Posted By: Anonymous
glucosamine/chondroitin-any experience? - 10/27/08 05:08 PM
Lucky is my neutered male amputee -he's missing a hind leg and has VERY limited use of the other hind leg. The remaining hind leg knee seems to be locked in a bent position and is extremely weak. Of course he has adapted and gets around all over the cage, including the wheel, quite well and is basicly a little sweetheart. I took Lucky in last week for a well check and my vet suggested I start some physical therapy with him. She also suggested the use of glucosamine/chondroitin but wanted to do some more research before starting him on it. So today I get the med and will begin giving it to him tonight. We started the physical therapy last week which basicly is just me giving him massage on his lower region concentrating on the area where his remaining leg is twice a day for 10-15 minutes and gently working the knee a tiny bit. He has very degenerative muscles in his hind area and we are hoping that the combination of the extra stimulation along with the drug will enhance his mobility over time and allow him to have a bit more use and strength in that leg. Anyone have any experience with using a supplement of this type with a suggie? Anyone used physical therapy and seen any benefits in any way? I have to say he wasn't too crazy about the massage at all the first couple days but seems to be actually starting to enjoy it now. My vet says when she consulted w/other vets no one else voiced any experience but there was a lot of interest and total agreement that nothing in the supplement should harm him in any way.