supplements that can be given to dogs. Search www.pet360.com for products. Discuss an appropriate pain management protocol with your vet to provide relief if your dog has difficulty moving around.