Our vet has suggested some anabolic Steroids to build muscle, and we‘re considering a careful application of these meds.
I‘ve also seen fortetropin mentioned as a possible supplement, but not sure if it‘s available here.
Anyone have experience with either of these modalities?
Ask your vet to list all the likely side affects of giving steroids.
I wouldn't take any supplement based on something you have heard unless you have checked it with your vet
If your pup also has arthritis CAM Canine Arthritis Management is a first class resource with its own forum. FB page and website link below. Plenty of knowledgeable people on it
We decided to try anabolic steroids with Melon, honestly it was something of a 'hail Mary pass'.
Melon had DM, so we knew we were on an inevitable downwards slide. But he was still doing pretty well at that point, so we tried the steroids to see if they might help counter muscle wastage.
The steroids helped for a little while - maybe 6 months, IIRC. (This was 12 years ago, so my memory is a bit hazy.) But at this point in a DM case, extra months of a good quality of life is well worth it, IMO.
If DM is not a factor in your pup's case you might see better results.
We did not see any side effects. No idea what usage over a longer time might bring.
Sending lots of good wishes to you and your pup.
ETA with a physiotherapist recommendation: Marco Mouwen is fantastic:
https://www.physiodog.ch/index.php/termine
Both Heffalump and Hooligan have been seeing Herr Mouwen for years now. Heffalump for his gait issues, Hooligan first for post-surgery pain, and then after her stroke to help her regain mobility. He's a very good physio, and a truly nice gentleman. His own practice is in Birmensdorf, but he also works at MyVets in Cham (ZG). H is 15 now, H2 is 10 - we continue to see Herr Mouwen regularly, which I believe is helping as the both grow older.
But anyway, we’ve done two steroid shots and they seem to help. So we’ll keep going.