loumabel Posted February 20, 2012 Share Posted February 20, 2012 A friend of mine lives in France and has recommended a product called ARA 3000 for my labrador who has chronic arthritis and hip displaysia. I have google it and can only find it on french websites or websites for ex-pats that live in france. Apparantly it is an injection of fatty acids into the joint and it has good results. Has anyone had any experience of these injections??? My boy has been on metacam for years now, combined with cortaflex and weekly hydrotherapy but the older he gets the worse the problem becomes and he is very stiff at the moment. My vet is not keen on Cartraphen injections and I am running out of ideas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted February 20, 2012 Share Posted February 20, 2012 No, not heard of it. You would have to get an special import license from the VMD to use that in the UK and it almost certainly would not be granted for drug like this. They key is to find a pain medication that works for your dog. I would continue to discuss pain relief with your vet and ask for a referral to a o orthopaedic specialist if things don't improve. Cortaflex is good but have you tried something that contains Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil's Claw) - product such as Flexadin Tablets (also contains Glucosamine & Chondroitin which you are getting in your Coraflex). Many dogs find the addition of Devil's Claw very soothing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loumabel Posted February 21, 2012 Author Share Posted February 21, 2012 I will look into to that thanks chucky mama. Ben is developing a nasty limp on one shoulder and it seems to be getting worse. My vet just wants to give stronger painkillers all the time and I am worried about Bens kidneys and Liver as he is only 9 and I would like to keep him around as long as possible. The ARA 3000 sounded like a good treatment but if its not available in the UK then I will have to think again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 It is important to use something strong enough when the inflammation is at it's worst. You can then reduce the dose of these things for maintenance. With careful monitoring there should be no need to worry about his kidneys and liver. Some vets are using paracetamol more for pain relief with good results - of course, don't try this without it being prescribed by a vet. It will help if you can keep him nice and lean, extra weight carried is extra unnecessary pressure on his joints. Ball chasing, stairs and jumping up and down of furniture are also complete no nos but I am sure that you already know this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loumabel Posted February 21, 2012 Author Share Posted February 21, 2012 Thanks for your advice chucky mama Ben is on Metacam at the moment, my vet wanted to put him on tramadol but I refused this as its morphine based, so he prescribed Previcox, this made Ben violently sick so I have gone back to metacam.I don't know if this is a strong painkiller or not?? I do try to keep his weight down but he is a Labrador and you know they are canine dusbins!!! We keep exercise to a minimum, but he loves his walks so I don't want to deprive him too much. I have ordered some Flexadin, so will try him on that when it arrives. Thanks again for your help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lillybettybabs Posted February 21, 2012 Share Posted February 21, 2012 I can see how it could improve things, haev you tried Glucosamine Chondroitin Sulfate and a Back On Track coat. Just out of curiosity what tests do your vet do? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loumabel Posted February 22, 2012 Author Share Posted February 22, 2012 The vet did an x-ray and this showed up the chronic arthritis. He said he could refer us for a scan but it costs up to £2000 and he was not sure what we would gain by it. He also did a blood test to check his kidneys were ok. I have not heard of 'back on track' jacket but will google it now. Ben has a coat with magnets down the spine and I have just bought him an equafleece too. Also went to Dunelm mill today and bought a memory foam topper to go on his bed. Spoilt? Never!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 To be honest I would give the Tramadol a go if that is what your vet is suggesting. He doesn't need to be on it forever but he needs something fairly heavy duty to get the inflammation (pain) under control. Nothing can progress until you get this under control. Dogs like yours have periods of time when they really do need some pretty strong pain relief but it doesn't have to be long term. The longer it goes on the harder it will be to get under control. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lillybettybabs Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 The vet did an x-ray and this showed up the chronic arthritis. He said he could refer us for a scan but it costs up to £2000 and he was not sure what we would gain by it. He also did a blood test to check his kidneys were ok. I have not heard of 'back on track' jacket but will google it now. Ben has a coat with magnets down the spine and I have just bought him an equafleece too. Also went to Dunelm mill today and bought a memory foam topper to go on his bed. Spoilt? Never!!! I wonder if that was the antibody test i'm just curious as there are different types of Arthritis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
