[ 2007 ] elderly dog hind legs failing

[pwrshift]

http://www.arthrix.com/arthrix_plus.htm

My dalmatian (12) was having this problem 3 years ago. We had x-rays taken 3 times that showed no hip displacia or serious arthritis. The vet was sure it was a bone problem although it didn't show on film. Oddly, my GP suggested it was muscular because my pooch would run like the wind once she got up and started walking. The condition persisited for a year or so, she didn't seem to be in pain - more puzzled as to why her leg would give out than hurt, although they have a high pain threshold.

I came across Arthrix and ordered it -- I couldn't believe the difference in just a few weeks. She gets one pill a day (just under 50 lbs) and gobbles it down like a treat (or in her food). Might be worth a try for 6 weeks before you go to a huge vet expense. I certainly prefer this to drugs, at least initially.

Good luck. I know what you're going through, and hope the solution is as simple as mine has been (so far). Seems like bigger dogs have more of this problem than small ones, and shorter lives as well. So sad to see them age,

Brian

 

[Sandy]

Update vet visit this morning

Took Bingo for his annual visit. He is actually 15 1/2. In dog years he is somewhere between 87 and 99! These figures were based on him being a mid sized breed, but he was a little larger earlier in life). Now he weighs 44 lb.

Vet gave the usual shots and check up and blood work.

He talked at length about his hip/leg problem and observed him moving around falling occassionally.

Ultmately prescribed Metacam. He said we should see a difference within days, and if he does not tolerate this (only one dog he know had problems), we can discontinue. We only have a one week supply to check it out.

The vet had high hopes for this treatment, suggesting that other dogs improved greatly and went on for quite some time with minimal interruption.

Anyone used this? I will keep you posted. Thanks again.

 

[pwrshift]

Our vet gave us Medcam before I found Arthrix, but it was to give to her only when she over exerted herself, visiting dogs & kids etc., and would probably have problems the next day. He said he wouldn't prescribe it for a daily use as Medcam has shown it can create liver problems...and there is apparently another one now that won't do that. YOu might want to investigate.

Brian

 

[TerriJ]

We have a lot of love for our pets. Best wishes to you and your dog, Sandy.

 

[nerodog]

vet recs

MY vet recommended using a towel in the mid section of the dog, to help lift the dog on stairs ( not as much strain on your back !) .. take it and put it around the dog, then lift the hindquarters.. it helps the dog for comfort and you too !!!

 

[pwrshift]

I think that's a great idea. Here's one a small Google search turned up:

http://www.smartpakcanine.com/productclass.aspx?productClassId=3982&GCID=C11284x040

A vet told me it's a strain on the back legs of tall dogs to have to bend over to the ground to eat, and to get a pet dish lifter as well.

http://www.petsmart.com/global/prod...30982&itemNo=101&Nao=96&In=Dog&N=2025790&Ne=2

Brian

 

[Hskyownr]

13.5 yr old husky losing ability to use her hind legs

I have a 13.5 yr old husky who all of a sudden last weekend wasn't walking on her back left leg, the vet gave me prednisone, and an antibiotic, and after a couple of days she was walking on it again, then this weekend she started not using her back right leg...she's not able to get up and go to the door when she needs to go out to the bathroom, and she's been incontinent of both bowels and urine inside the house. I've just been informed that she may have kidney failure, and possibly cancer but until we get an ultrasound and x-ray there is no way of knowing. The vet wanted me to keep her on the prednisone, and antibiotic until I was able to come up with the thousand's of dollars it will be for the x-ray and ultrasound. She's stopped eating on her own about 3 weeks ago and I've been feeding her by hand since. Sometimes she'll eat chicken and steak if i hand it to her piece by piece....does anyone else have any insight to what I should consider next. I really didn't want to Euthenize her at the vet I was wanting her to die peacefully at home with me and her other canine brothers, but I can't stand seeing her the way she is right now, any suggestions or advice would be helpful.

 

[presley]

I have a 13.5 yr old husky who all of a sudden last weekend wasn't walking on her back left leg, the vet gave me prednisone, and an antibiotic, and after a couple of days she was walking on it again, then this weekend she started not using her back right leg...she's not able to get up and go to the door when she needs to go out to the bathroom, and she's been incontinent of both bowels and urine inside the house. I've just been informed that she may have kidney failure, and possibly cancer but until we get an ultrasound and x-ray there is no way of knowing. The vet wanted me to keep her on the prednisone, and antibiotic until I was able to come up with the thousand's of dollars it will be for the x-ray and ultrasound. She's stopped eating on her own about 3 weeks ago and I've been feeding her by hand since. Sometimes she'll eat chicken and steak if i hand it to her piece by piece....does anyone else have any insight to what I should consider next. I really didn't want to Euthenize her at the vet I was wanting her to die peacefully at home with me and her other canine brothers, but I can't stand seeing her the way she is right now, any suggestions or advice would be helpful.

I'm very sympathetic to your situation and you probably found this thread doing a some google searching. This thread is 7 years old and probably not the best place for updated information.

It sounds like you are doing everything you can to make her transition as safe and as comfortable as possible. I can't/won't recommend anything because I believe having a good vet with open communication is the best thing you can do. On a personal level, if my vet doesn't bring up euthanizing, I figure there is still hope and I continue with a mix of what the vet suggests and what I can do with natural therapies/remedies.

 

[Timeshare Von]

I have a 13.5 yr old husky who all of a sudden last weekend wasn't walking on her back left leg, the vet gave me prednisone, and an antibiotic, and after a couple of days she was walking on it again, then this weekend she started not using her back right leg...she's not able to get up and go to the door when she needs to go out to the bathroom, and she's been incontinent of both bowels and urine inside the house. I've just been informed that she may have kidney failure, and possibly cancer but until we get an ultrasound and x-ray there is no way of knowing. The vet wanted me to keep her on the prednisone, and antibiotic until I was able to come up with the thousand's of dollars it will be for the x-ray and ultrasound. She's stopped eating on her own about 3 weeks ago and I've been feeding her by hand since. Sometimes she'll eat chicken and steak if i hand it to her piece by piece....does anyone else have any insight to what I should consider next. I really didn't want to Euthenize her at the vet I was wanting her to die peacefully at home with me and her other canine brothers, but I can't stand seeing her the way she is right now, any suggestions or advice would be helpful.

Many of us here have pets and can empathize with your situation. We have an elder girl who is starting to slow down too.

The best resource I've seen on knowing "when" is this one here.

Best wishes to you as you work through making the best decision for your beloved pet.

 

[Sea Six]

If you're on Facebook, search for "Cleo the Corgi". Very cute doggie in a "wheel chair".