Hi Leslie,

It's a bit late, but I just found this site and saw your post. I can't help with a homeopathic remedy as my old girl, Hannah, refused to take them long-term! I did get Rhus Tox down her for a week or so, but that was not enough. But here's what worked for her:

I took her off Metacam as it was killing her – severe colitis caused by the Metacam and she also developed very shaky legs on it, which I’ve noticed happen to several other dogs. I got her Runaround from Stock Nutrition which is Green Lipped Mussel, Shark Cartilage, Vitamins C & E. Within 5 days on that, she was trotting a couple of miles, with no trace of a limp!, having previously only been able to stagger to the end of the road on very shaky pins, where she was lying down to watch the traffic. I immediately weaned her off the Metacam altogether and she was great on the Runaround for a couple of years.

Then her legs got worse again and I added in Garlic, Greenleaf Tablets from Denes, Osteotrace tablets from ARONHA, got her a magnetic collar, used crystals – Blue Lace Agate to start with, and others, she also had Acupuncture for months, but I eventually stopped that and did acupressure on her myself after having been shown by an Acupuncturist how and where would be most beneficial. These were all added in at various times as the need arose. She also latterly had Reiki which helped enormously and I believe gave her an extra 6 months with me.

There are loads of natural products and therapies out there which I am sure would help enormously. The trick is, as ever, finding the right thing for YOUR dog, which is where your gut comes in – you’ll know what’s right.

Homeopathy can also work wonders. Hannah just didn’t want it, she preferred herbs etc.

The book which helped me a lot and sent me in various correct directions for Hannah is - Natural Healthcare for Pets by Richard Allport. He covers a wide range of natural therapies.

Had I kept Hannah on Metacam, she would have been dead by 12 as the Vet prophesied, but once I changed her to natural treatments she was MUCH happier, healthier, fitter and had a much greater quality of life. She lived to 15 years and 6½ weeks!

Runaround is available from Stock Nutrition www.doghealth.co.uk

Denes website is www.denes.com

I know Glucosamine can be great too.

Some other products I believe can be helpful are :

Mobileaze www.aviform.co.uk I know someone who has used this very successfully with her Weimaraners.

Cortaflex

Synflex

Ease by Phytopet 01244 813162 email info@phytopet.co.uk

Deer Velvet www.velvetenergy.com

Copper Collars help some dogs.

Once you start hunting, you’ll find the right products.

A good Homeopathic Dog care book is Homeopathic Medicine for Dogs by H.G.Wolff

Good luck in your search.