My old Lab has severe arthritis. What pain relief options help?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | spayed | 14 years and 6 months old | 56 lbs
14.5 yr old lab healthy except for osteoarthritis. had erlychiosis 3X, 2X hospitalized, in 2015. pretty stiff walking,does not do stairs, have to lift her to car. on glucosamine/chroin for 5 years, rimadyl 100mg for 3. big problems laying down, circles several times, sometimes aborts her lay down and walks away, or gets halfway down and falls the rest. laying down harder than getting up. good appetite, bowel and kidneys fine. what to do? change NSAID? add tramadol? what is best supplement?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on August 23rd, 2018
You should take her to your veterinarian for a re-assessment. THis may include changing to another NSAID, or adding other pain medication such as Gabapentin, or even opioids. You may also start with some physiotherapy such as swimming in warm water, to keep her mobile. Unfortunately more and more evidence points to Tramadol not being very effective in dogs for taking pain. I suggest you make an appointment with your vet soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on January 9th, 2018
Poor Millie! It sounds like she may need to also be on steroid if her legs are crossing as she walks. You can talk to your vet about whether or not she is a candidate for that. You can also add in some joint supplements. I like dasuquin and flexadin w/ UCII. You can give both but they must be separated by 12 hours. Also, if you have a veterinary acupuncturist in your area, they have shown great promise in helping arthritic dogs to become more mobile and less painful. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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