East Tennessee
Pet Emergency Options
Your pet is sick or injured, you are in the Knoxville Tennessee area... what are your options?
- Abnormal circling
- Actively having a seizure
- Active bleeding
- Bone protruding or at strange angle
- Difficulty Breathing
- Difficulty walking (stumbling, or limping)
- Digging at Ears, Constantly Shaking Head
- Hit by car or other major trauma (falls, attacks)
- Ingestion of toxin
- Being bitten by something poisonous
- Leg or paw not in a normal position
- Non-productive attempts to vomit
- Prolonged vomiting and/or diarrhea (especially young pets!)
- Puppies/Kittens not born within 2-3 hours of active labor (pushing) starting
- Swelling of the face or elsewhere
After Hour Pet Emergencies
Specializing in EXOTICS, Birds, Reptiles, and the unique small animal (and fish).
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
for walk-ins and referrals.
This is the place to bring your exotic pets.
They treat a variety of animals, including but not limited to: parrots, chickens, turkeys, ducks and other fowl, guinea pigs, rabbits, gerbils, hamsters, sugar gliders, chinchillas, ferrets, rats, mice, hedgehogs, small exotic dogs & cats, fish, reptiles (excluding venomous snakes), amphibians, and invertebrates.
Experience and Results
Specializing in DOGS & CATS
Open 7pm to 7am Monday - Thursday,
24 hours a day from 7pm Friday to 7am Monday, and ALL HOLIDAYS. Walk-ins Welcome!
This is the place to bring your DOG OR CAT. That is their focus, and what they are set up to effectively treat for any and all emergency situations.
Affordably Priced, centrally located off exist 387, off I-40... or the end of Alcoa Hwy (129) off 17th street.
865-637-0114
An ACTIVE TEACHING SCHOOL
The student treating the case are supervised by a licensed DVM.
One for the few 24hr LARGE ANIMAL hospitals in the area.
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
for walk-ins and referrals.
ALL LARGE ANIMALS: Horses, cows, goats, llamas, emus, are what they do better than the others. They also deal with all the exotics, and the other animals, but they are one of the few large animal emergency clinics in this area.
DAYTIME EMERGENCIES require veterinarian referral: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
vs
'pure nutritional support' (which supplies the body the nutrients to help promote healing and health, but often does nothing for the pain until the healing occurs).
Joint Supplement Reviews
those type of items should never be in a daily supplement intended for use over a prolonged period of time,
but rather used WHEN NEEDED, AS NEEDED, as directed by a health professional, that is able to see the body,
and knows what other medications and treatment that body is currently on (or using).
Cosequin
Nutramax
Good:
Safe. Popular. Well Established. Concentrated Formula. One of the first joint supplements on the market in the early 90's. Quality manufacturing, lowest molecular-weight chondroitin available.
Bad:
Fractionally effective. It uses the wrong form of Glucosamine (see the GAIT study).
Paid Celebrity Endorsements.
Bottom Line:
It is safe, and absolutely better than nothing. It the best glucosamine & chondroitin product on the market, HOWEVER, it's not the best joint supplement available... just the most marketed, and science has proven that many times over the years. Even their own science shows 50% of the glucosamine and up to 70% of their chondroitin is in the poop within 24 hours.
Phycox Max
Phycox
Good:
Contains MSM, good for synovial fluids. Might help with pain.
Bad:
Read the GAIT Study. The label should give pause to most people. Go down the list of unique things:
Phycocyanin is the scientific name for BLUE-GREEN ALGAE, a double edge sword. Check it out.
Tumeric 50mg - seriously? WHY? Blood Thinner, no curcumin which help it work. Just a name on label?
CoQ10 - 5mg, WHY in a joint product? Another name for label that's different that every one else?
FlaxSeed Oil - 500mg, Cranberry Extract, EPA, DHA, WHY?
Cinnamon - science shows it CAN effect insulin and blood sugar. Not bad if those problems exist, and you're aware, but might cause problems where there weren't any.
Then there is Gymnema Sylvestre, whose Hindi name, gurmar, means "destroyer of sugar." Today, it is used for diabetes, metabolic syndrome, weight loss, also for malaria and as snake bite antidote, digestive stimulant, laxative, diuretic, and appetite suppressant. WHY in a daily joint supplement?
Bottom Line: EXTREME CAUTION! Use only under Veterinarian Specific Directions! Shelf life should also be a concern. One must wonder WHY these things are in a JOINT SUPPLEMENT!
