Any Ideas On How to Treat Arthritis in Corgis?

[jcj528]

Do any of you have any ideas on how treat and/or manage a 6 year old Corgi with arthritis in his wrists? Zack isn't particularly heavy nor has he been asked to work hard during his six years with me. Yet he has been diagnosed with arthritis in several of his joints. The most profound changes are in his wrists. He has been ordered to crate rest several times since the diagnosis. He does improve with the crate rest. But as some as he's out again, he's jumping on the couch and the bed and running all over the house with the three other dogs. And in just a few days he's limping all over again. I have pain meds to give him, but when he takes them, he stops eating. So I don't know what to do. Any ideas from you all would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Dillydoodle]

The only suggestion i have would be to give him Glucosamine Chondriotin. I discovered this before i ever had dogs, while i had a cat who was starting to get arthritis and was having trouble getting up into my bed. I started giving her glucosamine Chondroitin and after 30 days i started to really see some improvement, and by about 60 days she was able to jump back easily into my bed... and was doing that for 4 more years before she finally passed on...

From the start with Dillon i have given him this suppliment to help with his joints... and once i got Gus, he had been on it since puppyhood according to his previous owner and i just continued that... also giving vitamin C ( 250 mg) a day along with the glucosamine ( which you can get in chewable tablet, pill or even powder to mix into food) helps the body absorb the glucosamine more effectively. see link below for info on this suppliment from doctor fosters and smith ( where i order it from)
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/general.cfm?N=2001&gid=453

I sure hope you can help zack feel better.. weight often is the other thing, keeping him trim is important, less weight to pound on his joints. I would also say to not let him jump off of furniture... i got doggy steps for my two so they can get on and off our bed without jumping down and putting strain on their joints... it wasnt too hard to train them to use them.

Emilie

[mtoy]

Millie has joint problems. I put her on a glucosamine supplement and keep her at a very trim weight. Those 2 things made a huge difference. Also, when I changed her food to Canidae she made another big improvement - I know that sounds weird, but it's true. Now I've been phasing in raw but it's too soon to know how that goes.

[Jespah]

I also feed my dogs Missing Link+ powder supplement in their meals daily - the plus is the glucosamin chondriotan -Rupert used to routinely limp after a hard play or too much running - after about 3 weeks on it, back last August, he never limps - also noticed a big difference in his coat. Jumping down as Em said is very hard on them - I wouls imagine specifically their wrists.

Deb

[manymuddypaws]

my advice is the same as Deb- missing link plus, and moderate activity

[jcj528]

I'm off to get the supplements and doggie stairs now! Also Zack weighs in at just under 30 pounds. What should he weigh? I have already taken 10 pounds off him over the last year or so. His vet threw a hissie when the Zackmiester hit 40 pounds about 18 months ago. Both Zack and the Vet are happier now, but the Vet didn't really give me a target weight. As Zack is a very large Corgi - he was never allowed to be a show dog because he got over sized before he turned a year old - his proper weight is a mystery to me. He's about 14 inches tall and about 22 inches long. Basically, a Corgi on steroids! :WINK: He does have a very attractive hour glass figure and if it were'nt for all the hair, he would have a very nice tight loin. But still his weght may well be part of the problem. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks!

[Jespah]

From the photos I've seen of Zack and his body size, that's a pretty good weight. You should be able to easily feel his ribs, not see them - that's a general dog rule when it comes to weight. I find it works well for me too :WINK:

Deb

[Dillydoodle]

I agree with Deb on this one, he looks fit to me at that weight. I have a larger corgi who is 31 lbs and needs to stay there, if you see a nice hourglass figure and cant count ribs but can feel them then i would say 30 is probably a good weight. Keeping him around there should help, i am sure that 40 lbs on his frame was a bit much for him so helping him to lose that weight was a great thing- much easier on the joints and bones. IMO, the glucosamine in missing link plus is not enough, i personally think that doing missing link plus and then adding addition glucosamine is the way to go... check out the link i posted for you, the granulated glucosamine in Joint care advanced 2 i think is the one i get ( even though neither dog has arthitis, it cant hurt and is good for overall joint health...shoot , even i take it - just not the dog version, liver flavor has never been my favorite! LOL)

Emilie

[zephyr9779]

Hi!

From what i've seen, the advice is all great! Firstly, the weight is fine. 30 pounds is alright for a male corgi in general.

Next, you will need to train him not to jump. Arthritis is manageable. But if he carries on jumping he might worsen the problem and aggravate the situation by hurting his back (the long spine shld not have high levels of impact).

The glucosamine chondroitin plus MSM will help for sure. Its great for older dogs and for dogs that have long bodies, I recommend that they start taking it from young. I give some to Benny now and he's just over a year old.

Lastly, the above should alleviate most of the pain and i'd say, stop giving the meds. It obviously disagrees with him.

