Good supplements for post-orthpaedic-op doggies?

[Beagler]

As I mentioned in my TPLO thread, Buttons is going in for his first TPLO surgery at the end of the month and I'm thinking or ordering in everything I need just now - my boy is getting a lovely new bed, among other things

When we get him home he'll be on Loxicom (NSAID and pain-killer) and Tramadol (strong pain-killer) - sorry these are probably UK brand names. But I'm looking for suggestions for good supplements to help with healing bones, muscles and skin (his skin is not great due to his allergies) please?

[Dawna]

Glucosmine supplements are used for that purpose for both people and dogs. Our Samoyed who lived at the AIDS hopice when I worked there, was on it and he had hip dysplasia. I took it myself for a few years and then stopped when I read that studies showed it was of little or no benefit. (I have severe osteoarthritis) While I was taking it I always said it was the only thing that was keeping me moving but honestly I really don't notice a difference now. The good new is that there have never been any bad side effects recorded so I would try it if I were you. There is 2 other supplements that often are included glucosomine supplements. One is MSM or similar initials and I can't remember the 3rd one but it's all for the bones,etc. Look in the vitamin section of any store and you will see several combos and brands for this. I think Osteobioflex is the one I took the most.

[Beagler]

Thanks Dawna Sorry to hear about your osteoarthritis
The problem I have is that UK vets in general are not big on supplements - they don't discourage them but they don't recommend them either, and most pet stores don't have a big range. I just want to give the little guy as much help as possible seeing as he'll be going back in for surgery on the other leg as soon as he is able.
I'll look into the glucosamine and the osteobioflex, although I think the latter will be harder to come by in the UK.

[brandypup]

Before starting supplements try to find out if they will interact with the anestsia and current or future meds Buttons may get. This is where having a holisitc vet-even by phone- assist. they are generally safe but I know many you need to stop prior to surgerys. Another thing is to make sure th eliver/kidneys are checked before surgery but I am guessing you had blood work done already. then monitor the blood work if on those meds for an extended period of time.

You can prior and after surgery give a few drops of Milk Thistle. It's foudn in health stores. It will help the liver process the meds and anestsia and rebound quicker. It's not for prolong use unless directed. My cat who was on pheno for seizures was on it 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off rotation.

DogAware.com: Supplements for Dogs

What you will want to do is cut grains and certian nightshade veggies. They agravate joints, arthritis ect.

DogAware.com Health: Supplements & Diet Guidelines for Dogs with Arthritis

[Beagler]

Thanks Brandypup... he's on quite a few meds for the knees and his allergies. The orthopaedic vet is probably the best one to ask then I suppose.
I will have a look for milk thistle - but will check with the vet before I give him anything. I suppose I should also check with his immunotherapist too. Hadn't really considered that supplements could interact with meds.
He has quite regular blood work - due to being on NSAIDs and pain-killers, his most recent was just prior to the first attempt at the op - no problems.
Buttons is on a restricted diet anyway (due to the allergies and also to regulate his weight until we can get him fully mobile again) - so don't need to worry about grains, etc.
Thank-you for the links

[brandypup]

Your welcome. Supplements genneraly dont interfear but new information is always out there and it's always best to check. I recall the cats last dental (not routine, almost a major surjury) they request all supplenments stopped 2 weeks prior and can resume after. Not sure if that was precautionalry or what but I did. Allis fine and they are back on them.

[Dawna]

I just remembered the other ingredient-Chondrontin. In the US these are sold in the human vitamin section of most stores-often even in grocery stores. Our vet for the AIDS hospice dog actually prescribed the glucosomine for Dickens.

[Beagler]

Thank-you Dawna Have written it down... along with everything else I plan to ask the vet when we go back for the surgery (I think he's going to spend more time answering my questions than he will doing the op, lol).

[Dawna]

I think I spelled the word wrong. It's PRONOUNCED like con droye ton, but I can't seem to get a spelling here that looks right

[Beagler]

Lol - I just googled it You were almost right - chondroitin... and it appears (the wonders of google!) that I can buy it at any health food store in the UK