[Corky/Max]

What is MSM?

MSM is methylsuphonylmethane. It's a sulfur compound. It's been found useful in the relief of symptoms associated with allergies, gastrointestinal upsets, arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders. Glucosamine is most often an ingredient that can be found mixed with MSM, that promotes healthy joints and tissues. I use and recommend Agility by HealthyPetNet for my Boxers, as a preventative. Agility is so effective, many pet owners have been able to get their pets off of harmful steroid drugs (e.g. Rimadyl) and on to a natural course of treatment.

NOTE: This was pasted from the internet--'I' in the above article is not ME/Corky/Max!!!! (and I do not own boxers!!)

NOTE: I will put anything on here that will help people stay away from steroids--especially RIMADYL!!!!

[Lara's mom]

I am not a great believer in steroids either but, they do have their place. When Bailey was about six months old, she sustained a soft tissue injury from playing with dogs who were too big and too rough for her. (I've never forgiven the idiot who allowed that to happen.) Anyway, she lost the next six months of her puppyhood as a result. She couldn't go out for walks and she had to be carried outside to "use the facilities".

I tried everything up to and including acupuncture and nothing worked. She lived on painkillers. Finally, her Dr. put her on a dose of steroids. Within two weeks, she was playing with her toys in the yard and running in the park. The change in her was nothing short of miraculous!!!

Steroids should probably be the treatment of last resort but, I can tell you in all honesty that without them, I probably wouldn't have my Bailey today. I could not have continued to allow her to suffer like that.

[pinsnpugs]

Steroids definitely do have their place. Long term affects if it is going to be a long term usage have to be weighed with the side effects. For short term relief it is great.

If you use Glucosamine for your dog MSM really should be an ingredient in it. They work hand in hand for true effectiveness over glucosamine alone.

[bostonlover]

i'd rather try everything thats natural before i go the route with hard core meds (if its an option)

thanks for the tip, i'll ask my vet about it