Joint Care Supplements for my Lab

[kcjaime]

My dog has previously had surgery on an ACL injury and has since been on a glucosamine chondroitin supplement. Based on our vet's recommendation we are looking for a higher dose supplement that also includes MSM. However, after looking online at various sites, I'm lost on which is best. I know that in terms of the glucosamine and chondroitin I'm looking for a 600/500mg ratio, but I don't know about the MSM. Some pills have 50mg, others have 500mg. How do I determine which is best, and also are there any particular brands that are best?

I want to make sure my Mercy, a 75 lb. lab, gets the appropriate dose of the right supplement.

Any information would be greatly appreciated!

[jesvet]

There's no super strict guidelines for these supplements, just some general ones based on anecdotal evidence. Thus the difficulty in finding really consistent recommendations. A lot of it is the personal preference of the prescribing doctor and the results noted by the client. I have used Restor-a-flex, Cosequin, and human brands (for larger dogs such as yours), all with good results.

[Belm]

We have 2 American Bulldogs (each weigh about 65 pounds). They both have knee problems. Our vet recommended Glyco-Flex III.
http://images.1800petmeds.com/images/products/large/10654_160.jpg

[kcjaime]

Belm-What's the dosage like for your dogs on Glyco-Flex III? I googled it and it seems like its a lot higher than what our vet recommended of 600 glucosamine/500 chondroitin, and also it doesn't appear to have chondroitin, not that I even know what that is.

How have your dogs done with it?

[Belm]

We give them a half tablet each (once a day). They have been on it for about 6 months. They started taking it after they had knee problems. I wish we had started much sooner. :rolleyes: It's hard to tell if it has been helping since they have both had knee surgeries in the past few months. HTH!

[PG-rated]

Our cat takes Cosequin for cats and it's worked well for her. Most importantly for us, we don't have to fight with her to take it. :)

[kcjaime]

PG-Rated: That's a good thing in itself! ;) Cats can be v. difficult with meds of any sort!

I'm going to check out the recs on this thread and get some pills bought today!