Arthritic Issues

[LillersandRay]

Hi all! I'm new to the group but have been a pug owner for 6 years. Never a dull moment!

Anyway, I wanted some input on my Lily, aka, Lillers. She has steadily gown downhill. She can barely walk. she was diagnosed in February with Degenerative Joint Disease or arthritis. She has it really bad in her front elbows. I'm sure she has something going on in her spine, but I've confirmed its not a herniated disk. Most likely the arthritis. She drags her back legs. We've tried Prednisone which seemed to help for a bit but had constant urination issues. Then we tried Adequen shots and tramadol with no luck. We now have her on an NSAID, Deramaxx, and tramadol as needed for pain. She's clearly in some pain. I took her to a specialist today. He basically looked at her chart and took one look at her and said "there comes a time in every dog owner's life when they need to make the inevitable decision." I was flabbergasted. Two other veterinarians had said she's clearly not ready and didn't think it was her time. They had more time with her. He didn't give me any other options. I wasn't looking for surgery but more what other pain meds can we do? Or other treatments? I have had to do all of my own research to find other options. I don't feel like I've been given any good advice.

I know I sound in denial but a vet once said if they don't enjoy their three favorite things anymore, then it's time. Well she enjoys snuggling with me, she still tries to follow me around, and she loves her treats. I don't feel I can let her go without looking into every option available. She's given me everything, so she deserves the same. Right now I'm not looking for longer life span but more quality of life if that makes sense.

So my question is this: has anyone had any experience with acupuncture or laser therapy? Or any other alternative treatments? I'd really like to know if it helped or not. I'm looking into everything possible. I don't want that all consuming guilt that I could've done more.

Thank you for any insight!!!

Sincerely,
A desperate pug mom

[Tinker's mom]

Hello & to the village! I'm so sorry it's not under better circumstances. There are a lot of really experienced pug owners on here that will give you sound advice. I know some use chiropractic care for their pugs, cold laser and other treatments. Hopefully they'll see this and post. You can also pm Lisa, 6 beautiful pugs who is our resident guru. Prayers you find some answers that will help.

[Snifter]

Hugs.

We use turmeric with good results for arthritic pain, but Snifter is nowhere near as far gone as she sounds to be. Also you would need to make sure there are no reasons not to use turmeric given the drugs she is on. But otherwise I would certainly recommend giving it a try.

I've heard good things about cold laser therapy and acupuncture but not tried them, though have had cold laser on myself and not really noticed much difference. I would say it can't hurt to give it a try so long as she does not find the sessions distressing in any way (no reason why she should, but you never know).

Our vet told my friend it was the end of the line for her pug for about a year before it actually was. I saw said pug with my own eyes and totally agreed with my friend that it was not time. She could only drag her back legs but she got around and had that spark. There may come a time when the bad times outweigh the good and that is when you need to start thinking seriously about what the future holds. Maybe you are there now, maybe not. Only you know.

Pug hugs.

[puglover22]

try everything! I have had great success using chiropractic treatment. Never tried cold laser or acupuncture but heard great things about both. How about supplements? Junior used to use Cosequin DS and that seemed to help him. Best of luck to you in finding something that works, and gives Lily a better quality of life and more time!

[LillersandRay]

Thank you guys for the input! I appreciate it! I have a consult set up for Friday.