What are the most effective prescriptions to treat severe polyarthritis for a dog?

I second the recommendation of Cosequin. And if the oral form doesn't help within a couple of months of starting it, you can try the injectable form (through your vet) named Adequan. I agree that acupuncture could also help greatly. An additional option is herbal remedies, although I can't remember any specific names. Hopefully you have a vet near you who is trained in alternative medicine.

While not a prescription, Cosequin DS is a supplement that has been a HUGE help with our older dogs. (our otherwise healthy 11 year old lab has arthritis so bad, that the vet thought it was bone cancer at first) Cosequin DS can be bought online, or at Costco. Our dog no longer even needs her pain meds, after starting her on that. Adding Coconut oil to your dogs diet can help too. Be sure to make sure you are feeding a high quality food too, we switched an adopted 15 year old dog from a low quality food (beneful) to a high quality food (Kirkland natures domain) and within a week he went from acting like an old dog, to acting like a puppy. Dogfoodadvisor.com is a good place to see how different foods are rated. I would talk to your vet, of course, But I've heard that rimadyl is dangerous to use long-term.

Have you tried Rimadyl?

Have you tried looking for a support group? My sisters dog has addison's disease and she found a canine support group that helped a LOT.

I'm so sorry to hear about your pups arthritis! My dog is 14 years old and takes glucosamine (vitamin) and rimadyl, which seem to help her a lot. I also like to give her 15-25 minute massages that she really seems to enjoy.

There is a canine supplement by LifeVantage called "Canine Health" - I had great success with my dogs who had various problems from heart murmurs to skin conditions - I started giving it to my cat who is 14 yrs old and was crippled up with arthritis. She walked with a bad limp, had trouble getting up and couldn't jump up to coffee table at all. In fact, when I needed to have her groomed cause she has long thick hair and it matted very easily, I would have to take her to my vet who would put her completely under anesthesia after doing blood work - then a mobile groomer would come and shave her because she could not stand to be touched, petted, held or brushed due to the pain. I did this for the past three years every 4-5 mos - at the tune of $150 between vet bill and groomer. I was always worried that she would not wake up from the anesthesia due to her age. After taking "Canine Health" for three mos I was able to have her groomed at a regular groomer with no biting hissing or scratching. She was a perfect angel - all because the inflammation was gone and the haircut did not cause her pain. The best part is I can hold her and snuggle and she is ok with it- something I have not been able to do for many years. The supplement is organic and was formulated for dogs but I researched the ingredients and there was nothing in there that would hurt a kitty - so I tried it and am I glad I did. I actually saw results after 1 week with her limp and then she continued to improve. If you would like to discuss write me at elsie.fewer1@verizon.net

We found Deramaxx (a NSAID) to be a near miracle drug for our near retired police dogs. These were dogs with problems that Rimadyl did not touch.

You have to recall that these were some very valuable and proficient dogs in their glory years. Our senior dogs have finally figured out all the tasks, have street smarts, and have slowed down enough to run a very methodical and accurate track. It's an absolute shame when these great years are cut short by physical issues.

We generally have to retire dogs due to age related arthritis and skeletal issues. We can generally see the end coming and can predict within 6-12 months of when a dog will be finished.

Using Deramaxx has consistently tacked on 1-2 years of very good service years. While we reduce the amount of tracking, jumping, and apprehension work for our senior group -- the dog's still perform in very challenging conditions.

The only downside for us is cost. (Perhaps $100 a month).

I'd venture that we've had 6-8 dogs on it over the year and it has been by far the most successful therapy we've used. Prior to Deramaxx we tried several other drug therapies, canine chriopractic, and acupuncture. Again, the dogs are very valuable.

Depending on your budget you may find this worth a try. For me, the results have been nothing short of a miracle!

Best Wishes,

Mark