Comments on: 10 yr old German Shepherd with heartworms & arthritis?

By: voice of reason

voice of reason — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:35:20 +0000

Having suffered a serious back injury myself, and having older, arthritic dogs, I have found that glucosamine alone does little. It’s great in synergistic combination with other products, however. The real magic combination is a supplement that contains the following:
Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM (Methylsulfanomide) and HLA (Hyaluronic acid). If you can also find one with Bromelaine (yucca) it’s even better. But this truly does help. NaturVet makes one called ArthriSoothe Gold hip and joint formula with all of the above in it. I’ve found it in tablets for dogs, or powder for horses. Either way,

By: 2Westies

2Westies — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:35:19 +0000

If you think this poor dog has arthritis, glucosamine/chondroitin will usually help an arthritic dog. It’s cheaper to buy the "people" g/c at the pharmacy, the K9 g/c is pricier. The heartworms can be treated successfully with care. This story is a heart beaker and I wish you well.

By: miaugh

miaugh — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:35:19 +0000

I’m glad you’re taking care of this dog. I would get a second opinion from another veterinarian. He should definitely be on some medication for his arthritis pain–ask another vet about pain relief and also some supplements with glucosamine/chondroitin that can help his mobility.

The heartworm disease should be addressed, but it depends on his level of infestation. Undergoing heartworm treatment is a major stress on a dog, especially an older one with other health problems. His heartworm load should have been assessed by the first vet. If it’s determined that he has a large number of adult heartworms, the risk in giving an adulticide is that large numbers of dead worms will obstruct his arteries and sudden death is a possibility for him.

Here’s some links. Read up everything you can about heartworm disease before you visit a second vet for his/her opinion. Best of luck to you all.

By: Coolmom 365

Coolmom 365 — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:35:18 +0000

We used to own a chocolate lab. mix who was nearly 14 when she passed away, most likely it was cancer. Anyway, she also had some arthritis problems but we treated them with condroitin pills for dogs, as well as an occasional aspirin. She did fare well on both.
I think you should treat for the worms first and when your dog makes it through and is well, start putting him on the joint pills.
Be aware though, that vet bills can be quite costly, so start saving some money.
Between the last dog and the one we now own we spent close to $3000 dollars in a half year for various treatments. But we never thought it was a waste.
I think your dog is a fighter and deserves you fighting for him. Good Luck

By: hydez2002

hydez2002 — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:35:17 +0000

if you have the means to help the GSD, then go for it. the dog has the will. he’s survived this long. i believe that this pup was waiting for you both. hip pain can be managed.

good luck to you.

By: Becky

Becky — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:35:16 +0000

I think you should do what your heart tells you is right. It sounds like you have quality time yet with this dog and given the steroids available these days your dog could live comfortably. I haven’t ever dealt with worms so I will default any advice to someone who has experience. Good luck with you dog.

By: su·i ge·ne·ris

su·i ge·ne·ris — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:35:15 +0000

Please eradicate the worms from his body! Let him live! He’s been through so much. You’ve got to try. In my opinion, your vet is too complacent. Go to another vet. It is always good to have more than one opinion.