Hi all I'm new to this but looking for advice I've just taken on a new Labrador through a rescue, she's a 4 year old with hip dysplasia, the vet as recommended metacam plus she's on yumove advance 360, lot of money to pay out, regarding the metacam is there any equivalent that doesn't need prescription from vet's
Welcome to the forum @Nigel23, and well done for taking on a rescue, especially one with HD. I am presuming the HD was diagnosed with an Xray? Just wondering how severe the diagnosis was, as there is quite a spectrum when it comes to Hip Dysplasia. There are lots of things you can do to help her feel more comfortable. The first thing, and the cheapest is to reduce her weight, to just underneath "cruising weight" for her size to reduce loading on joints. A lot of dogs have done very well on Yumove Advance/360. The full benefits seem to occur around 6 -8 weeks. The right exercise can also help enormously, this has to be monitored by an accredited rehab physio recommended by your vet. Dogs from rescue tend to be rather unfit, so a good diet, maintaining a healthy weight, supplements and the right exercise such as hydrotherapy can achieve wonders. My own personal experience was fostering an overweight, tatty, reactive, pain in ass black labrador at 5 years old. He was diagnosed with HD in both hips, and Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) of the lower spine. He was prescribed an anti-inflammatory, Yumove Advance, and an exercise regime monitored through a rehab vet. Now he is approaching 10, still a pain in the ass mind, but is as fit as a fiddle! He doesn't need the painkillers, and just has physio once a month plus the Yumove Advance. His mobility is great, and can race around just as fast (if not faster...) than some youngsters we meet. Regarding the cost of Metacam, see if you can a prescription from your vet then look on-line and see if you can get it cheaper.
Hi there and welcome Some rescue organizations will offer support with pre-existing medical conditions. So it might be worth talking to them about it. Nsaids like Metacam can transform life for some dogs with painful joint issues, but they are powerful drugs that can sometimes have side effects and so dogs taking them need to be monitored by a vet. There really isn't any alternative to prescription meds for reducing pain and inflammation effectively. Joint supplements based on glucosamine and chondroitin are popular but the evidence for their efficacy is not currently good. A recent review was published in the Open Veterinary Journal and concludes that "Based on the available literature, the potential benefits of glucosamine and chondroitin use in osteoarthritic canines can neither be confirmed nor denied." It's important to find a way to work with your vet on this one, as hip dysplasia left untreated, or treated ineffectively can cause such pain and distress to the dog. If you are on a limited budget, I think it is likely that your vet will recommend you discontinue the Yumove, rather than the Metacam. Kate's idea for getting the prescription then shopping around for the supplier is a good one
