Tony
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ARTHRITISTed (Duncliffe Noir) is 10 yrs 4 mths old. He suffers from arthritis in both elbows; they are very swollen and limit his leg movements. However, he is very active, enjoys 3 to 4 hours walking every day, hunting across fields, exploring hedgerows and shows no sign of any discomfort.
My vet has suggested that I consider elbow replacements for Ted but I do not feel that Ted's present quality of life could be much improved.
Unfortunately there is a possibility of severe immobility setting in anytime. Operations on his elbows would pre-empt this.
I would appreciate any comments or suggestions to help me decide for or against operations.
Thanks.
Tony
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Mugi
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Mugi (11 and a bit) has arthritis in his hip and some in his spine.
I use regular Cortaflex, Dorwest's Garlic & Fenugreek and Mixed Veg tabs and he has regular swimming, in rivers etc during the summer and now the weather is getting colder I am going to re-start hydrotherapy.
I don't know much about elbow replacements but I doubt I personally would put Mugi through such an extensive surgery and rehab, if he were younger and very limited in mobility I might consider it but not on an older dog.
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Mugi
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 Please excuse my manners, hope you find a way to help Ted!!!!!
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Annie as admin
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Hi Tony
Hope you are well and welcome to the group. Sorry to hear about Ted. I woulda gree with Sue - I wouldn't put a dog of this age through such a big operation. I always give my dogs Glucosamine with addedd omega 3 (tesco's cheapest) as soon as they turn 7 (Veteran age) I haven't tried any of the items Sue has mentioned but Mugi seems very fit so they must be working.
Good luck
Annie
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johnhod
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Like Annie I don't know anything of the remedy that Sue uses but I too have used glucosamine on my working dogs, as soon as they start to slow down. I recommended it to someone on the shoot I go to, his old, retired dog was having difficulty walking. He complained to me at the next shoot (two weeks later) that he was ahving problems stopping the same dog from running upstairs and jumping on the bed.
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Lin Dyke
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Have found this topic very useful. Just as I was considering putting Zac on glucosamine (after having bought a special offer Pedigree Joint Care product, which does seem to work  ) Rudi went lame today, (had thought he looked a bit stiff over the weekend) Skived off work to meet Jim and him at vet's. Anti inflam' jab with a week of tabs. Peter ( the vet) diagnosed a strain (he is the senior partner who performed the orthoplasty on my first Britboys' hip many moons ago, so have a lot of faith in him  Just wondering if you give the glucosamine in tablet or liquid form and what dosage is good for dogs?
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Mugi
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I give my glucosamine as Cortaflex in liquid form, this started as my younger WSS really needed it for his arthritis (he has been on it over a year now so started aged 4.5  ). I was advised to use the cortaflex as the molecular structure is smaller so more easier to absorb. Also Freddy is a b****er for avoiding tablets so the liquid is easier.
Mugi 18 - 19kg and Freddy 19 - 20kg both had a loading dose of 10mls per day for a fortnight and now have 5mls a day.
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johnhod
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Very unscientific I'm afraid but I buy cheap capsules, open them and spread half a capsule of the powder on the dog's food.
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Annie as admin
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Hester eats anything and everything being a german wirehaired plonker so I buy Tesco's cheapest and pop a pill in her breakfast every day  I need to find something smaller for my self because they are b y big!!! 
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Tony
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ArthritisReference first mesage, above. We have now had a consultation with the orthopaedic surgeon and readers may be interested in result.
The elbow replacement operation is relatively new and has a 50% success rate. Fitzpatrick Referrals will not operate unless the dog is in pain or seriously limited in movements. Ted is still very mobile and his general fitness and health enables him to cope well with his disability. So no operation.
Hill's 'Joint' Diet is recommended but if I prefer to keep to the present diet, which I do, EPA Omega 3 is suggested as a supplement.
I asked about exercise levels. "As much as he enjoys. If he is stiff next day, he will have done too much."
I am pleased with this outcome; I didn't fancy the operation!
Tony Cucher.
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Mugi
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Really pleased you were given the advice that means you are not pressured into making a difficult decision.
I hope Ted has many years more happy and active life.
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Annie as admin
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Tony, I am very glad you have had this outcome for Ted. To me 50% is not high enough to make any operation worthwhile for a dog, particularly a Brittany. I wish you both a good few more active years together.
Great news
Annie
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