I have been advised that our 5yr old would benefit from Cartrophen injections. He has HD, arthritis and deformities to his front legs. Knowing that in the longer term he will more than likely have to take rimadyl or similar, he has been taking various supplements and remedies to stave of it's long term use. I know he finds his infirmities harder to cope with during hot/warm weather but feel the time is coming to try something else. Has anyone used cartrophen on their dog(s) and what do they think? Many thanks.

My large xbreed had a course of cartrophen following his first operation to repair a torn cruciate. Arthitis had set into the joint fairly severely before he showed any signs of having cruciate trouble. He was making slow progress after the op and the cartrophen appeared to help immensely. Recovery after his second cruciate repair on the other leg was much better so he hasn't needed any since but I wouldn't hesitate to go for another course of cartrophen if/when he requires it.

My Scarlet who is now 11 in on her third or fourth course of Cartrophen. At 3 years she injured her cruciate and has always been treated for it medically. I think they have helped her although it seems her hips are now giving her trouble. I have thought them good enough to repeat the procedure.

My Mum has her 11 year old Rough Collie on monthly injections of Cartrophen and they are helping alot. He has old age onset of arthiritis which is to be expected and it is keeping him mobile.  As he has a delicate stomach it is much better for him then taking long term Rimadyl or Metacam.  He has had no side effects from the injections, is lively, eats well and has a beautiful coat for his age, in fact he spends alot of time throwing his toys in the air lol !!!!!

Hope you get on OK.

Thought I would follow up, having asked about Cartrophen back in the warmer days of last summer. He had a course of four injections followed by monthly top ups, and the change has been more than we could have hoped. He had slowed right down in the last year or so, having to be cajoled for walks and showing minimal interest in games. Now when he hears the word walks, he's waiting by the collars & leads waiting to go and although he has to be kept on lead he's out front urging the rest of us on. He now regularly joins us on longer walks and enjoys it when I take him alone with the extending (will not use them if I have more than one with me) lead so he can run & nose around the fields. Many thanks to those who replied & fingers crossed that it will continue to help him for some time yet.

That's great to hear!  I'm so pleased he has benefitted from the Cartrophen too...long may he continue to enjoy his walks.

That's good news Lacy. I had a talk with my vet today & he said they get pretty good results using Cartrofen post op on cruciates with boosters given every 3 months. My old girl has been stiff this winter (but ok in the summer). It's worth a try.

we had a course done on our 6 year old Newfie back in August and didnt think it would do much - my we were wrong! he was a naughty puppy once more! counter surfing and stealing! he had a set of four over a month and we will take him back for more when we feel him returning to his old 'stiff ' ways - he had patella luxation aged a few months and has HD and Arthritis.We were so impressed - especially that there are no side effects that we took our elder female Newf in for a set ! - she has nothing much wrong with her other than she is getting old and a wee bit slower,so we thought anything that might give her a small bit of comfort ! the vet did say we;d notice little to no difference as she has nothing wrong with her - but what the hell!