Help.. my 11 year old dog with arthritis...?

A click can be a joint "grinding" with too little mensical cushion, too much bone on bone contact. This joint grinding can be heard and felt when the hand is over the joint, in the knee, hip, elbow, or shoulders. Sometimes in the carpal bones also, all those little bones contributing to the lower paw area of the limbs. A meniscal click in the hind leg indicates damage after a cruciate ligament is torn, either partially or completely ruptured, and the stifle is usually swollen due to joint effusion.

These take long term management at home and are not benefited by immediate action, so waiting a week for your current vet is logical.

Ensure his "injection" isn't a corticosteriod and is something with immediate relief. Daily non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) administration is usually better pain management and safer than a weekly injectable analgesic or steroid. It's a combination of decisions when placing them on long term NSAID use. The risk of liver or kidney side effects versus the pain your dog endures daily. Periodic blood chemistries to evaluate liver and kidney enzymes are necessary to effectively manage a dog on NSAIDs.

If the weekly injections are merely a PSGAG, such as Adequan, his OA sounds beyond the help of such neutraceuticals. He needs pain management, not glucosamine deratives that help slow degeneration of joint cells and cartilage. His joint cells and cartilage are already toast.

Medicated diets, such as Hills j/d or Purina JM, are over-rated. These just have higher glucosamine than average dog food, but not high enough concentrations to help OA. They're overpriced. Providing a supplement such as Cosequin DS, Glycoflex III, or Duralactin is more beneficial than these diets, and even these supplements are meant more for a younger stage arthritis, before much joint damage is present.

High concentrations of omega 3 fatty acids are way more beneficial than glucosamine and chondroitin supplements for joint maintenance. "Triple strength" fish oil sold over the counter has high enough DHA and EPA to benefit joints. Lower concentrations only benefit skin and hair, not joints and heart.

What "shots" does he receive? Is he already in liver or kidney failure? If not, and often even if so, an NSAID must be considered.

Short, low intensity walks, many times daily, are better for older dogs. 10 minutes walks 5 times daily is the common regimen. No hikes or walks longer than 30 minutes. These can cause inflammation. But regular exercise is paramount to maintain joints and muscle mass. Ideal body condition (weight) is the BEST proactive treatment of arthritis. Carrying any extra weight is highly painful to OA patients. Cut his calorie intake by closely monitoring portions, providing high protein, low fat, low carb diet. If he is on j/d or JM, these are not high quality nutrition, as they're high in plant derived carbohydrate and protein, instead of animal derived protein.

Hi I have an 8 year old mixed breed girl dog, and we always wanted to get her a puppy to play with. She gets to see other pups from time to time because my older daughter rescues them and she has always enjoyed playing with them. Basically, we finally got her a pup and it was the best thing we ever did for her. She is more active and spry when playing with the pup than she has been in a long time. I would be cautious however, because your old man could really hurt the baby, so maybe you could take him to a neutral place (he may act more aggressively if the puppy is brought into his home) and see how he acts, if he wants to play and be friendly I think he would get along just fine with a lil guy. (choosing a female if you have a male may be a very good option, as it tends to lessen competition) it will be an adjustment and there will probably be some snapping if he is tired and hurting but that is to be expected and you can work through that, just remember to baby him alot if you do bring a puppy in so he doesn't get jealous. whatever you decide good luck!

It's hard to say. The clicking could be something totally harmless (heck, MY joints click sometimes and there's nothing at all wrong with them). Or there could be a problem with a tendon or ligament, it could be related to the arthritis, or could be something else. If he's not showing an increase in lameness, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Just get him in when you can, and hopefully they can set your mind at ease. Some joint supplements (glucosamine and chondroitin) would also be good to start your dog on if he isn't taking them already, and perhaps some fish oil as well.

I work at a vet's office and if you are this concerned to write on a public forum, then your vet should see you sooner. Call them up tomorrow morning and say that you are very concerned, and will need to switch vets if they cannot accommodate a worried pet parent. Explain that you are a good client, but need them to be more accommodating.

There is no way to tell you what the clicking is without a physical exam, and you deserve a visit right away.

Talk to the vet about getting him on glucosamine chronditin, that has had excellent results in a lot of dogs with joint problems. It's not going to cure it but it can help smooth the joint function.

That noise is bone rubbing on bone, and it is EXTREMELY painful. Just show up at the vet's in the morning, and be prepared to stay until he;s seen. Be nice to the front desk staff , they are your ticket to the exam room.Bring a book or some paperwork and be patient.

Possibly bone on bone and not enough fluid to lubricate the joints or ligaments are rubbing over the bone. You might want to start giving your dog Glucosamine with Chondroitin. It really helps the joints.

Some studies have shown omega three oils to be helpful in relieveing joint discomfort in both humanes and animals. These can be bought in capsul form almost any where.

11 is old for a dog. The arthritis could just be old age.

Well, I'm thinking it could possibly be his knee cap out of joint because that's very common with alot of dogs, and if you're hearing clicking noises then that could be the knee cap moving. I'm not totally sure but I hope it helps out alittle bit! Just make sure he doesn't walk on it too much.