arthritis in young dog

by Caty
(British Columbia)

We adopted a 1 year old lab who was hit by a car when she was 4 months old. Her femur was broken and the vet performed surgery and removed her ball joint. We did x rays and bone spurs as well as arthritis are present. The vet wants her on Hills Mobility which is not affordable for us. We currently have her on Acana and are supplementing with glucosamine/chondroitin (for humans). Our vet is against this decision.Is this okay? If so, how many mg of glucosamine should she be getting? Is exercise good for her? We are big hikers but don't want to make things worse for her. Any suggestions and advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

My Comment:

Hi

I my opinion Hills mobility is not the best food for arthritis. I know that many of my colleges are recommending it, but I find it to expensive compared to the quality.

The best food is Specific CJD but I don't think it is possible to buy in your country.

Hills Mobility might be better in USA, as opposed to the Hills Mobility sold in Europe it contains glucosamine. In Europe this is not allowed to add and there for it is more like a "dog food with omega 3 of plant origin" kind of food.

I find Acana to be far better quality dog food than Hills and you can give glucosamine as you do.

I would also supplementing with omega 3 from fish as well as this too is acting anti inflammatory and joint protective.

The dose of glucosamine is about 30-40 mg/kg body weight.

Exercise is OK but, not any running or similar exercise. I normally advice to do swimming or short walks but do them frequent - both is muscle building and it also helps to keep the joints more mobile.

Just remember not to over exercise her as this has the opposite and negative effect.

"Little but often" is best.

All the best

Per Schonbeck