"All NSAIDs can have serious side effects, even the OTC drugs. How many of you have bloodwork done prior to using acetaminophen or ibuprofen"



While Aimee makes some good points may I point out that Acetaminophen is *not* an NSAID and has a different side effect profile than the drugs in that class. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Has any one here used cholodin as a joint supplement?

Sue

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Has any one here used cholodin as a joint supplement? Sue

No, but from what I've read, I think I would try it. It has an close relative to an ingredient that I have really good success with for my own degenerative joint disorder. It contains choline and amino acids, mainly, and vitamins and minerals. I haven't read of any bad side effects.

But I also want to say that I've had terrific success with senior dogs with arthritis with two things more than anything else: weight control and glucosamine.

Chondroitin (frequently added to glucosamine) has not, I'm pretty sure, panned out as any proven aid, but glucosamine has. A six-year-old, for example, who came to me already showing symptoms severe enough to keep her from climbing stairs, was able to do it within 3 months on glucosamine. It's not an instant pain reliever or NSAID, but what it appears to do is actually support cartilage regrowth within the affected joints. If I were you, I'd ask the vet about that. I've used it now on three senior dogs, and have had success every time (at least some measure of success).

You can get glucosamine in a capsule that you can open and sprinkle on the food. I'm adding that because for months I was dealing with pilling the dog, until I found out about the capsules.

It's cheap, too.

I'm not a health professional; this is just a suggestion to ask your vet about.

Connie-
how much glucosamine do you give the dog? How much is too much?

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.....how much glucosamine do you give the dog? How much is too much?

This site (which I have referred to more than once) says 1000 mg to 2000 mg for a big dog (60-90 pounds).
http://www.placervillevet.com/nutraceuticals.htm

There are many answers to the dosage question. My vet at that time (when I first learned about giving it to dogs; I was already taking it myself!) recommended a minimum of 10 mg./day per pound of weight, and up, depending on severity of symptoms, up to 1500 mg. per day. I have also read of recommendations to start at 1500/day for a large dog for two months, then to go to 1000/day from then on.

I was giving my dog about 25 mg. per pound of body weight.

I've read and heard and been advised that this is a permanent supplement for a dog with arthritis, btw.

Your vet will give you the best answer about dosage, and (I believe) will probably be able to answer in a telephone call. I've never heard of any bad side effects.