GlycoFlex
Director of Design
Good:
Appears to be safe, based on label.
Bad:
Using glucosamine HCl (wrong form). Read the GAIT Study.
Magic wild card ingredient: DMG (N.N-Dimethylglycine) which is used for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), epilepsy, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), allergies, respiratory disorders, pain and swelling (inflammation), cancer, alcoholism, and drug addiction. Talk about messing with the brain and thinking process.
Who knows what else it does and interacts with (positively or negatively)... or how it effects the body... really. Just wrap your head around that list (look it up for yourself if you have any doubts).
Bottom Line:
Not recommended in a daily supplement intended for prolonged use, longer than 28 days (see WebMD)
Arthrosamine - BeefyChewables
MD's Choice, Inc.
Good:
Established since 1995. Concentrated Formula with impressive amounts, and flexible dosing based on weight, age, severity, type of issue, and use.
The RIGHT TYPE of glucosamine (sulphate 2KCl), best form of MSM (Opti-MSM). and Amino-acid chelated Manganese. No filler, No herbs, over 20 years of positive history. Never a complaint with the BBB, and Results Based Guarantee, both since 1995.
Bad:
Not immediate relief, because there is No pain killer, pain blockers, or masking agents. And it's not sold mainstream or world-wide, but nearly nearly everyone can get it through professionals, select resellers, or a few mail order options. Call the company for a reseller near you!
Bottom Line:
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, because it is safe and effective! Up to 98% absorption within 30 to 45 minutes, but because there is no pain killer, it merely means the body is getting what it needs, in forms it can use.
If pain is an issue, add a pain relief product as directed by your healthcare provider.
TerraMax Pro
TerraMax
Good: If you are looking for a pain blocker, this could be an option, because of the HA. MSM should help the synovial fluids, depending on where it comes from.
Almost Proper warning on label about not recommended for breeding animals, OR pregnant, or lactating females.
Solid GOOD Warnings about other potential contraindications worth reading and knowing.
Bad: IT IS A LIQUID!
See JointsReport.com
Any positive someone might think they are getting from this product, the reality is glucosamine isn't stable in liquid, particularly the HCl form, which is what they use in this product. That cost 2 stars.
Also, WHY Aloe Vera in an oral supplement intended for daily use for a prolonged period of time?
Bottom Line:
Not recommended, because it is ultimately an herbal masking product.
Extend
Founder, CTO
Good:
There doesn't appear to be anything in the product that will harm a dog. MSM should help some, though it's likely a tiny dose.
Bad:
Laughable label, really. 400mg of some top secret proprietary formula that doesn't even disclose what type of glucosamine it's using (or how much... but we know it's some small fraction of that 400mg).
For those that don't know, Type II Chicken Collegen is another name for LARGE molecule chondroitin.
I was waiting for the magic fairy dust to somehow make this product honestly something I could find some positive in. Simple but catchy looking packaging, that should really help the joints, huh?
Bottom Line:
Not recommended, because it contains the wrong type of ingredients, and the exact types and amounts are unknown. So no real comparisons are possible, aside from the size of the entire formula is just 400mg. Maybe big enough for that 1lb lap dog, but not for a larger dog with arthritis or other joint issues.
Glucosamine DS Plus
NaturVet
Good:
Hey, there is some MSM and Omega Fatty Acids, Vitamin C& E
Bad:
Readthe GAIT Study (glucosamine HCl & chondroitin sulphate). There is Yucca in a daily supplement intended for prolonged use. Seriously? That cost this product 2 stars.
Bottom Line:
Not recommended, because of the YUCCA mostly, but the type of glucosamine next. Rosemary in a daily supplement?
Dasuquin
Nutramax
Good:
MSM added to make it different for their professionals. They did this to stave off complaints from the veterinarians, when they released Cosequin mainstream, to Wal-mart and other retailers.
Bad:
See the GAIT study. It's the wrong type of glucosamine (HCl). ASU is natural vegetable extracts made from avocado and soybean oils, consisting of the leftover fraction (approximately 1%) that cannot be made into soap after mxing with lye. Ewww (and we thought hotdogs were kinda gross) (same as Cosequin with Avocado and Soybean (Unsaponifiables).
Bottom Line:
It is safe, and absolutely better than nothing. 2015 study shows ASU can help kill pain in some subjects, but caution is given in daily supplementation for a prolonged period of time..
