poor arlee

[arlee]

For the last few months especially my golden has been having huge problems with her back legs. About a year ago the vet told us that she had all sorts of problems and wouldn't live much longer at all so we shouldn't bother helping her out at all. Needless to say, she's a tough dog, like most goldens, and is still doing fine. The only major problem she has now is that her back legs are constantly kicking out and falling. She has trouble now going to the bathroom and walking around. She is 13, so my guess is that it is just old age but I'm really concerned.

Wondering if anyone has any advice for me because it is so sad to see her suffer and the vets around my town don't seem to care too much.

Thanks

[Brandy and Charlie's Mom]

I don't envy you -- it's tough to see anyone we love experience a decline. This is a time when your friend needs you most. Arlee is trusting you to make the right decisions about her quality of life.

You mention that she's suffering. Are you giving her anything for pain? Does she enjoy her days or is she simply enduring them?

[johnwa]

You can look into purchasing orthopedic devices to help your dog out. I gave you a referral, please check your "PM" for the information.

You can use aspirin for pain, check with your vet for the dosage. If it's real bad, you might want to consider the perscription drugs that are available, but there might be side effects.

Consult with a veterinary chiropractic. Don't laugh, there is such a thing. You can ask your vet for a referral, or check your business directory. Or check with a university medical center/school (veterinary) that might be in your area.

Good luck.

[arlee]

It's such a strange thing because she doesn't show any pain of any sort. It's just painful for me to be able to watch her in such pain. I live in the middle of no where so it is difficult to get her to a vet or anything but I am planning on doing whatever I can to get it to stop. I'm just wondering if it is at all painful for her or not, I guess she's the only one that could tell me that and it doesn't seem to ever bother her. It's just such a sad thing to see knowing that she probably doesn't have too many years left on her life.

Thank you

[doreen]

sorry to hear about your dog. My dog is 10 & has started to get abit stiff in the legs you say she is kicking her legs out !!

Like Johnwa said I would see a animal chiropractor for sure. The first time I heard of them I thought What !!!

Well I saw one & he did wonders for my dog who put his back out of wack. Within 5 mins he was great.

The animale chiro I saw sees horses dogs e.t.c. When you think about it. Its right we see them when things go wrong . Its just that some vets dont do it.

I would highly recommend it for your dog.Good luck :)

[soccermom]

Have you looked into the harness with wheels that some dogs are in to help support their back legs? My 14.5 year old (knock on wood) is pretty good, in fact today she was running down the driveway after a tennis ball twice!!!! I had to hold Moose (he was highly agitated by this perdicament) while I threw it for her. Your vet might be able to give you some prednisone for your pupper (I know this helps because I take it to help me walk..... psoriatic arthritis)
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers
beth, moose & sandy the wonder dog. :reddogx

[CaynCher]

I have had my senior ( over 13) on liquid Glucosamine/Chondroitin with MSM & Vitamin C ( as a preventative) for a couple of years & he is doing great so far. Still runs & acts like a pup. I don't know if it's due to the supplements that he takes, his genes, diet, or maybe Luck.
I hope that you will find solution to your dog's problems. Wish you the best.

:dogbark :reddogx