Seraquin

[Millys Mum]

I was doing 1/2 twice a day for the loading dose and then reduced to 1/2 once daily.
Is Max a big kitty? Lolas chubby but under 4kg 
I could pill her but shes the kind of cat who wouldnt be happy if it were a daily occurence 

Giving half a cap isnt 100% accurate but better than overdosing. I give the small half + abit of the bigger half. If it was a prescription drug id cut it up with a razor blade. 

[swampmaxmum]

I use Cosequin capsules for Max and get them down quite easily, although he seems to have a small throat so pills are never easy. The capsules are quite small and the right shape for easy swallowing - no rugby balls. I don't know how exact the dose has to be as sprinkling on food means they get unequal doses.

[Millys Mum]

I opted for Cosequin over Seraquin because it looked easier to administer. Shoving a huge tablet down Lolas throat everyday would have knocked her happiness so half a capsule sprinkled in her food is much better.

Cheap glucosamine doesnt work aswell, something to do with if its a sulphate or hydrochloride, the latter is the most effective type.

Cortaflex is the no1, made for humans too    but not sure if cats will like the taste! It has amino acids added to it to make it absorb better. 

[Christine (Blip)]

I am waiting to pick to some powder to sprinkle on the food but not sure what it's called.

Our vet has suggested Cosequin for Blip: it comes in capsules which you can break open and sprinkle on food (or mix with Primula, as in our case).

Mark (Sparky) you might like to have a chat with your vet about that too, but I have no idea how the prices compare.

[Mark]

I bought some Seraquin for Alice but she won't take them. Its says you can crumble them onto the food but the (horse size) pills are too hard to crumble. I am waiting to pick to some powder to sprinkle on the food but not sure what it's called.

[blackcat]

I try to avoid the anti-inflammatories except in acute onset situtations - most of the time I use the maintenance dose for Shadow, upping it a little if I notice him being a bit reluctant about the stairs, and getting anti-inflamatory tabs from the vet when he is reduced to 3 legs. Anti-inflamatories long-term can cause side-effects that are not good.

[fluffybunny]

Sooty used to have green lipped muscle extract and that made a huge difference for a while, I forget what the price was but it was this product here: http://www.healtheries.co.nz/page.php?id=25&prod=1233  The vets used to get it in for me and I seem to recall it was about £15 a tub of 100 tablets. 

[sparky]

No problem and thanks all the same.

I understand glycosamine is a standard supplement for the joints, regardless of the animal, though Seraquin also has anti-inflammatory agent included.

[blackcat]

ah, now it is clear - thanks. Unfortunately my only experience with arthritis is with my dog who has Sasha's blend sprinkled on his dinner, it is a fish-based glycosamine supplement but I don't know about its suitability for cats. Others on the forum are better placed than I to assist you. Sorry ...

[sparky]

I'm using it for arthritis, which was recommended and purchase from Vet UK.

I only have one cat now, he's a 14 year old boy.

[blackcat]

Mark, what are you using it for - and is it a prescription medication?
How old is your cat? Do you have others?

[sparky]

I started my cat on this recently but after reading around came across some suggestions that there are 'as good' alternatives to what some people consider an expensive product.

Anyone have some thoughts on this and any recommendations.

Thanks,

Mark