Do Bioflow / magnetic collars really help long-term?

jumpedtheshark

My lab-collie mix is getting stiff. She's always had a front shoulder problem from when we got her - probably hit by a car, so said the vet working fro the rescue centre. She's anywhere between 8 and 11 years old - the rescue centre said she was approx 1.5 years old when we got her, but the vet we then registered her with thought she was at least 3 years old, and then her age jumped again when we moved to the UK and registered over here!

She gets cortaflex and fish oil in her food. She also gets monthly cartrophen injections (which the vet agreed to as preventative, but didn't think she needed it... as our other dog actually needed it, it made sense for us to do something with no side effects).

Our vet thinks she's very flexible, and doesn't need anything further, but she's definitely stiffening up more. So, I wondered if Bioflow collars really work. If so, how? I've heard of people using copper bracelets for various (people) ailments, but can't figure out what the Bioflow magnets are made of, and why they should actually help. I've read a lot of individual feedback on the Am-zon listings and on horse and hound's forums from people saying they helped, but I just can't see how. Any long-term experience anyone?

heartbreak_star

There are no studies to prove that magnets or different metals have an effect on us or any animal.

However, my mum swears by her copper bracelet....so it mgiht be a placebo effect.

I wouldn't waste your money personally.

HBS x

Mankysteve

In short no, if you want a long answer nooooooooooooooooooo

paddypaws101

Well, I bought one for one of my elderly cats and it did seem to help her.....so if you have a spare £30 or so, why not give it a go?
I would also recommend a good Esther C product
http://workingdogs.com/doc0039.htm

jumpedtheshark

Paddypaws101, do you use Ester-C? If so, what do you use? Thanks for mentioning it as an idea.

I also forgot to mention that she's always been on a grain-free diet (Arden Grange large breed dry and partners wet, which has extra joint supplements added to it). Would there be any merit in switching to a senior dog diet? Would it matter that we're not sure how old she is? I suspect she's probably 11 or so, though OH won't hear it and argues she'd definitely the youngest age she could be - 8 years.

gettingready

I was using both Ester C and bio collar for zara (arthritis/hip displasia).

As started both at the same not able to tell which one helped but something did....she was walking better.

Ester C is available in tablet form from Boots

http://www.boots.com/en/Boots-Pharmaceuticals-ESTER-C-1000-mg-60-Tablets_1289942/

Often on 3 for 2 offer too

jumpedtheshark

Thanks, gettingready. How did you decide on the dose? (Was your vet knowledgeable on this?)

jumpedtheshark

I think (subject to research and checking with my vet) I might add the Ester-C without the collar and see if it helps at all.

moggymutt

My old dog improved greatly with his collar, whether it was coincidence or not I don't know.

gettingready

TBH I do not remember how much ester C I was giving Zara daily - she is a 40kg of a dog.

vet? Nope, vet did not know much about Ester C.

Someone gave me a ling to ester C study on dogs and went from there..

I had a thread on here ages ago (before Zara's ops) about Ester C..

jumpedtheshark

Right, will research Ester-C and try that. And come back to the collar in a month's time. At least that way, I should know for sure which is working.

I just feel bad about current circumstances. I've confined them both to downstairs (baby-gated) when she really likes being away from us upstairs - I think of her like a cat: clever, cunning (plotting world domination like Stewie on Family Guy ), and only wanting affection on her terms. So, needless to say she's quite upset at being forced to spend more time with the rest of us downstairs.