Arthritic Akita

[lonewolf07]

Hi

My 12 yr old Akita (female, spayed) has mild to moderate arthritis.   For amost a year, she has been taking Medacam and has to go to the vet's three or four times a year to make sure the drug isn't affecting her in a negative way.   A few weeks ago the vet suggested a drug called Adequan taken IM.  This drug is supposed to be less toxic than Medacam as well as slowing down and in some cases reversing the arthritis.   Does anyone know anything about Adequan or have an Akita with arthritis.

Sorry to talk so much - I just really love this dog and want to do everything I can for her.

lonewolf

[lonewolf07]

I'll let you know.  The drug is relatively new in Canada but the vet recommended it quite highly and she doesn't usually do that with meds.

[xDeadxStarx]

My last dog, was a mix but did have Akita in him, he was on Medacam for many years, never did feel any of the side effects, I've havent heard much about Adequan if it does what it says, it definitely sounds good, good luck!

[lonewolf07]

Thank you so much for  your message.

Our Akita has been taking Medacam (not sure of spelling) and has to go to the vet three or four times a year to make sure the medication is not having any negative side  effects.  When we took her in about two weeks ago, the vet suggested Adequan -  two injections into the dog's muscle twice a week for about four weeks and then nothing until late fall.  Ideally, she should not be taking Medacam with her new medication.  Adequan is supposed to have fewer adverse side effects, slows down the progression of arthritis and in some dogs, reverses the arthritis.  We also have younger dogs who play with the Akita and keep her active and less likely to get stiffness from arthritis.   Also, I asked for a product monograph about the new meds just to be familiar with it.

Like I said, I just love this dog and want to do the right things for her.   She seems to be happy, eats and drinks well, plays, etc.  Guess I just don't want to imagine being without her.

lonewolf

[Liz600]

I had an english sheep dog that has now passed away but had a bad case of arthritis. It was so bad that if she did not get her medication she could not get up. Her vet prescribed her Rimadyl and she got better for a while, she could run again and go outside and play like she was young again. After about a year she started getting seizures from the Rimadyl. It was a nightmare. So just be careful, I think a lot of the medications they prescribe for arthritis has a side effect of seizures.