One more approach you should consider is to look for a certified canine massage therapist or acupuncturist (i don't like needles though). I know first hand that acupressure and specific massage techniques can drastically help a dog with pain from arthritis. The therapy is excellent as its holistic and requires no drugs whatsoever. Moreover, the dog is more likely to enjoy it to the point of falling asleep during the session. (haha! its true!)

All the best and wish your Z-dogs great health and happiness!

[Jespah]

The "plus" in Missing Link is glucosamine - so make sure you aren't overdoing the glucosamine - I know it can upset some dogs tummies in some forms - I have a friends whose dog can't tolerate the pills.

And good advice from Zephyr - who I see is a registered canine massage therapist! Thanks and welcome!

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

Jespah is very correct in pointing that out, Miss Gambler can not tolerate it, upset her tummy really bad. We took her off of it, tummy issue stopped, tried it agin, really bad tummy issue, then took her off, but gave it another chance with same result. Vet said not to give it to her, as if we had to be told!!! I wish that she could tolerate it.

[Fluffypants]

I think the rest of the gang has all bases covered. Good luck to you and Zack - please keep us posted!!! +WUBCLUB+

[love2corgis]

How about hydrotherapy?
Cindy has really benefitted from her swimming sessions. She has just done her 7th session and has gone from just 2 minutes at a time when she started to 15 minutes in one go tonight. The owner says she is a very fit dog now and this is helping her arthritis.
Another suggestion is a magnetic collar- Sooty started to show signs of stiffness two years ago but after wearing the collar for two years he is fitter than ever.

[MVons]

On the weight it is hard to tell. I could always tell when my dog gained 2 pounds - the ribs and waistline, but I couldn't tell when she lost weight the last week. I remember one person said, the flesh on the ribs should feel like a slice of cheese is inbetween.

I avoid aspirin unless I'm ready to loose a dog in 2 years because it degrades the cartilage. Saying that, I just met a dog who has been on low dose aspirin for 4 years. So the dosage and dog makes a difference. What I'm trying to say, is find out the side effects of any medication. The supplements - have side benefits! My dog was on Alfalfa for mild arthritis in her hip along with the glucosamine. The alfalfa benefit was it helps with allergies.

Merrie

[jcj528]

You may have noticed that I mentioned that Zack is having trouble getting around. He was known to have some arthritis in both his wrists but now he's limping behind, too. In addition, he seems to be losing some of his coordination. We were walking Sunday afternoons on our sidewalk which was a wet from drenching rains when all four of his feet just slipped out from underneath him. He got up so slowly too. I have to tell you I am really worried about him. Seems to be aging well before his time. He won't even be seven years old until April.

He and I are seeing the vet on Saturday morning. Hopefully there is something we can do to help him.

[Bobbie]

He's young for DM in a corgi but having his feet go out from under him sounds like it could be a possibility, unfortunately diagnosed only by ruling out other possibilities. It wouldn't account for the wrists- did they do Xrays to diagnose arthritis? Make sure they do one of his back. It doesn't sound like a herniated disk but there are other things that can go wrong with the spine. The main thing is do not let the vet just tell you not to worry about it- if your vet doesn't know what it is, try to find someone who can tell you more.

[jcj528]

Its the DM that has me so scared.

[Jespah]

I know it's hard, but try not to worry about something that hasn't been determined. There are a few folks here who have gone through similar things and you may want to check out the orthodogs forum.

I'm keeping Zack in my thoughts Julie. +WUBCLUB+

Let us know.

Deb

[Fluffypants]

{{{{{Zack}}}}} {{{{{Julie}}}}}

Let us know how it goes.

[manymuddypaws]

Julie I am thinking of you and Zack. I know just how scary something like this can be. I would get him to an ortho specialist asap. Your regular vet probably won't have the experience to properly diagnose him. Poor Zack- big hugs!!!

[CorgiMum]

He's young for DM in a corgi but having his feet go out from under him sounds like it could be a possibility, unfortunately diagnosed only by ruling out other possibilities.


The main thing is do not let the vet just tell you not to worry about it- if your vet doesn't know what it is, try to find someone who can tell you more.


I agree with you Bobby, and Julie, as scary as the thought of DM is, the sooner that you know what Zak's needs are, the sooner you can take care of them.

I spent a few month in denial with Monty's illness, and have always regretted it.

[ZdogZ]

Oh, Julie! I am sending vibes from the NM Z's. Please be sure and keep us updated. Much love, thoughts, and prayers to you and your Z's, especially Zack.

[MrsGrace]

Colby and I are sending vibes and prayers your way. As Deb said, get the facts first. One of my FAVORITE sayings...

Don't "Should" on yourself.

Big hugs coming your way. No matter what, we're all here for you.

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

Anna'a right, no "should have, would have, could have". Take things one step at a time, and THE most important thing that you could do is to have a vet that you could absolutely trust, and as Amanda pointed out, someone who is knowledgeable in the field. Why waste time and money, go straight to someone who can help. It may be more expensive, but if it's where you will end up anyway, or if it will save you trips to regular vets, it's actully cheaper in the long run. I believe in doing things right the first time, and saving money IS one of the benefits.

