My dog Murphy is 11. Well, he's probably 11....got him from a shelter when he was listed as 3. Anyway, he's pretty healthy.... a good appetite, gets about 3 walks a day, wonderful disposition. In the past year, he's slowed down a bit. He now sits for a good portion of his walks, has trouble jumping into the car, and just recently won't go upstairs because he seems afraid to come down. I took him to the vet for a senior check-up. She said there was nothing life-threatening , but he does have bad arthritis, and a bad left rear leg. The vet gave me several suggestions, but I wanted to see if you guys have experience with these options, and what you feel works, and what is just a waste of time or money. (I should mention he is already taking generic Rimadyl, Gabapentin and Dasaquin. I also started the Golden Paste some have mentioned on this site). The vet recommended 1) Laser Therapy 2) something called the Assisi Loop and 3) Adequan injections. I've had some experience with the laser, but know nothing of the other two. Has anyone on the forum used any of these treatments before, and did you find them useful? Thanks!
Ask,vet how to reduce pain. It can be very serious. Not only for mobility but quality of his life. Discuss MRI to see if spinal injection could help with arthritis. An ablation is also a possibility for arthritis.
Sorry no experience with any of those other than golden paste which worked for a while. Whilst not life threatening he is obviously in a lot of pain so whatever you decide on I would do it sooner rather than later. Having a quick google I personally would opt for the injections first but be guided by your vet.After being given alternatives I always ask “ what would you do if it was your dog” Those three options probably vary a lot in cost so they probably feel they need to give you options.
