Gida turned 10 this year, among showers of adoration and Pupcake. I wrote previously about how, in the context of her milestone birthday, some elderly seeming canine behaviors have become more apparent. Maybe it’s just me, maybe it’s not.
One of our observations was a wonky back leg; usually after walking or jumping, she’d hold up one back leg like it was uncomfortable to stand on. Off to the vet we went, hoping it wasn’t luxating patella, a common kneecap-related condition in Bostons. Though the vet suggested in the past that we keep an eye on her leg for this very reason, this time, the diagnosis is: likely arthritis. Empathy ensues from the humans, but the news doesn’t impact Gida’s day at all — incidentally one of the greatest things about animals.
The solution for now is to add fish oil to her food, per doctor’s orders.
R.M. Clemmons, a veterinarian and professor at the University of Florida, writes that fish oils can indeed be anti-inflammatory agents, worth a shot for animals with autoimmune disease or arthritis. We purchased an over-the-counter bottle, readily available at many pet-supply stores. However, Clemmons notes that sardines or ground flax seeds can be more pure sources of the same stuff. Furthermore, he says some studies found adverse effects in fish-oil capsules, due to spoiling.
At this early stage, I think Gida is digging it out of her bowl, judging by several pieces of uneaten kibble on the floor. (Vitamins ain’t ice cream for us, either, Smalldog.)
Let us know about your experiences with fish oil, supplements, or arthritic pets: solutions that worked, or whether your pet hated or loved the taste.
Image: Right Angle Images
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