Mucho Mojo vibes going out to Zack and to you. Keep us posted.

[sutulu]

Good luck Julie. I hope the news is better than you are anticipating.

My heart and best wishes go out to you and Zack.

Susan

[dcole]

Lots of hugs and vibes for Zack! Please keep us updated.

[corgiland]

Thinking of you and Zack, Julie and sending lots of good vibes your way.....Good luck on Saturday....

[disraeli ears]

My mom gives my 12-year-old Lab glucosamine. She only started needing it about a year ago.

I think you have some pretty sound advice, Julie. Good luck! :BIGGRIN"

[Bobbie]

Another possible cause would be a tick-borne disease such as Lyme.

[jcj528]

Thanks everyone for your knid words and your thoughtful suggestions. Thank you also for your thoughts, prayers and vibes. Now if someone will just explain to Zack why he can't have breakfast tomorrow (as he will be knocked out for the xrays) everything will be fine. Knowing the Chief Z, he will be more upset by that than anything!

[CorgiMum]

Sending lots of vibes from Montrose, Dylan, Danny and I to the Chief Z for tomorrows Vet visit. And a Big hug for you Julie.

Please keep us posted, and good luck.

[MVons]

Pour Zack, let's see can you get him up after the others have had their breakfast and then just act like you don't know what Zack wants so he'll turn his frustration into concern for your mental health? Good luck, they can really make you feel like a mean person when you have to withhold food.

[jcj528]

After a pretty exhaustive physical yesterday, I fully believe that Zack's problems are all related to arthritis. The xrays of his wrists and hips found some minor arthritic changes, but no hip dyslpasia. The xrays of Zack's spine were inconclusive but there was not a dymanic disk problem. The vet would like to do an MRI to be sure, but I don't have that kind of money. But though Zack had rather traumatic accident as a puppy (okay - I dropped him from over my head - we were playing "Super Corgi - which we never played again) but the possibility of a herniated disk seems remote. We have Zack on the Glucosimine-Condrotine Combination which we hope will make him more comfortable. The good news (at least I think its good news) was that Zack did not limp at all during any of the tests. Either he was being incredibly brave in public or he's a wimp at home.

When I brought up DM, the vet got very serious and wanted to know all about Zack's falling episodes. I said that last Sunday when I walked the dogs between the thunder storms Zack had slipped and fallen and had trouble getting up. She asked about the other times. I said that's it. She chuckled, "so you are diagnosing a devastating progressive disease based upon one fall on a slippery sidewalk when your other three dogs were crowding around him?" "Well, . . ." I said. She, I think trying not to laugh
at me, said, "keep a log of his falls and the circumstances surrounding them for the next sixty days. We can revisit this again if it seems warranted." I agreed with that.

So all the news yesterday was good. Some of the tests are not back yet, of course. But I never believed that Zack could have Lyme Disease or the Eccy (I have no idea what it is actually called) as there has not been a single tick on Zack for about three years. The ticks he had at one time were simple brown ticks which don't carry either disease.

So I came away feeling much better about my boy. He has arthritis, but if the stuff we are giving can help him be more comfortable and we can keep his weight at the current 29 pounds, he should have a bunch more years to be the Chief Z.:BIGGRIN"

Thanks for all your thoughts, prayers and vibes. :NOTWORTHY: I really felt them when I asked the question which scared me the most - the DM one.

[Bobbie]

Well, as I said, he would be VERY young for DM in a corgi, so it isn't likely. Age of onset in corgis is normally 10+.

What I do for Merlin for arthritis is glucosamine (1000 mg per day for a 27 lb corgi) and SAM-e (400 mg per day). He does very well, even running agility. (Though he doesn't do to well there, that is because he won't take his eyes off of me which makes it hard to do tunnels and weaves, not because he can't run or jump.) He doesn't limp as it is back knees with him, he just doesn't use his back legs as much.

[jcj528]

Bobbie:

I really appreciated your input. Without it, I might never have asked the question and I would still be fretting! As it is, I will do as ordered and keep the log. With everyone's good wishes, there won't be any!

[disraeli ears]

Glad the vet found nothing more serious than arthritis. :BIGGRIN" That is quite manageable.

[ZdogZ]

I'm glad that you got some good news about Zack. Keep us updated on him.

[MrsGrace]

Thank you for the update! Glad Z is just facing arthritis at this point and nothing more serious. Do keep a log though, if for nothing else than for your own peace of mind. Give all the Z's big hugs from us!

[corgiland]

Julie...thanks for the update on Zack and hope that the medication he is on will help.......please be sure and keep us posted...

[Fluffypants]

That's great news Julie! Bet it's a big weight off your chest! Give the Miami Z's a hug from me & Jackie. +WUBCLUB+

[CorgiMum]

Thanks for all your thoughts, prayers and vibes. :NOTWORTHY: I really felt them when I asked the question which scared me the most - the DM one.

Julie, I'm so very glad that DM was ruled out for Zack.

And I'm sending more healing vibes for your boy.