My 7 yr old male Maine has been diagnosed with severe arthritis. He's been on Cosequin for about 2 months now and is on Eukanuba weight loss formula. He started at 25 lbs and is now about 23. Is there anything else I could be doing? Has any one else had this problem with Maine Coons? I have a new baby Maine too and want to do everything possible to avoid this problem with him.

-- Anonymous, July 20, 2000

Answers

I have a 21 lb. 1 1/2 yr. old male Maine Coon who has arthritis in his front elbows. I tried aspirin for 2 1/2 mo. and glucosamine for the last month along with the aspirin, neither of them worked very well, he continued to limp. He started undergoing acupuncture treatment 5 weeks ago and he hasn't been limping since the first week. He isn't on aspirin or anything else. He was treated once every ~1 1/2 weeks, then this last time we waited for 2 weeks. Now we are going to see if he can go for ~1 1/2 months before the next treatment. His acupuncturist is hoping that he will only need treatment 5 times a year. The treatment only takes a few minutes, and he just seems so much happier now. Good luck with your guy, I hope there is something that can help him.

-- Anonymous, August 23, 2000