Flynn 11 y/o Foxie Cross - Right adrenalectomy- Good Bye Flynny We will miss you

Hi Trish,

Just wondering if you have considered Cartophen (not carprophen) for Jasper's arthritis at all instead of the previcox? I know it is available in NZ as it is for us in Aus, but only in Canada, not US so it's not mentioned on here much. (though it is in the UK and most of Europe too, so don't know what's up with the US)

From the Cartrophen website: (cartrophen.com)

Quote:

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For Dogs

Cartrophen Vet (100mg sodium pentosan polysulfate / mL) is a leading treatment for arthritis (also known as degenerative joint disease or DJD) and related musculoskeletal disorders which acts on the underlying disease processes that result in pain and lameness.

Cartrophen Vet is a disease modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD) and importantly, it helps maintain joint health, including preserving joint cartilage that is damaged by the arthritic process.

With 20% of dogs over one year of age suffering from arthritis (specifically osteoarthritis or OA) this is a common cause of pain and lameness (Hegemann et al., 2002).

With Cartrophen Vet showing effective treatment in over 80% of cases (Francis and Read, 1993; Cullis-Hill and Ghosh, 1994; Bouck et al, 1995; Read et al, 1996; Smith et al 2001) by way of disease modification, Cartrophen Vet represents the logical approach to the treatment of arthritis.

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I honestly don't know how it goes with Cushing's meds, but I have seen people talking on the DogzOnline forum about Trilo and Cartrophen without issue. I do have an appointment to see my vet tomorrow if you would like me to ask about it - Will probably do this anyway as Oscar is due for his update cartrophen jab and it will be good to find out for future reference for Fraser. The good thing is, it is not another pill, but a jab. The way we usually have it is an initial dose regime of 3 jabs 2 weeks apart, then one every 4 months or so. Oscar got it with his ACL surgery a few months back and we are due for our first update dose. It's actually overdue, but he got flu so we didn't give it. When he does get it, his joints get a little sore and he gets sleepy for the afternoon, but the next day is like nothing ever happened. I think because it increases blood flow to the joints or something, they just feel it a little more for a short while. Every old dog in our family over the past 8 or so years has had it with no adverse problems, so it is something to investigate if you wish.

Anyway, a thought for you to consider. Will let you know what my vet thinks and then you can speak to your vet later in the week when you have the appt.

That's interesting, I will ask my vet about it too when I see him later this week. I would really like him off the nsaid (previcox in his case) with the high liver tests. He has had arthritis for a while, especially in his hips which was diagnosed on xray. He has been on a supplement called Mobilize which is shark cartilage, green mussel and deer velvet for years. He also injured his back (probably from jumping) too, that was years ago though. He has been taking the previcox a few months now.

As a foxy he was always been a dog that loves to jump! He used to greet me at the door and would boing boing for ages. He still does it now, just not so energetically and if I get the leash out he boings all the way out the gate, I try stop him but he is pretty determined :D:D plus I do love to see the joy he has in life, we should all jump for joy a little more often :D:D

Thanks for that info, I will follow it up and would love to hear what your vet has to say. I think you know in his case he is not on any cushings drugs.

Trish xx

Oops, yes, that part slipped my mind! :o

The other thing that just jumped into my head as I've just fed the boys is a supplement called Sachas Blend. Just checked online and it is also available to you in NZ:
http://www.sashas.co.nz/cb_pages/sashas_blend.php

I have had my boys on it for a couple of years now, and it can still be taken with the cartrophen as well. It is just a powder you sprinkle on their food, they seem to love it. (stinks like mussels) It gets rave reviews over here, seems to be a lot better than most glucosamine supplements people say. I buy it online from a vet supply place - $45 a 500g tub, in shops here it retails at $98 a tub, same size :eek: but one tub lasts both my boys 3-4 months as they only have 1/2 a teaspoon on their dinner.

I must say, though Fraser did limp with arthritis a few years ago, I haven't seen any sign of it since starting this. Now I realise that could have had something to do with the previously unknown rising cortisol, but even with that now under control, there has been no sign of arthritis. The ultimate test will be when the weather cools down obviously, but that's some months off yet.

Anyway, another option to explore, and can be taken in conjunction - even with nsaids.

Popping in with a good morning, happy Sunday:D:D:D:D

I sure got a lot of chores done yesterday including cleaning the carpet in our den. I forgot what color it was:eek::eek::eek:

Have a wonderful day.

Glad you are having some fun again Trish!

I wonder if these symptoms you are seeing will eventually go away. Interested to see what the vet says about that.

Have a good week,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Hi Trish,

Just back from seeing my vet and asked about the Cartrophen with cushings dogs, she said it is a very safe medication with very few interactions, so it would be worth asking your vet about it from the point of the adrenalectomy. Usually a 3 dose course to start, followed by maintenance doses. Apparently they can be 3, 6 or 12 monthly as needed, which is even better than I thought!

Hope that helps you some.

Hi Naomi, Addy and Sharlene! Nice to hear from you all

I did some googling about the Cartophen Naomi, the only thing that worried me was the warning below:

"This medication is not recommended for use in dogs that have clotting defects, traumatic hemorrhage, thrombocytopenia, infection or abdominal cancer"

With Flynn having had liver cancer and now the pheo (hopefully not malignant but we don't know and it was in abdomen) i think it might be best for him not to have it. It is very similar to Adequan which I have seen used by some of the US members.

Thanks for the tip! Nearly time for the spring cleaning for you Addy, carpet done so thats a start! I bought a carpet shampooer last year, used it once and in the garage it sits! Luckily for me, Flynn does not have the peeing problem so many of our pups have and I spill more things on the carpet than he does :D. I noticed tonight his fur is nearly fully regrown from his two surgeries... just a wee line to show where they shaved still to grow out, he is so gorgeous! Hope he does not need to be shaved again for a long long time :)

xx

AAhhhh, missed that bit. Oh well it was worth the try. In that case, I'm fresh out of ideas. Sorry.:o

Hi Trish, just popping in to see how Flynn is doing. I bet he is so handsome with his newly grown coat!! It is so nice once that fur grows back in. It seemed like it took forever for Jasper's two front legs to grow back in after being shaved for the IV's when he was in the hospital. But the fur on his legs is long, so that is why it took so long to catch up.

I saw where you posted on Fraser's thread about liver support. Denamarin is one that I see a lot of pups here get. I just talked to my vet about it on Friday. She thought it might be a good idea, so we are going to talk about it once we figure out the kidney stuff. I found a lot of good information when I googled. Hope it is available in NZ.

I hope you are enjoying your warm weather, it is 5 degrees F here today with wind chills in the negative teens. Jasper and Shelby are curled up in a blanket on the couch and I think I will join them. I am off work for MLK day, and they are happy campers!! :D

Hugs,
Tina and Jasper

Some members here use Adequan for their dog's arthritis.