Puzzled on Pets?

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By STEVE DALE
Tribune Media Services

Q: My 10-year-old Great Dane is my best friend. Max has arthritis and has some rough days. I’m giving him glucosamine and chondroitin, hoping this will help. I have to lift him up on the couch and into my Jeep. One problem is the difficulty I have determining if Max is in pain. Sometimes he shakes and I wonder about that. My vet suggested Bayer aspirin, Excedrin or Tylenol when this happens. This does seem to make Max feel better. He’s a good boy and never whines. Am I doing the right thing? — M.N., Tacoma, WA

A: The love you have for Max is palpable, and I appreciate that you want to do your best for him. However, acetaminophen (Tylenol) should only be used carefully under veterinary guidance. There’s also real concern about Excedrin, Bayer or any human non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. In general, buffered aspirin or Ascriptin are best for dogs, according to Dr. Robert Taylor, who has a special interested in this topic, and appears on Animal Planet’s “Emergency Vets.”

“There no question there’s evidence indicating that glucosamine and chondroitin may slow down the progression of degenerative joint disease,” says Taylor, of Denver, CO. “But Max may require more — a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (specifically for dogs) to relieve pain. The trembling is a possible indication of pain, even if he never whines. The hesitancy to jump on a couch or go into the Jeep might be because it hurts. Ask your veterinarian if you should be using something more powerful, such as a NSAID specifically for dogs.”

Alternative therapies, such as an underwater treadmill or acupuncture, might also be considered. Most important, make sure Max isn’t overweight, which in many dogs worsens the problem.

Steve Dale welcomes questions/comments from readers. Although he can't answer all of them individually, he will answer those of general interest in his column. Write to Steve at Tribune Media Services, 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, NY 14207 or send an e-mail. Include your name, city and state. Listen to Steve Dale's WEEKLY RADIO SHOW, "Pet Central," on Saturdays at http://www.wgnradio.com; or Steve's syndicated radio shows: "Steve Dale's Pet World" and "The Pet Minute." Learn more at http://www.petworldradio.net. Steve's personal website is www.stevedalepetworld.com.

© 2007 Tribune Media Services, Inc.