How to treat Shih Tzu Arthritis?
July 10th, 2010 | 
Author: I have a Shih Tzu who is almost 7 years old, and she has been randomly limping and hesitating to move around as much as she used to. She still gets excited and runs around, but every now and then she seems to stiffen up or limp slightly. I’m pretty sure this is arthritis, so I’m just beginning to look at my options. Anyone with info from past experiences dealing with pet arthritis would be helpful and appreciated. I am worried about this affecting her quality of life and her life expectancy. I am willing to do pretty much anything and spend any amount of money that is neccessary for treatment. Does anyone know what is out there?
First thing would be to take her to your vet for a proper diagnosis – you have to know it is arthritis before you can treat it.
If it is, start with daily glucosamine supplements. When she is in pain, your vet will prescribe an anti-inflammatory, pain killer such as Metacam or Rymadil. I prefer Metacam, it costs more but is a liquid which can given long term, it has fewer side effects than Rymadil which is cheaper.
I have a dog with arthritis and calcification of his spine, he has had 2 bad attacks when he need prednisone as well, and crate rest, but he is doing very well now just on the daily glucosamine.
Talk to your vet – there are definitely medications that can help your dog — best of luck. It really should not affect her life expectancy as much as her quality of life – but there are certainly things you can do to help her.
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It’s very simple to help alleviate the pain of arthritis and there are a lot supplements you can use, but it’s smart to make sure that it’s actually arthritis first as a lot of things could be causing those symptoms. Have your vet diagnose arthritis and rule out anything else and then you can start your dog on supplements to help ease the pain.
References :
Since you are willing to do anything, schedule an appointment with your vet. The source of the pain needs to be evaluated before arthritis can be diagnosed. X-rays and an exam needs to be done before recommendations can be made. There are many safe and effective pain relievers and arthritis medications on the market. The good ones are available through veterinarians.
References :
First thing would be to take her to your vet for a proper diagnosis – you have to know it is arthritis before you can treat it.
If it is, start with daily glucosamine supplements. When she is in pain, your vet will prescribe an anti-inflammatory, pain killer such as Metacam or Rymadil. I prefer Metacam, it costs more but is a liquid which can given long term, it has fewer side effects than Rymadil which is cheaper.
I have a dog with arthritis and calcification of his spine, he has had 2 bad attacks when he need prednisone as well, and crate rest, but he is doing very well now just on the daily glucosamine.
Talk to your vet – there are definitely medications that can help your dog — best of luck. It really should not affect her life expectancy as much as her quality of life – but there are certainly things you can do to help her.
References :
Arthritis is a disease which usually strikes dogs in their golden years. But of course, young dogs are susceptible too. It is an inflammation in a joint. It gets worse over time, and may begin as simple morning stiffness and progress to lameness and swollen, painful joints. The good news is that while arthritis is incurable, treatment can make your dog feel a whole lot better. It is better if you know the basics about arthritis, treatments and when to see a vet. Here are good links to learn..
http://dogtime.com/arthritis.html
http://dogtime.com/arthritis-in-dogs-aaha.html
References :
http://dogtime.com/