Real Life Tails

In this space you will find inspirational and informative real life stories, where owners and vets share their experiences of caring for dogs with canine osteoarthritis.

Chloe and Debbie Grant

Vet Debbie Grant’s 11 year old Chocolate Labrador, Chloe, has been affected by osteoarthritis for three years having been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the left shoulder. Unable to tolerate the first medicine she was prescribed, and only seeing some improvement in lameness from a second treatment option, Chloe was then prescribed a long-acting treatment to help manage the condition. Her lameness was significantly better after only 48-hours and had completely gone by the end of the first months treatment. Chloe has been on the current treatment programme for well over a year and is able to enjoy moderate 30-60 minute daily walks with Debbie and her family.

Oak and Jane Alexander

Jane is the proud owner of Oak, a female Flatcoat Retriever, who is now nearly 13 years old. Oak has suffered from canine osteoarthritis for five years and has a very stiff left shoulder because of the condition. Being a vet herself, Jane was 99% sure it was osteoarthritis, but because Flatcoat Retrievers also have a tendency to develop cancer, she did not immediately rule out other sicknesses. After a complete examination, Jane confirmed Oak's osteoarthritis and knew they needed to look for a suitable treatment that would allow Oak the same full and active lifestyle that she was used to. Jane noticed that Oak wasn't able to keep up with our other younger dogs and wasn't jumping and moving as freely and quickly as she used to which was difficult to see. However since Jane has started to manage Oak’s osteoarthritis, she has continued to run freely.

David Prydie talks about his patient Billie...

Billie is a six year old Rottweiler and was originally brought to the clinic by her owner as she was suffering from osteoarthritis and was lame on three legs. Her treatment included a prescription, an assessment of her weight, a massage in conjunction with hot and cold therapy and a tailored exercise programme. As she was exercising less due to osteoarthritis, we decided to set a target weight of 38 kg and switched her pet food to the 'light' version to help with her weight management. An individual exercise programme was then developed to strengthen specific muscle groups. This is an important point as there is no "one size fits all" when it comes to exercise programs for dogs. After a combined treatment approach, her general demeanour changed from that of a depressed, tired, lame dog to that of a bouncy, playful dog.

Mac and Fiona Whiting

Mac, a nine year old German Shepherd, joined the Whiting family as an eight week old puppy and for most of his life had been an active and energetic dog. 18 months ago Mac developed a slight limp which failed to clear up and eventually led Fiona to take Mac to the vet. Acutely aware that, as a breed, German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia and canine osteoarthritis, Fiona's suspicions were confirmed when the vet diagnosed both ailments. Now on medication Mac's diet is carefully monitored and he is limited to one short walk a day. Fortunately Fiona has a large garden so Mac is still able to enjoy spending a lot of time outdoors.

Disclaimer: This is not a substitute for advice from a vet. Always ask your vet or veterinary nurse for professional advice before treating your pet.