In 2007 my dog jumped and hurt his shoulder. He began to limp but this was managed on and off with metacam. Eventually this had no effect so last year after an xray (which showed the start of arthritis) he was given a corticosteroid injection directly into this area. Within two days his limp had completeley disappeared and he became so happy and lively, I think we'd forgotten just what a happy boy he could be. We were careful not to overdo exercise, no mad jumping up and we lifted him in and out of the car etc just to make sure that the joint didn't have a heavy impact. Anyway, a slight limp began to return in June and steadily got worse in July, just three weeks short of a year so it had worked so incredibly well. He was given another identical injection two weeks ago but he hasn't improved. His limp is still very noticeable, he's sad, doesn't want to go out and he's lost his spark. We are so disappointed, I think we just assumed it would work again as well as it did before. I'm just wondering if anybody else has had a similar experience. I think two weeks is long enough to see if it will work (having been almost instant last year) so I will ring the vet after the bank holiday. I can't help wondering if perhaps the injection didn't quite hit the right area but I'd hate to offend the vet by suggesting it. Even if that is that is the case I doubt very much he will be allowed to have another one so soon after. Little lad isn't quite nine and has had too many years of discomfort already and we are desperate for him to be happy. Any thoughts and ideas would be appreciated.

We have a nine year old dog with arthritis in one of his shoulders. He had a course of Cartrophen injections into the affected joint, he had four injections in total, each I think a week apart. We didn't see any improvement until a week after the last injection. We were warned that any improvement might take that long to show up. Our dog has been sound now for over a year. Our vet said that he might need to repeat the treatment in the future but so far, so good.

Not sure exactly what corticosteroid injection your dog had but I think some treatments can take a while to kick in. Best talk it over with your vet. They shouldn't be offended and I should hope will recognise your concern for your little lad. In the meantime, just play it by ear and don't make him go out if he doesn't want to until you've discussed him with your vet.

Before we went for the course of Cartrophen we tried swimming with our boy. He absolutely hated it! We decided to stop torturing him and took a young one instead who loved going in.  There were other dogs at the hydrotherapy who really benefited, I know it can work really well.

All the best with him.

Thank you Esme.

He used to have Cartrophen injections a couple of years ago (not into the affected area though). We didn't see an improvement so the vet stopped them - which is why he suggested the steroid one. We are just disappointed that this latest one doesn't appear to have given him any relief, we had such high hopes.
He's also been to the hydrotherapy pool many times (although not for over a year). He tolerated it (with the help of tennis balls !) but was never too keen. I might try again as it certainly can't do any harm.