From: labrador1@ibycus.com   
      
   Bob wrote:   
   > I have an 11 year old sharpei who vet says is getting arthritis. She is now   
   > taking rimadyl which seems to help but is rather expensive. I have heard   
   > that the over the counter pills, osteo bi-flex, which of course is for   
   > humans, also helps in animals. Has anyone here had any experience with this.   
   > Have not asked the vet, figure he'll want me to keep buying the rimadyl,   
   > which I will if theres no other choice. Thanks for any advise.   
   >   
   >   
      
   I'm not sure if I follow you correctly on why your vet would want you to   
   keep buying Rimadyl. Do you think its to protect his profit margin, or   
   is it because Rimadyl is better, and your vet wouldn't recommend an   
   inferior product.   
   If its the former, give your vet a chance. They may surprise you. If its   
   the latter, again give your vet a chance. Once you let your vet know   
   that cost is an issue, they may be able to recommend other treatment   
   options that will help.   
      
   After a quick look at osteo bi-flex's page, it seems that its mostly a   
   joint supplement, which is good, but may not be enough. Interesting is   
   the disclaimer at the bottom of their webpage "These statements have not   
   been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are   
   not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. "   
      
      
   Dale   
      
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