Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hi everyone. Well Chester is over 3 months post-surgery and is doing great! He is a rescue dog and the previous owners never did anything to fix his back leg after he was run over by a car. So we adopting him and got his surgery done. He is doing so great that he has enough energy to go full speed in dog parks, jump off benches, etc. However, what we are finding is that after these burst of energy his back leg (he is a rear amp) becomes sore. He is not to be weekend warrior and, yes, we do take him on leisurely strolls every day (which he loves). But I won't stop him from being a one year old dog wanting to have fun once and awhile. He loves other dogs and does great in a "social" environment.
I want to start to give him glucosamine so that I can help him as he ages. I know his hips and his joints will possibly deteriorate faster than a four legged dog and I want to make sure I give him the best possible chance.
Here is the question...human pills or pet pills? I have read a lot of forums and a lot of people say the human form is just as good as pet form and a lot cheaper. I would love to hear your opinion on this. Another question is Chester is approx. 30 lbs so how much do I give him. Not sure, if I am in the right Topic Category so don't hesitate to repost this to the right one if needed.
All advice and comments are welcomed. This is a great site!
Thanks,
Chester's Mom
Gander, NL, Canada
Hi Chester and Chester's Mom,
What a cutie!!! Glad he is doing well. I have always used dog versions of joint supplements. Right now, I'm using Wholistic Pets Run Free on my Tripawd Maggie. I did hear once but don't know if it's true, that dog version of joint supplements are designed for their short GI tracts vs human....but I'm am NOT sure there is any truth to that statement.
Tracy, Maggie's Mom
Maggie was amputated for soft tissue sarcoma 10-20-09
Maggie lost her battle with kidney disease on 8-24-13
Hi Chester's Mom,
I moved your topic here since you are talking about supplements.
Glad to hear Chester is doing so well!!
I have used the pet version of glucosamine for years- mostly because I found one the dogs eat without issues. I use the powdered kind because my Tri-pug Maggie was not good at pills (and I was too lazy to grind up people pills). I did try the liquid kind- but I seem to get better results for my dogs with the kind I use. I have small dogs so sometimes comparing med costs are not as big a factor in my decisions.
My vet did say I could use the people version- and gave me the dosage. It is at home- I'll find it and re-post tonight (if I remember!).
Have you checked out the Tripawds Nutrition Blog? Lots of supplement discussions there- you might find some more information to help with your choices.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Hi Chester's Mom, thanks for bringing up this impawtant topic.
From what I understand, the most important thing to look for is a supplement that's been third party tested by by unbiased organizations such as ConsumerLab.com. I would assume that supplements made for dogs are conditioned for their GI tract, but I can't say for sure. That's a great question.
Also, Dr. Jessica Waldman from Cal Animal Rehab has taught us that strengthening core muscles goes a LONG way toward avoiding arthritic pain later on in life. See our http://gear.tri.....m/fitness/ has some GREAT TIPS about strengthening core muscles, as well as discusses supplements and what to look for. I hope this helps!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Chester's Mom,
I had asked our oncologist this exact question and she said the same thing as Jerry, that the important thing is to get one that has been tested to know that its ingredients are pure and as listed. Either human or canine versions are fine as long as the product has tested well. She said that among the human brands, Osteobiflex is one of the best (in terms of knowing that the ingredients are pure).
My dog is 45-50 pounds and I give him half of an Osteobiflex capsule a day. About 750 mg once a day.
I think, but am not positive, that the company that makes Cosequin (for horses) is among the more reliable and that they make a doggy version.
Percy's Mom
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