Nupro
Nupro
Good:
It appears to be safe. And has an interesting ingredients list, with some beneficial ingredients. However, most are more for DIGESTION than joints.
Whole Grd Flaxseed (8510mg)
Norwgian Kelp (7500mg)
Bee Pollen, Lactobacillus, Acidophilus (1300mg combined)
Shark Cartilage (300mg)
Glucosamine Sulfate (500mg)
MSM (300mg)
Bad:
Not really enough to help fix, repair, or improve any major joint issue.
Bottom Line:
Useful for animals with digestive issues, and either no joint issues (as preventive support), or very moderate concerns..
Vet's Best
Vets Best
Good:
*Might* be reasonable pain blocker for a month or so.
Bad:
Not only does it contain the wrong type of glucosamine, but they are apparently relying on the MSM to be their sole sulpher source for that glucosamine.
More importantly, is the pain killer cocktail:
Bromelain (250mg)
White Willow Bark (50mg)
Yucca (20mg)
Which have all been scientifically proven to be hard on the gut, and have other side effects with too long of use!
Bottom Line:
NOT recommended if there are ANY digestive issues, or you want maximum longevity. See www.jointsreport.com
Hip & Joint Mobility Bites
Zesty Paws
Good:
Appears to be safe, based on label. Has 400mg of MSM, which should help the synovial fluids. Vitamin E should be good, but isn't readily used by joint tissues.
Bad:
Wrong type of glucosamine (see the GAIT Study). Also, has Yucca, which should NOT be in a daily supplement intended for prolonged use.
The Kelp shouldn't hurt, if harvested and processed correctly, but hasn't a thing to do with joints.
Rosemary Extract? Rosemary is used for digestion problems, including heartburn, intestinal gas (flatulence), liver and gallbladder complaints, and loss of appetite. It is also used for gout, cough, headache, high blood pressure, and reducing age-related memory loss. Masking agents sprinkled in?.
Bottom Line:
Personally don't suggest any daily supplement intended for use over a prolonged period of time that contains Yucca.
JointMax
Phycox
Good:
They have a pretty label!
Bad:
Another herbal cocktail! WOW! Plus a pile of ingredients that don't have anything to do with the joints.
Boswellia, Bromelain, Yucca, Curcumin/Tumeric are covered in jointereport.com (and WebMD).
Notice their label claims 'glucosamine sulfate' - but doesn't say WHICH KIND?
Methionine, Cooper, and Zinc are commonly found in HOOF supplements (I was looking for the Biotin also, nope... apparently they removed that for the dog product).
Calcium is a CARBONATE! Really, ground up limestone! Plus it doesn't have anything to do with 'joints' - really, other than joints are at the ends of BONES, usually covered by cartilage, with ligaments and tendons holding it all together.
Bottom Line:
Not recommended, because it is ultimately an herbal masking product.
Arthramine
IVS - International Veterinary Science
Good:
Well, it appears to be SAFE
Bad: WHERE IS THE SULPHER SOURCE?
Just when you think you've seen everything, knowing that science has proven that glucosamine HCl must have the HCl molecule switched for a sulpher molecule for the joint tissue to actually see it, and use it... and someone sells a product without any sulpher source. Baffling, really.
WHERE'S THE SULPHER? (in the voice of the little old lady looking for the Beef through out the 80's).
Bottom Line:
The bottle says 'healthy joints & bones' but... you can see the ingredients. REALLY? .
LubiSyn HA
LubriSyn
Good:
Potentially good PAIN KILLER, though there are well documented absorption issues of Oral HA in more than a few studies, showing that 95% passes through the body and 90% of the 5% that stays is found in the brain stem and bone marrow. Think about that. It appears to be a pain blocker?
Bad:
Nothing in it to 'heal' or even help the body heal. See jointsreport.com
Bottom Line:
With science showing that 95% passes through the body, and 90% of the 5% that remains is found in the brain stem and bone marrow, it's tough to think this does anything more than block pain. However, some clients have reported a decrease of pain while using this, but absolutely no structural change. (pain lessened, problems continued).
CetyL M
Response Products
Good:
Possibly a great PAIN KILLER
Bad:
The Glucosamine HCl (which is the wrong form), and the Bromelain, keep me from giving this another star. Read the very real over dose and misuse warnings. See jointsreport.com
Bottom Line:
There really is some promising science on Cetyl Myristoleate, in rats and small dogs with induced arthritis symptoms. As a preventive, this INGREDIENT (not necessarily the product) seems to have helped in some studies.
