Hi All.  I have recently heard about Adequan.  I am not familiar with it personally, but I thought it sounded like it may be helpful in controlling underlying osteoarthritis pain in my tripawd Major.  Major is a 110 lbs Great Pyrenees.  He is 8 years old, and 5 weeks post-amp, due to osteosarcoma.  His mobility was OK before amputation.  He was on Rimadyl then, and although he was not into much physical activity, he was enjoying leisurely walks, or just puttering in the backyard.

Since the surgery, his recovery has been excruciatingly slow.  The surgery site has healed nicely, but his mobility is greatly impaired.  He just finally started going out on VERY short walks, with multiple rests.  He usually needs to lay down many times during the walk.  The walks are very short.  Basically, from the front door to the road, and maybe 2 houses down, then back.  The furthest I let him go, was 3 houses down.  He wants to keep on going, but is laying down a lot, so it feels like he is not really up to a longer walk.

At home, he really hobbles.  He acts as if he was made of glass.  He takes tiny, wobbly steps.  We put down rugs, runners, and mats wherever we could, but even on these he seems very wobbly.  His back legs sometimes shake like jello.  He also gets up the barest minimum times.  Basically, when I tell him to get up to eat and/or go out.  Otherwise, he stays put.

Right now, Major is on Rimadyl and Gabapentin.  He has Tramadol if he needs it, but that actually makes him even more wobbly and uncoordinated, so I really haven't used it pass the first week post-amp.  So after this long winded background info (sorry!), my question is: would adding Adequan be beneficial?  Do other pain meds have to be stopped when adding Adequan?  Is Adequan used instead of one or the other?  Is it better/safer?  Any other input would be much appreciated.  Thank you in advance for your help!