Hi all

Our 1yo Clumber is probably about to be diagnosed with Elbow Dysplasia - we're just waiting on the Xrays coming back from a second opinion. Vet has asked us to check the levels of glucosamine in his feed (Arden Grange). The symptoms are mild at the moment (just a slight limp), so we're hopeful that he isn't going to need surgery.

Anyways, we contacted the AG nutritionist, and she's recommended switching him on to their large breed feed, as it has higher levels of the above, but also suggests we feed him a supplemant containing glucosamine and Omega 3 and 6.

Any suggestions as to a decent supplement? And how to other owners with dogs with ED manage the condition?

Thanks.

My dog has elbow displasia (UAP), diagnosed at about 5&half months old.

I wouldn't swithc food according to the glucosamine content, just stick to an adult food. Keep his weight down - lean is better than chubby.

I used a liquid glucosamine suppliment at first, it was so brill that pup actually managed without Metacam once the suppliment had worked (was called synflex, think it's been renamed to flexwise now).

I now use a tablet glucosamine, but only as I got given a bulk load that mym mum got a fab deal on!

Glucosamine HCL is more effective (it takes more of the glucosamine sulphate to do the same job as less of the glucosamine HCL). Your vets will probably allready supply glucosamine HCL, but they do tend to be rather expensive when comapred to other places. If using a human suppliment do check the ingredietns are OK for pets soo, some are not and some have contraindications for animals on NSAID (such as metacam).
Cod liver oil suppliments were recomended by the vet, so my dog is also on those.

ETA, Buster has not been opperated on, we've managed the problem with weight control and excersise control.

I do hope the x-rays will be submitted fop scoring so the level of the problem in the breed can be monitored as well as predisposed stock.

Sadly this won't help your own dog but will help guide breeders to try to avoid producing the condition.

The amount of glucosamine / chondroitin supplement in any complete diet is not worth having. It is only added to persuade people to think they are getting something extra for nothing. I started my Golden with OCD on Holland & Barrett tablets which I buy when they are on offer. She has been on them for almost 8 years without needing NSAIDs from the vet except on the rare occasion for a couple of weeks. I have recently changed her to liquid STRIDE recommended by the hydrotherapist at the vets and she is fine on that. OCD is one of the most debilitating conditions for a dog so I do hope that yours does not actually have it. If he does, don't despair. Saffi has had it all her life and, with care, still has normal exercise and a normal life and seems pain free. She is nearly 9 now.

Thanks for that - his normal food really suits him, so it seems the sensible option will be the supplement route.

We get the diagnosis confirmed (or not) on Monday, so hopefully we'll have more of an idea of the treatment plan. He's had the best part of a week strictly on the lead now at the vet's advice, and when he hobbles at all now, its barely noticeable. We just hope we can start to increase his exercise again before too long - he's starting to get a bit 'busy' around the house at the moment!

The best thing ever would be if ti was just 'panosteitis' (growing pains) where the lining of the bones becomes inflamed, and they grow out of it.  I do hope he has just a mild case if it is ED.

As I said get those plates submitted for official scoring, to benefit the breed in controlling this issue.

I am sure you will also inform the breeder so they can alter their future breeding plans taking this into account.

Brainless - yes we'll be doing both.