[Tucker]

Saturday Glenda took Tucker to the vet to get his rabies shot so we could get his license. The vet gave him a well dog exam too. He noticed that there was a few places where he was sensitive to presure so he had Tuck come in this morning for an x-ray. Well the results are back and he has arthritus in his back.

This actually explains a lot of stuff. He has been reluctant to jump on an off of things lately and he also has been taking breaks on walks. Looks like it was because his back hurts. The x-ray also found a small piece of metal in his stomach. It looks like it is on its way out the back door so we will need to watch to make sure it comes out. Hopefully we can get his arthritus under control and he will be back to his old self.

 

[Murphys Dad]

Sorry to hear about Tucker's arthritis but good that you have a definitive reason for changes in behavior/movement. My Maggie had had a series of Adequan shots for arthritis in one of her back knees -- it worked great. Maybe you could ask if they can use it in the back as well?
Will be interesting to find out what the metal is -- am thinking a coin but it really could be anything. Hope it doesn't hurt coming out!

 

[angelaH]

Poor Tucker, hope the vet sorts him out soon. Has he mentioned glucosamine for dogs? It helped a friends dog.

 

[BookerMoose]

Sorry to hear about Tucker - but hopefully you can find something that helps with the arthritis. We are big fans of Recovery SA in that regard - our vet suggested we try it for Booker a few years ago when she started to show some signs of arthritis (I won't say she was slowing down because her speed has never been anything remotely considered fast...) and it has made a huge difference for her.

 

[Sephly]

poor tucker! luckily there are quite a few treatment options to keep him comfy. its tough when they get into their older years. give him lots of rubs for me and ted. poor babe.

 

[Brisen]

Sorry to hear about Tucker and his arthritis, but there are multiple drugs out there to help with the inflammation. Deramaxx worked wonders for our Shepherd mix a few years back.

 

[Murphys Dad]

Aw-www, poor fellow.

There are meds to help, though. Our Misty is 14-1/2, and has been taking Dermaxx for several years. She hasn't had any ill effects, and hasn't exhibited pain since starting the Dermaxx.

 

[fauxpasta]

Poor sweetie. It's so great that so many options exist nowadays to treat arthritis in dogs. I'd like to recommend dog treats that contain glucosamine. Last year, I picked some up for my former roommate's dog, an aging husky/lab mix who spent most of his time sleeping. This might have backfired the day he felt adventurous enough to slip out the front door and gallop down the median of a 6-lane street. Hoping that you find the best treatment for him, and also that that metal passes soon!

 

[weed30]

Aww, poor Tucker. Definitely start with the Glucosamine/Chondroitin, and fish oil caps will help too. Monitor him for 3 - 4 months to see if it helps. Those things helped my shepherd/collie mix. As time went on though, I did have to put her on Deramaxx and also gave her Tramadol 2 - 3 times a day.

 

[Murphys Dad]

As for the arthritis, ask your vet about Adaquin shots. It helps with arthritis in animals. Its a series of 5 shots. It helped with Summer's shoulder quite a bit.

As for the metal, its probably aluminum foil that was attached to something Tucker stole.

 

[Tucker]

We are going to try different treatments before the Deramaxx or Rymadryl(sp?) because of the problems thay can couse. We used Deramaxx with or last two dogs because nothing else seamed to work. Jasmine was 17 when she went ot the bridge and without the Deramaxx she shouldn't squat or use all 4 legs when she walked.


We havn't see the metal come out yet as he has only pooped once since the appointment (that we know of). Glenda gets the fun task of going thru his poop looking.

 

[Pop_Rivit]

I don't have anything to add other than we're sending your family and Tucker good thoughts!

 

[beagletails]

I'm sorry to hear about Tucker's arthritis. Hopefully you find something to help him.

 

[Beagle Eyes]

Poor Tucker, hopefully the treatments you are trying will work. ((()))

 

[Tucker]

My wife ordered the Recovery SA yesterday. We'll see how it works.

 

[cobismom]

I didn't read through all the posts to you about Tucker, but what about water therapy? I was just at the doc's for my own arthritis in the knees, and he suggested swimming as a non-weight bearing exercise. Is there a place near you that will allow for dogs to be in the water? As the lake water gets warmer, you could take him for walks in the shallow part of the lake, or even a warm bathtub. Ideally, there are some vets who have put in large cattle tubs around here, with warm water that is deep enough so that the dog's legs are covered, and there is a harness that keeps them from falling into the water...then they move the dogs legs like a treadmill would...google water therapy for dogs, and they have a thread or several about this treatment. Gives some relief to the dogs as it does humans.

Good luck, and don't forget there's always DMSO if you can stand the smell of garlic.

 

[Tucker]

Well, Tucker has been on Recovery SA for several weeks now and he is doing great. We have slowly been increasing the dosage and are up to 1/2 tsp a day. He is dancing for dinner again. He also has been getting the zoomies. He still hesitates a little jumping, but he has always done that.

Thanks for all the advice.

 

[jassy]

Glad to hear Tucker is feeling better!

 

[BookerMoose]

Originally Posted By: Tucker's DadWell, Tucker has been on Recovery SA for several weeks now and he is doing great. We have slowly been increasing the dosage and are up to 1/2 tsp a day. He is dancing for dinner again. He also has been getting the zoomies. He still hesitates a little jumping, but he has always done that.

Thanks for all the advice.

I'm so glad Recovery SA is working for Tucker! His reaction to it sounds SO much like Booker's - it was like she became noticeably younger again in front of our eyes, and her eyes got the sparkle back in them that had been missing for a bit! She has been on it for over two years now and it is still doing wonders for her. Yay for Tucker!