For Fido’s bones and joints to be healthy, there are specific medicines that veterinarians recommend. We will give you some of the more common ones.

Note that not only anti-inflammatory medicine are available; supplements specifically for the joints and bones are also available. These are medicines that can be purchased only upon prescription.

Medicines

Deramaxx®

Deramaxx® are chewable tablets that fall under the anti-inflammatory category. When your dog is diagnosed with osteoarthritis or underwent orthopaedic surgery, he or she may feel pain and show signs of inflmmation. Your veterinarian may prescribe Deramaxx® chewable tablets. These tablets help control post-surgery pain. You should ask your veterinarian to explain what Deramaxx® will do for your dog and the likely consequences and side effects that you can expect from this particular medication.

How the medicine works to control pain varies from dog to dog, but it is important to follow your vet’s instructions; otherwise your dog may feel pain again. If your dog limps, has lost interest in his or her usual physical activities, or has difficulty in walking, then he or she may be suffering from osteoarthritis.

While Deramaxx® is not a cure for osteoarthritis, it will help control post-surgery pain and inflammation and help relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Your vet will not prescribe Deramaxx® if your dog has kidney problems, is vomiting, has blood in his stool or tends to dehydrate easily. Other disorders may also be present which your veterinarian will examine to decide if it is safe to administer Deramaxx®.

EtoGesic

Like Deramaxx®, EtoGesic is prescribed for dogs that have osteoarthritis or are suffering from post-surgery pain and inflammation. It is available in tablet form and should be administered as per your vet’s instructions. A dog will not be given EtoGesic if the following conditions are present:

• facial swelling;

• allergy to aspirins;

• liver and kidney problems;

• hives;

• bleeding; and,

• certain other medical conditions.

Report any side effects from Etogesic to your veterinarian immediately.

Metacam® Oral Suspension

Metacam® Oral Suspension is also a prescription NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). It helps control pain and swelling (inflammation) in dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis.

Dogs suffering from osteoarthritis usually have the following symptoms: limping or lameness, inability to engage in usual activities like climbing the stairs, standing up, and a generally decreased movement of the joints.

Metacam® is administered as an oral solution and dosage depends on the weight of the dog. The dosing must be accurate so as not to harm the dog. For small dogs, Metacam® must be given in droplet form to the dog’s food and not directly to the dog’s mouth. Your veterinarian should give you detailed instructions for giving Metacam® to your dog, with the correct use of the syringe and plunger.

Tell your vet if your dog has any health condition such as allergies, swelling, kidney or liver disorders and others. When you administer Metacam® to your dog, you will notice a marked improvement but again, the rate of improvement will vary from dog to dog.

Previcox™

This top dog medicine also belongs to the NSAID category and is prescribed for osteoarthritis and other related inflammation and pain symptoms. The dose depends on the dog’s body weight and can be administered with or without food. As is customary with prescription medication, your veterinarian should explain potential side effects from Prevocox™ and will not prescribe it if your dog suffers from certain health conditions.

Other top medicines for healthy canine joints and bones are Zubryl tablets and Rimadyl® chewable tablets.

Supplements

Some of the top supplements available to promote your pet’s healthy bones and joints are:

Adequan Canine® - it is used for intramuscular injection and is recommended for symptoms related to a kind of arthritis that causes trauma to synovial joints. This supplement should be prescribed only by a licensed veterinarian who will decide whether or not your dog can receive this supplement.

Dasuquin® - this supplement is a combination of glucosamine HCL and avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU). This HCL and ASU combination is said to protect the dog’s joint cartilage. It is in tea form and is rich in antioxidants. Ask your veterinarian if you can give your dog Dasuquin®.

Cosequin® Sprinkle Capsules – this is the ideal supplement for small dogs. It contains pure glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and manganese ascorbate for healthy joints. Your veterinarian will prescribe this supplement for anywhere between four and six weeks. Your dog could respond to the supplement earlier than the six weeks at which time you can decrease the number of Cosequin® capsules you give him. The capsules can be split up and can be dropped on your dog’s food. Cosequin® Sprinkle Capsules are available in 90-capsule or 180-capsule bottles.