Today in our two-part series about joint supplements for Tripawds, you can learn about vet approved joint support for bigger (and older) amputee dogs.

In this week's post, we are sharing supplements for a Giant Breed Saint Bernard, Ophelia. Her veterinarian created a joint health treatment plan that can giver her every chance at a great quality of life.

Ophelia had an evaluation and consult with her vet hospital’s pain and rehab doctor yesterday. He was great. He told me that he was surprised with how healthy and pain free that she is right now just two weeks after amputation. This was great to hear.

Both he and the surgical oncologist told me that they think that she’s ready to begin doing more on her own and that i should begin walking her beyond what is necessary for short periods of time, ie, begin to slowly go back to her normal routine. I think that she impressed him when he had her walk down the hall for him and she broke out into a full trot. Lol.

He set up a long term plan to keep her pain free and to protect her three remaining limbs.

@Michael, Ophelia's Dad

Vet-Approved Joint Support for Bigger, Giant Breed Tripawds

Michael wanted to share these things so everyone can learn what she is taking. Here they are:

CanEVA™

This is an interesting joint support for Tripawd dogs. We didn't know about this one! The base of the joint health product is elk antler. According to CanEVA, the antlers are "harvested during the ‘velvet’ stage of growth, when the antler contains the most nutritional value found in the inner cartilaginous matrix. Antler is the world’s fastest growing mammalian tissue. A mature bull can grow up to  50lbs of antler in 90 days!"

Other ingredients include:

• Glucosamine – A building block needed for the body to repair and make cartilage
• Chondroitin – A Protein that promotes joint cartilage growth and repair
• Collagen – The main support of skin, tendon, bone, cartilage and connective tissue
• Hyaluronic Acid – Nature’s Lubricant for skin, joints and eyes
• Omegas 3 and 6 – For energy and cell repair
• Calcium, Magnesium – To maintain strong bones and teeth
• IGF, EGF, Amino Acids – To build muscle mass and strength

Myos Muscle Formula

We first heard about Myos when it was recommended by rock star vets Drs. Sherman and Deborah Canapp in our "Guide to Pet Prosthetics for Vets and Parents" interview.

Myos, as we understand it, is a form of concentrated egg yolk. According to the company, "MYOS uses a single, all-natural ingredient called Fortetropin®. No additives or artificial ingredients. Fortetropin® has been shown in multiple clinical studies to accelerate gains in muscle mass, improve mobility and enhance recovery from injury."

Get more supplement recommendations from Dr. Canapp

Cosequin DS

This joint health supplement is a Tripawd joint health supplement recommended by veterinarians for many years. Made by Nutramax, it has a lot of good science behind it. According to the company, the proprietary formula has FCHG49® Glucosamine Hydrochloride and TRH122® Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate.

Chondroitin Sulfate have been scientifically formulated to help support and maintain the health of your dog’s joints. The ingredients in Cosequin^® work together to help support and protect the cartilage.

Nutramax

HyaflexTM Pro®

This is an interesting joint support recommendation for Tripawd dogs. Ingredients include "a combination of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) N Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG), Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)." We are familiar with Hyaluronic Acid, because Tripawds Spokesdog Wyatt Ray was taking it after his vet suggested this joint health supplement. See our post, "Ease Osteoarthritis Pain with Hyaluronic Acid Pet Supplements."

HyaflexTM Pro "Supports healthy joint, cartilage and connective tissue function. May help protect against free radical damage and supports antioxidant function. May help reduce the negative effects of stress."

Peak Therapeutics Healthy Pet CBD

We did a double-take when Ophelia's veterinarian recommended a cannabis product for joint health. Why? Because not enough veterinarians want to discuss cannabis science at this time. Thankfully more vets like Ophelia's are getting on board.

Created by Colorado-based Dr. James Gaynor, a veterinary anesthesia and pain management specialist, Peak Therapeutics is a top-tier veterinary cannabis product. Their CBD Night product can help with relaxation and promote good sleep for old, achy bones. This hemp-based (not marijuana) product contains CBD plus CBN and the terpenes, linalool and beta caryophyllene. Linalool, beta caryophyllene and CBN have been demonstrated to help maintain wellness.

Tripawd Joint Support and Mobility is Not a One-Size-Fits-All

Remember, these supplements are just a starting point for a conversation with your veterinarian. They also cannot replace other important health practices like taking your dog to a rehab therapist evaluation, or maintaining a slimmer than normal weight.

Ask your vet about joint support supplements. And don't forget that Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first rehab visit too! These experts often know volumes about canine joint health supplements and can recommend some for your Tripawd too!