Re: Still no running.. and six weeks to improve http://cartrophen.ca/pdf/Efficacy Study.pdf (done by the manufacturers but still evidence) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17461948 (dog study after cruciate surgery) http://www.oarsijournal.com/article/S1063-4584(01)80263-6/pdf (dog study showing efficacy of Cartrophen after initial booster course) http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6904/10/7 (in humans...) http://www.currenttherapeuticres.com/article/S0011-393X(05)00131-1/abstract?cc=y (another human one)
Re: Still no running.. and six weeks to improve I had a look at the fish oil we gave Obi (for skin though, not joints). It's capsules containing (each capsule) 360mg EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and 240mg DHA (Docosahexanoic acid) - so a combined Omega-3 content of 600mg. The typical human dose for 'general health' is about 500mg per day (1 capsule). For Obi's skin the vet said twice this dose, so 2 of these capsules a day, or 1200mg of Omega-3. The recommended human dose for arthritis is a lot more than the 'general health' dose. It is about 2700 to 3000mg per day (5 capsules) to have any measurable effect on joints in humans. So I'd be guessing that you might need an awful lot of capsules to have any beneficial effect on a dog's joints. I have no idea what the max safe dose for a dog is. Edit: some months ago we stopped giving it to Obi and haven't noticed any deterioration in his skin (itchiness) at all so we don't think it was actually doing anything - one dog trial though of course, and not for joints
Re: Still no running.. and six weeks to improve Glad to hear you've got a positive plan for Monty. The food regime sounds good, with lots of treats included. With the speed at which pieces of carrot, etc, are gulped down, I doubt that mine even taste it, so it's easier to cheat and mostly give tiny bits of treat, as they still think they've had a reward! The large kibble is frustrating - it might be worth investigating whether a smaller sized version of the same brand (usually for smaller breeds) has the same nutritional content, so you could perhaps mix some in or change to the smaller size.
