My dearest Oscar Dog turned 10(!!) this spring and as it's time for me to re-order his joint supplement, I thought I'd ask the hive-mind if there is a supplement they prefer or have seen great results with. I've been giving O Grand Flex for years, but I'm curious about Syn-Flex; liquid form = better absorption, though the two products seem well-matched otherwise. I'm not opposed to something in capsule form either... and I know the actual efficacy of these products is hard to prove, but perhaps someone here has some compelling info to share.

Oscar is raw fed and has been on Salmon oil and vit E for most of his life. He's at a healthy weight and I think he's doing quite well for a 10 y/o, but he's a 10 y/o large breed nonetheless. He does have one bad shoulder that's been an on-and-off issue for some time, but it appears to be more of a consistent irritation of late (we've had it x-rayed and evaluated and apparently he has next to no arthritis or obvious bone issues in the leg, so the source is either tendon/ligament-based or neurological). I just want to be giving him the best shot at aging gracefully and with as little chronic pain as possible.

Many thanks for any thoughts on this!

-Natalya

Of all the things my 11 year old Pointer has daily for her arthritis and myleopathy, the one thing that is most noticeable is how quickly her mobility reduces if I run out of Yumove, I am amazed at the difference it makes to her!

Thanks Tracy! I hadn't heard of Yumove - looks like it's a UK product, so isn't readily available in the States - though I can order it online. Will definitely check it out!

-N

Hi Natalya,

Hard to believe Oscar is 10! I guess we're all getting older.....

I've seen a difference with Joint Strong - it's a glucosamine chrondroitin powdered mix with herbs and vitamins that you sprinkle on food. The Buzzdog (8 years old this summer) has some arthritis starting in his lower spine and it keeps him limber enough for rally. I have also used Grand Flex and Synflex with other dogs over the years but I like Joint Strong better.

Making a note of the Yumove for future reference, too.

I would really like the Yucca extract that is for sale on this site, it's available here in the UK, but it's imported, and at an eye watering price, and I mean HOW MUCH?!

It is a fraction of the price in the US!

http://leerburg.com/33.htm

Edited by tracey holden (05/29/2015 02:17 PM)
Edit reason: linking Leerburg product

Hi all - I wanted to post a little update to this thread, since I started Oscar on Syn-Flex (sold here), and I'm so happy to report that it appears to be having wonderful effect:

I've noticed a dramatic improvement in his desire to be up and about, and his endurance on walks. For the first time in a long time he's actually leading me on walks, rather than constantly lagging behind, and he's been interested in walking about twice as far as we used to go on a daily basis. I've also noticed him back to his old sleeping positions as well - for a while he appeared to be adjusting his resting pose to take pressure off of his shoulders/elbows... he just looked a bit "off" - but things are definitely better.

Age will continue to take it's toll, but for now, we seem to have found something quite beneficial. Thank you to everyone who contributed recommendations! I now have a nice list of additional things to try, should our situation change.

-N & O

I wonder if Oscars arthritis is a result of his Lyme encounter, or just big dog standard osteoarthritis.
Any idea?

Oscar is TEN? OMG.....