Personally, I would consider using Cetyl Myristoleate (but likely not this product because of the Bromelain) AS A PAIN KILLER alternative, if there was a new client or injury, over most OTC (over the counter) pain killers.
Joint Rescue
Ark Naturals
Good:
Some type of herbal cocktail of symptom blockers?
MSM - synovial fluids
HA - pain blocker
Chondroitin - to help that wrong type of glucosamine get some use?
Bad:
Wrong type of glucosamine (HCl), see the GAIT Study. But more importantly, are the splash of other ingredients.
Creatine (muscle), EPA, DHA, ALA, Cinnamon, Turmeric, Grape Seed, Valerian, Cranberry, which have little to nothing to do with JOINTS. (Remember, this is supposed to be a joint supplement?!)
Bottom Line:
I wouldn't spend a dime on this, or their liquid product after all the scientific research that has been done. The fact a company willingly sells glucosamine in liquid tells me they really don't understand the reality of science or nutrition!
Animal Clinic-Dennis
Academy Mobile Pet Clinic
Admiral Veterinary Hospital
Airport Animal Clinic
Airport Pet Emergency Clinic
All Paws Veterinary Clinic
Animal Health Center
Animal Hosp. of Campbell County
Animal Hospital of Anderson County
Animal Hospital of Decatur
Animal Medical Clinic
Animal Medical Clinic of Loudon
Animal Wellness
Animal Works
Appalachian Animal Hospital
Asheville Hwy Animal Clinic
Banfield - Alcoa
Banfield - Kingsport
Banfield - Turkey Creek
Banfield - West Town
Bearden Hill Veterinary Clinic
Bell County Animal Clinic (KY)
Blackford Surgery Referral
Blount Veterinary Clinic
Bluegrass Animal Hospital
Boyds Creek Animal Hospital
Bradley McMinn Pet Emergency Clinic
Broadway Veterinary Clinic
Butler Animal Clinic
Callahan Drive Animal Hospital
Cat Clinic
Cedar Bluff Animal Clinic
Central Veterinary Clinic
Chilhowee Veterinary Clinic
Clinton Animal Hospital
Clinton Hwy Vet Hospital
Companion Animal Hospital
Concord Vet
Countryside Veterinary Services
Creekside Animal Hospital
Crossings Animal Hospital
Crossroads Animal Clinic
Cumberland Animal Clinic - Oneida
Dixon Animal Hospital
Dogwood Animal Hospital
Emory Animal Hospital
Norwood Veterinary Hospital
Oak Ridge Veterinary Hospital
Parkway Animal Hospital
Pellissippi Veterinary Hospital
Pet Well Clinic Knoxville
Pet Well Clinic Alcoa
Pet Wellness Clinic
Powell Animal Clinic
Ridgefield Animal Hospital
Rocky Hill Animal Hospital
Rogersville Animal Hospital
Rutledge Animal Clinic
Sevier County Animal Clinic
Seymour Veterinary Clinic
Smoky Mountain Animal Clinic
South Knoxville Vet
Sycamore Shoals Animal Hospital
Tazwell Pike Animal Clinic
Tellico Village Animal Clinic (Lenoir City
Satellite)
The Pet Doctor
The Visiting Vet - Dr. Moody
Thunder Road Vet Services
Town and Country Animal Hospital
Tri-County Veterinary Clinic
Union County Animal Hospital
Veterinary Medical Center
Veterinary Services
Village Veterinary Clinic
Village Veterinary Hospital
Volunteer Veterinary Hospital
West Bearden Veterinary Hospital
White Pine Veterinary Practice
Young's Animal Hospital
Young Williams Animal Center
Upper Cumberland Vet Clinic-
Crossville
Upper Cumberland Vet Clinic-
Wartburg
If your veterinarian isn't on the above list, THAT IS ALRIGHT. We are happy to add them if they have been servicing the Knoxville area for at least a year, aren't stocking herbal remedies intended for daily prolonged use, and are in good standing with community at large. The above are those we believe provide good quality veterinarian care in the East Tennessee region, until or unless we hear otherwise.
~ If you are a representative of one of the products I found issue(s) with, FIX YOUR PRODUCT or the problem I found with the product and/or ingredients. If you have herbs in a product sold for daily prolonged use, and honestly look into the science of NUTRITION and where things are used in the body... and all of what they do over time.
