Harley

[Plum's mum]

So sorry for you both @Naya, I really hope the meds work for Harley and you get a plan in place that suits you both.

 

[M.F.]

I’m so sorry. At least you are on a path towards some action to get her feeling better. Snowie’s physio said it’s so typical in Labs to present with joint problems and ruptured cruciates because they are typically such boisterous puppies that they do damage when young, which catches up with them as adults. Somehow, it made me feel okay to hear that, almost an answer to why he has arthritic pain. Snowie is being treated with underwater treadmill to build muscle to protect his joints. He also had a course of six laser treatments in the affected areas (for him it’s his lower back and right knee, which has some bone thickening), which I think did a lot of good. And I give him turmeric paste, which the physio said she’s taking herself for her neck (recent neck op). We’re also meant to do core strengthening exercises at home (quite difficult!)—the physio said it really helps support the whole body. Luckily he’s not on pain meds. We give him paracetamol if he appears in pain on the odd occasion (once every two weeks perhaps)—works a charm.

The physio said that if one joint is affected, the dog tries to protect it and in so doing, puts stress on another joint. How she explained Snowie’s sore knee—it took stress while he’s been protecting his back.

Best of luck. It’s so hard seeing them in pain.

 

[Atemas]

 

[MellowYellow]

Ah Naya... I'm so sorry. But it's not the worst news.

I'm sure you'll be able to work out a plan to help Harley. Anti-inflammatories, physio exercises, water treadmill, all help. I've also got Merlin on YouMove tablets, and he also gets hyalauronic acid injections twice a year. There is no one-size-fits-all answers, you will find out what helps her most. I have arthritis myself, and I know it comes and goes in waves.

 

[Loraseal]

Oh @Naya I am so sorry. You need time to take all the info in, and of course you feel flat.
On a positive note there are lots of treatments and supplements out there that can help.
As @M.F. says the golden paste is also very good and the water treadmill therapy helps strengthen the muscles. We also used the Laser treatments but we notice that is only short term for Hunter.
We also use Youmove as @MellowYellow mentioned.
You will work your plan out.
I know how the news hits you but as I have mentioned in previous posts. my acceptance of the condition was (and is) my path forward.
Lots of people on this forum who can help and who are there to support you.
X

 

[FayRose]

A shame but as others have said, it could have been worse.
@M.F. describes effective treatment well and hopefully some of that will suit Harley. I, like @MellowYellow also have arthritis, both rheumatoid and osteo and I have bony growths on my feet
Some of the treatments offered for dogs also work for us. Fingers crossed Harley gets relief from her pain soon.

 

[kateincornwall]

Sorry to read your news @Naya . There is help to manage arthritis , I can vouch for Yumove as being fantastic , it strengthens the ligaments which in turn help to support the affected joints , its been wonderful for Nelly . Hoping that with some careful management , Harley will cope with this , hugs to you xx

 

[Beanwood]

I am so sorry to hear this, at the same time relieved there is nothing sinister going on. It took me a good while to deal with Benson's diagnosis, and certainly, for a while, we both felt "flat". He had extra bone growth due to joint modification, we were terrified at the time that it was something else.

If your vet can get a referral to Tamsin at Freedom vet, she is simply amazing! I was there yesterday with Benson and Casper. Otter comes along and has the run of the place, she likes to say hello to Tamsin's puppy Shamas in his crate, if we have a time, a quick play together. Actually, we were saying how although Benson is REALLY bouncy right now, it is a pleasure compared to the dog a year ago. Casper loves going and leans against Tamsin to have his treatment and treats. He then crashes out and sleeps the afternoon, enjoying a deep, healthy and restorative snooze.

Freedom Vets

 

[M.F.]

@Beanwood what kind of treatment do they get?

 

[Stacia]

Sorry to read your news @Naya . There is help to manage arthritis , I can vouch for Yumove as being fantastic , it strengthens the ligaments which in turn help to support the affected joints , its been wonderful for Nelly . Hoping that with some careful management , Harley will cope with this , hugs to you xx

For @Naya you can buy Yumove Advanced from a veterinary surgeon only, so that might be helpful.

 

[Ashley]

Sorry to hear about Harley, but glad that you are on the road to getting some answers and she is likely feeling more comfortable with the meds.

 

[Naya]

Thanks all for your support. We tried yumove in the past, but unfortunately they made Harley really poorly. The vets have said they will discuss medication / supplements/ management treatment plans when we see them in 2 weeks time.
I’ve been looking at hydrotherapy and will definitely be pushing for this to be part of her plan, along with the massage she currently gets.

 

[Rosie]

Big hugs, ternaya. The diagnosis is the first step - well done. You'll get through the next ones too. Harley is a brave girl and she'll adjust. Sending you lots of positive thoughts (and of course quantities of loving drool from the pongster)

 

[Candy]

Lots of love and all best wishes to you both from GGJ and me.xx