When I had Sasha in to see the vet last we decided that the limp was from arthritis in her left front wrist. Mary called it, I believe, crepidation. Depending, in part, on the weather, some days she is in obvious pain and limps badly on other days she's like a happy go lucky (9 year old) puppy.

Aspirin or Previcox (not good long term on kidneys) both relieve the pain - more or less, depending on how badly she's hurting.

If I don't give her the painkiller then she's:
1) In pain
2) Limping
3) Not stressing the good wrist.

If I do give her the painkiller then:
1) Not in too much (if any) pain
2) Running around - which aggravates the arthritis <??>
3) Potentially stressing her kidneys.

Some days she tries to stay off the bad foot - walking like a three legged dog; other times it's like nothing's wrong ... Obviously I want her to feel good; just as obviously I don't want her to do more damage to the existing wrist nor damage the other wrist. So what's a guy to do?

Coincidentally, I just had a talk with our neighbor yesterday about arthritis in dogs. He told me there is a product based on bovine colostrum that helped a dog of his more than any prescribed medicine. I don't remember what the product was called (something xxxxxLactin ?) but he said Costco carried it.

Well, I don't wanna hear that, you just run right out and find out what it is, would you please.

So, okay, a bit less facetiously - since it's making it difficult for her to get up and down the porch steps I'm looking at different things so a name to go with that product would be useful if you would please, sir. If she were more inclined to use one door or the other (front / back) I might be inclined to put up a ramp for her but since she goes to whichever door she feels like ....

I know when dogs have epilepsy, and are put on meds like pheno barbital, it can be very hard on the liver and regular vet check ups are needed to monitor the livers function. People will often add milk thistle to their dogs diet to aid the liver. I don't think milk thistle will help in regards to aiding the kidneys, but I am thinking there are natural remedies to help out the kidneys. I only did a quick search, just to get an idea of what the consensus is in regards to kidney aids that are natural, but here is just an idea. I know you enjoy your searches so I'm just throwing it out there that you can probably keep Sasha on the painkiller, and supplement with something natural to slow down the kidneys being harmed.

aljones wrote:

Well, I don't wanna hear that, you just run right out and find out what it is, would you please.

So, okay, a bit less facetiously - since it's making it difficult for her to get up and down the porch steps I'm looking at different things so a name to go with that product would be useful if you would please, sir.  If she were more inclined to use one door or the other (front / back) I might be inclined to put up a ramp for her but since she goes to whichever door she feels like ....

Just wander around Costco and ask everyone in a red vest if they know where the cow breast milk supplement is located.

While you do that, I'll get a name as soon as I see him.

Uh, let's see - the nearest Costco is in Chihuahua City, MEX at about 250 miles; the next closest is El Paso at about 300 miles, then Lubbock and San Antonio. In the first my Spanish isn't *that* good and for the second, I'm not driving 6+ hours one way ... and crossing the Mexican / US border is a hassle I can do without, thank you (thanks Trump!)

If you would please, I'd appreciate it ...

Al, search bovine colostrum for dogs. Looks like there's lots stuff.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/colostrum-benefits-for-dogs/&ved=2ahUKEwim2b-W4KfeAhUG3IMKHUKeCp0QFjAMegQICRAB&usg=AOvVaw2hFUMkpp_w6D-6L_fbCExg

Also, read this whole thread. I've referred many people to it, perhaps it should be a sticky.

https://www.itsahuskything.com/t10510-dakota-s-having-trouble-standing-arthritis?highlight=Dakota+can+t+walk

Name of the product my neighbor mentioned is:  Duralactin

Hope it works for you!

A good fish oil and look into gelatin/collogen supplement. I get great lakes gelatin but believe that some of the cheaper forms of gelatin could also be viable. Just do your homework on brand a bit before diving in.

If you’re worried about kidney values with the Previcox, you can ask your vet about either Gabapentin which will help if it’s muscle pain, or Galliprant is an nSAID that doesn’t have any affect on the kidneys.