Veterinary Products Laboratories Duralactin Joint Plus Soft Chews, 240-Count (Discontinued by Manufacturer)

My 13 yr old 45 lb Cattle dog had terrible arthritis in his front legs and had blown out both his back knees and had surgery on them years earlier. He was on both Tramadol for pain and Carprofen for inflammation at this point. We were giving him 1 move free every day which had made a huge difference when we started it years ago. He wasn't ready to stop so when someone in Vet assistant school told me about this I figured we didn't have anything to lose. I gave him one with his food each morning and night and after just a few days there was an amazing difference. He appeared to have dropped several years by the way he moved. This helped him be a happy dog that could keep watch over his big yard and still go for short walks for the last year of his life. My dog liked the way these taste so for him it was like getting a treat. If I was careful I could even use it to tuck the pain pill in so it helped in that regard too. The only con was that this gave him bad gas. It was terrible but worth it to see him so happy.

To quote the manufacturer, Duralactin contains "dried milk protein from the milk of hyperimmunized cows" that blocks chronic inflammation. It also contains glucosamine and other additives. I suggest Internet research if you want more information as the molecular action of the medication is complex. There are studies out there that give evidence supporting its anti-inflammatory properties. It is particularly effective for arthritis. Oddly, most MDs and Vets seem to be unaware of it, despite scientific studies and acclaim of many dog owners. The product was originally recommended to me by a friend with a standard poodle who could barely walk. Within two weeks Duralactin had his dog walking without pain. I found it equally effective for my Aussie, who has arthritis and an injured shoulder. She is not romping like a puppy, but she gets around visibly better and is happier as a result. We give her the liver chewables now (which she considers treats) and have given her the vanilla chewables previously, which she didn't take to quite as eagerly. I would recommend one of the flavored varieties so you don't have to resort to wrapping a tablet in cheese or . . . you know that drill. I am tempted to take it myself for arthritis, particularly since the primary ingredient does not cause internal bleeding as might aspirin. Not to worry, I will await the results of clinical trials on humans, which I hope will come through soon. My understanding is the manufacturer distributes the product to vendors, who package and price it differently, hence the confusion the buyer faces on the Amazon page: varied labels, packages, and prices (and freshness??). Nonetheless, find a vendor you feel you can trust and give Duralactin a fair trial for your ailing canine. I hope you and your best friend will be pleased with the results.

I had bought another version of Duralactin, "Microlactin", for my first greyhound and it didn't work very well. When arthritis hit my 5 year old guy and nothing else seemed to help, I reluctantly decided to re-try, this time the Duralactin Plus formula. Wow. I'm impressed. Jack is definitely more limber in the morning, less wobbily and creaky. He gets two tablets after each meal. I would give the product 5 stars BUT the smell is absolutely horrific (probably why dogs love it!) but it's so strong, I have to hold my nose when I open the canister. Seriously, I get the dry heaves they stink so bad. Thanks to VPL and Amazon for a great (albeit odiforous) product!

This product was recommended by my vet after my miniature dachshund was paralyzed. She regained use of her back legs due to laser treatments and has been on these soft chews ever since (about 2 years). It is hard to tell how well it works other than the fact that she hasn't had any relapses, which are common. I also give it to my other 2 doxies as a preventive and they have not had any problems. I believe it helps and will continue to purchase it.I do adjust the dose for my dogs. The directions say 2 chews a day for dogs 40lbs and under. There is a big difference between a 40lb dog and a 7 lb dog and I don't feel comfortable giving such tiny dogs the same amount. Instead I give my oldest 1 full chew a day since she already has spinal issues and I give my other 2 minis half a piece a day to hopefully prevent any problems. The stuff smells pretty funky, but my dogs absolutely love it. They think it is a bedtime treat instead of a medicine which is great.

Very rarely have I bought a product that gave everyone in the family a reason to jump for joy. This was one of those rare times, for us. Our 10-year old border collie, Mazie, got arthritis in both rear legs, and was unable to jump into the car, had a very hard time going up or down stairs, and started to get very lethargic. Her standard greeting had been to be at the top of the stairs wagging and jumping, and waving with her front paw. It was hard to come home and not see her, then find her laying downstairs, clearly wishing she could get up for an enthusiastic greeting. Once on her feet, she wouldn't "sit" on command, because it was too painful. After a week on these chews, she really came around, and now after three weeks you wouldn't know she ever had a problem. She's running again, jumping, pretty much like she always has. And she's eager to get these "treats," too! :) Our best purchase of the year, giving our sweet dog a whole new lease on life.

My 11 lb Papillion had her ACL completely torn at about 9 years old. By 10 years old she was experiencing arthritis symptoms and slowing down a lot. She would often be limping in the morning and couldn't be walked with the other dogs. She hates being left behind, but we walk for at least 45 minutes and many days she couldn't even make it down the stairs by herself. She was on an anti-inflammatory drug that wasn't helping a whole lot so I really had little hope that this would work. I'm so glad we tried it because it's really been the only thing that has helped her at all. We give her one chewable twice a day. It has taken years off her! She goes on hour long walks again and doesn't limp. Even if you think it can't help - it can't hurt and it's worth a try. Just give it a month. If it's going to work, you'll know by then.