Don't even try that 'It's all Natural' stuff on ingredients that are NOT natural TO THE BODY! Remember, SUN LIGHT is 'all natural' and required by bodies (for Vitamin D)... but too much of it, too often, causes skin cancer. Bodies that are over treated, or products that have their side effects ignored, will always have problems.
~ If there are any products NOT ON THE ABOVE LIST that you would like looked at... send a photo of all parts of the label. The front panel, the Supplement Facts panel... and Marketing panel. Each contain (or should) certain information, warnings (if any), dosing (proper/safe use), and ingredients.
The Author of the above reviews, and this web page is NOT a veterinarian, nutritionist, or doctor of any type, nor do I ever claim to be. This webpage and all evaluations are the personal opinion of Terry Mercer... based on the information anyone can find at:
WebMD.com,
PubMED.com,
and other published studies.
You are encouraged to look up each of the ingredients yourself, to read the GAIT Study, and to be aware of both potential side-effects, and the reality of what CAN HAPPEN with the OVER-USE of plant derived drugs (aka Herbs), and all other ingredients in products you use.
did the research, still help answer questions on occasion,
which is how - and why - their key products are priced the same since 1998,
and there is a 100% Results Based Guarantee that's lasted over 20 years!
PROFESSIONALS THAT CARE
about more than just money!
OUR TEAM
Doctors Helping & Consulting
Helping the MD's Choice Project
An independent group of about 9 different doctors.
A (now) retired medical doctor with a PhD in Pharmacology and biochemistry, after nearly 30 years in the medical field.
A couple PhD Nutritionists (now retired) from UT, with over 20 years of service and active research.
A couple Certified Nutritional Specialists (CNS) that are also practicing veterinarians, Drs. Davenport and Martin.
Then there are some other veterinarians that have a great deal of nutritional studies in their back ground that helped consult, evaluate, and participate.
These doctors created custom formulas, the specifications that make the products different (and more safely effective).
These doctors have never drawn a salary from MD's Choice (or VetSupplements.com). They contribute because they believe in the goals, quality of product, and education MD's Choice stands for.
Frank McAlister
Founder, COO (Chief Operating Officer)
Retired from the US Airforce, as a Communications NCO, and a former Thoroughbred Farm Manager.
Frank has been with MD's Choice, and working with the doctors, since before the company was official.
He's the chief bean counter, bookkeeper, shipping & receiving, and customer service coordinator for MD's Choice.
Has been since his return from his last deployment, in 2001.
As an avid user of the products, and hearing thousands of customer testimonials over the last 20+ years, Frank is well aware of how the products work... when and where they work the best, and the usual dosing.
For the last couple years, because of the 100 mile commute to the office, Frank's usually at the office the first three days of the week (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday), with a few exceptions.
Carly Mercer
Helping with Editing & Order Fulfillment
Carly was a photographer in the US Air Force. And previously an owner/operator for her own company.
She started helping with MD's Choice in 2014, when she noticed the difference the products made in her own life. She's still in the learning stages for many things... but answers the phones and helps with over flow, shipping, etc. .
She is really a believer in the Arthrosamine (capsules) & Mag-Cal Plus for herself, and the BeefyChewables for the dogs. She's experienced the difference.
Terry Mercer
Founder, President (Marketing & IT)
Terry started helping the doctors in 1995, but didn't start working full time for the company until 1998.
Nearly 20 years in the Computer industry and business marketing. Taught Continuing Education courses at Southern Oregon State College for three years, in the 90's. Published articles on assorted topics, mostly some aspect of Computers, Photography, Exotic Birds, or Scuba Diving. After seeing the difference these products make, he focused on the topic of Nutrition, under the supervision of the doctors, in 1995.
Initially designed or coordinated all the websites, product labels, marketing and advertising, and selection of manufacturing facilities for MD's Choice/VetSupplements.
GET IN TOUCH
with East Tennessee Area Veterinarians
this web site is a free service
to the greater knoxville, TN area
all emergency clinics, and veterinarians in the area are welcome to participate.
If we missed you (on our list), AND you are an emergency clinic, specialty vet, or general practice veterinarian serving the Knoxville, Tennessee (and surrounding areas), and would like to have a FREE LISTING on this site, drop us a line with all necessary information (as well as contact name, phone number, email, hours of opperation, and the best time to follow up with any questions).
Monday - Saturday
Morning: 10.00 AM - 4.00 PM
Sunday's
Morning: 12.00 AM - 2.00 PM