For the past year I've been using Cortavet on Ben and Spud for arthritis, despite it's huge price tag Spud has still developed arthritis in his foot recently and I'm wondering if  Cortavet is worth the money. I wasn't expecting miracles by using it, but I'd have hoped it would have staved off the onset of joint problems more than it has ( Spud's an active 9yr SBT ). So, can CD'ers suggest anything else to use please ?
Jane

Glucosamine Chondroitin, apple cider vinegar and turmeric are all associated with promoting healthy joints, and I use them in the diet of my dogs, only one gets the GC tablets though; turmeric is also associated with anti cancer properties and aiding metabolism rates, amongst other things. 

Two other things to try are green lipped mussel extract, and devil's claws.  You could also try a bioflow collar, it didn't work with my dog, but others have seen good results.  I don't think there's anything to stop dogs from becoming arthritic if they have the propoensity to develop it genetically, but I do think giving them effective supplements does ease the condition, in the same way that a good diet helps us. 

Cetyl Myristoleate under the trade name of Cetyl-M (contains CM, glucosamine, bromelain, ginger, garlic)
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Rosehips
MSM
Green Lipped Mussel Extract
Fish Body Oils (with Vitamin E)
Vitamin C
Devils Claw
Ginger
Bromelain

No supplement will PREVENT athritic changes in bone, but it will help.

I've used green lipped mussell, G&C and devil's claw with my oldest, as well as varous painkillers.  The most effective for her has been the devil's claw, she has 4 capsules a day now (33kg dog with severe osteoarthritis) alongside trocoxil as her main painkiller, and tramadol during the break from trocoxil (6 months on, 2 months off).

She also has chiropractic treatment, as with supps it won't prevent arthritis or cure it but it can make a heck of a difference - much like me and my back, Soli compensates for her worst joints so the others get a bit overworked and out of whack, and sore as a result.  The chiropractic sets them back, easing the pressure off them and the arthritic joints.

Hydrotherapy can help too.

I would certainly try a Bioflow collar.  You can return and get a refund if it isn't suitable for your dog.
And basic glucosamine from Natures Best online. :)

RA oil double strength has helped mine more than anything else.

She painkiller at least three times a week,
1 rosehip cap daily
Youmove

I've thought about adding Devils claw

I use 'Sasha's Blend' from my vets for all mine. www.sashasblend.com

Thanks for all the idea's, certainly food for thought.
He's on Metacalm just now, only because I happened to have a large bottle of it already, but I plan to switch him to either Tramadol or Troxocil after it's used up, plus a joint supplement. I'll have a look at all the suggestions on t'interweb, thanks again.

Metacalm did nothing for my girl.  I found baby ibruprophen worked better.  And its gentler.

Don't give human medication to anmals without your vet's permission. The toxic level of ibuprofen is lower in dogs than even in babies, and  can lead to ulcers, kidney failure and even death.

Ibuprofen information.

Hi

Thanks for the link it was very interesting.

i wouldn't advocate giving it to any dog like you say without vet advice.

i have discussed with my vet, he told me that i could a certain dose to suit my dog; I won't mention itcase anyone thinks to follow it.  i don't give her full strength only the baby strength as like you say it can detremntal to them.

~I can say from looking at the symptoms, she's fine but i do watch her daily and always give with food; she has half her food then the remainder laced so that it doesn't have chance to hit her stomoch.  i'm going to print that info off as a reminder of what to look for jsut incase.

My 75kg dogue had her cruciate ligament done and ended up with arthiritis. Metacam was too mild, so my vet gave her tramadol for the pain and dolagis as the pain/anti inflammatory. side effects of the tramadol were not good to her so my vet said only to use them if she was in a lot of pain. He thought she would spend the rest of her life on drugs so I looked for alternatives. I kept her on dolagis for a long time but started giving her riaflex complete joint supplement and riaflex green lipped mussel. She now no longer needs dolagis and can run around with the other dogs, jumps and plays and is very happy. There is still a click in her knee but she doesnt limp and walks a good hour an half a day. My vet said she looks really well and he can feel no inflammation and can manipulate her knee and she doesnt flinch.

> but started giving her riaflex complete joint supplement and riaflex green lipped mussel

I see this is for equine use, how much do you give your dogue and has it had any side effects? Many thanks.