She is having trouble climbing the few steps that lead into the house, she has to bunny hop at times just to get around as well as she sometimes moans which iI know she is suffering in pain. I give her aspirin to try and sooth her as well as keep her warm, she seems sad, is she too old for surgery ? Should I put her down to end her pain ?
2006-12-12 22:46:57 · 12 answers · asked by jackielc5 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Dogs don't suddenly get hip dysplasia, it's more likely she has arthritis. Get her to the vet, they'll prescribe medication to ease her pain.
2006-12-13 01:54:18 · answer #1 · answered by DaBasset - BYBs kill dogs 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
12 years is a really good innings for a large dog, be happy in the knowledge that you had him for so long. Unfortunately Hip Dysplasia is all too common in German Shepherds. However ALL IS NOT LOST! If he is even slightly overweight, get it of him, reduce the size of his meals, or change what he eats, there are many good alternative diets available. Introduce fish for the omega 3 component, helps many arthritis sufferers. You may have to increase his medication or change it. Take him swimming, even if you have to carry him there. the weightlessness will not only help him move his legs, but he'll enjoy it. There are also many herbal therapies to try, including accupunture, which I am told has surprising results. Also massage (plenty of it) gentle physio, even when he can't move, gently rotate his legs, with warm hands. Warmth, keep him of the cold floor, if you don't have a electric heated blanket, a piece of foam, or a sheepskin rug, anything that holds the warmth in. At the end of the day if nothing works, you have to remember him. Do what is best for him, even though it will break your heart. The world nor he will condenm you for it. He has given you a lot of love, and you will always have him. To ease my pain, I have had all my babies cremated and are in a special place in my home, where I can see them when ever I wish. It was really heartbreaking each time I had to make the decision, 3 in one year, all so much a part of my life. But although I still feel very sad, I know I did what was best for them.
2016-03-13 06:23:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A trip to the vets, and they have meds that will help in the aid of her pain, its prob. not going to get any better because of her age, surgery would not be beneficial, as most dogs esp. bigger breeds and Shepard's have this problem when they get older. What are your steps made of? If there is nothing but just the plain steps you could put down outside carpet tiles or a runner outside rug to give her more support. Exercising and a walk everyday will help her too, not be so stiff, and a few doggie treats while your walking which will help with her sadness. If she is still quite active and that is the dogs only prob. just improvise and do what you can to make her comfortable and love her for now and see how that works. Have you had her since a pup?
2006-12-12 22:58:46 · answer #3 · answered by lil_ms_flip67 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are very lucky to have your dog for 14 years. If she is in really bad pain , please put her down. I really don't think it is Hip Dysplasia as much as she is just getting old. Mine was 12 when this happen him. Mine got to the point where he pee laying down. I know it is the hardest thing to do when you have a dog but it is best you put her down, she is only going to get worse. You can go to the vet and put lots more money into her as I did but in the long run it didn't work. I am sorry I really know how hard that is to do. Watching your own dog suffer is no joy either.
2006-12-12 23:15:43 · answer #4 · answered by china 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first of all you cannot determine it is hip dysplasia until you see a vet. It could be arthritis has set in and that will cause pain in older dogs. Take the dog to the vet to determine the problem, if it is arthritis they can advise you what to give and prescribe a arthritis medicine for your poor dog
2006-12-12 23:40:45 · answer #5 · answered by badgirl41 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, thats a tough call. We had a St. Bernard that had the same problem. He delt with it for a couple years. Its a tough call. There isn't anyone who can really tell you what to do. There are a few reasons to put the dog down, then there are several reasons not to. Only you can answer the question. But I ask you a question. Even though the dog hurts, does the dog still seem to be happy, and does the dog still make you happy?
2006-12-12 22:52:12 · answer #6 · answered by mavrickatasu 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Have you had her to a vet? She's 14, she probably has arthritis, which they can relieve the pain. Asprin? Do you know how hard that is on her stomach? You're talkingh about "putting her down." Have you had her checked out? You didn't mention a vet.
2006-12-12 23:46:47 · answer #7 · answered by Stick to Pet Rocks 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i used to work for a vet years ago. i do remember that there is a medicine for dogs that is good for arthritis and dysplasia. my moms dog had to take it and it worked very well. you have to get the medicine from the vet so while your there,ask your vet about everything. rimadyl! i think that was the name of the medicine! not sure if i spelled it correctly,but that's how it's pronounced. best of luck to you and your dog
2006-12-12 23:10:54 · answer #8 · answered by punkbun03 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
First of all, get this girl x-rayed. Have her hip x-rays and even have her spine x-rayed, It could be hips , but you would need to see the x-rays to make that determination, Have her spine x-rayed as well, she could have cauda eqina (basically a slipped disc in her spine) Get all the x-rays done on her to make a defiate diagnosis,
2006-12-12 22:51:11 · answer #9 · answered by bear 2 zealand © 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1) Take her to your vet
2) Ask about other pain meds (Rimadyl is one)
3) She is probably sad from the pain. If you can relieve it, then she may well perk up to her normal self.
Good luck.
2006-12-12 22:51:13 · answer #10 · answered by ckm1956 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