if an old dogs back legs give up can he recover with exercise?

Question

my dog is 15 years old and has gone off his back legs but over the last 2 days he seems to be trying topull himself up. I have been lifting him up and he has walked round the garden a few times,he is still eating and drinking as normal, and goes to the loo as normal with help holding him up

Answer 1

Considering your dogs age, this is most likely not going to improve with exercise. You should really go to your vet to discuss your treatment options, which would depend on why his back legs are giving out.

Answer 2

There could be too many underlying problems why an older dog can't use his back legs very well.

Your best bet is to take the dog to a qualified veterinarian and discuss your concerns about the dog with him or her. The veterinarian will be more able to tell you exactly what you should do for your dog or maybe even prescribe him a medication like Rimidyl to help him through the times he doesn't or can't get up very well. It may just be arthritis or there could be other problems.

Regardless, take the poor dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible. This isn't the place where you're going to get any answers that will help him or you in this situation.

.

Answer 3

I have heard told that you can buy a sort of trolley cart on wheels that straps to the dogs body and he can 'roll' himself along on it's front legs, but at the age of 15 this may prove too much for the dog.

I have a 5 year old GSD with a bad hip score and have been keeping an eye out for this type of thing if it happens to her - if anyone knows where to buy one - would be interested to know.

When I lived in the UK I used to meet a cow-herd with a dog in a similar situation to yours on the beach, when I took my dog for a walk and although the dog was to some extent happy, I think that I learnt (especially since I became involved in a dog charity) that, hard as it, you have to learn to let go if the dog's 'quality of life' is suffering even if constant pain is not evident!

Answer 4

My dog andrex has the same problem he's 15 and he has arthritis in his back legs he is on medication i give him half a tablet every morning and the good news is as long as he is on the medication he is improving slowly and seems to have a lot more energy and you don,t have to put it in chocolate because it tastes nice.Also a tip from the vet if your dog falls over and you can't get them up then get a blanket and cut some holes in where the legs are because then you can lift him up with that!

Answer 5

I found that exercise made it worse for my dog (same age) so a gentle walk on the lead was the best way to keep her active without too much strain. Arthritis drugs from the vet helped, although some can have side effects to you might need to watch out for these. The weather really does make a difference, like humans I suppose.

Answer 6

My 13 year old Akita keeps going off her back legs the cause being diagnosed as nerve damage. She's ok in canter but when she walks or trots she drags each back leg in turn. I have the vet regularly to my horses and when they are there I keep asking them if she is OK. When the vet is there she gallops about like a puppy and the vet always says she is OK, but once the vet has gone, she lies down and sleeps for a day. Dodgy dog or what.

I think you should take your dog to the vet as depending on what breed it is, they may be able to fit it with a device with wheels to enable your dog to get around (dachshunds tend to have big back end probs and this works for them) as it is otherwise ok.

Good luck.

Answer 7

I have no idea and have never known of this situtaion, and in a dog so young as well. I just wish to offer support and sympathise with you. So very sorry and hope that there is a good outcome to this. The two things I would suggest are hydrotherapy and acupuncture, but I honestly have no idea if either of those are right for this situation and therefore this isn't an actual recommendation. All the very best for her.

Answer 8

I wouldn't think so but maybe he's got some arthritis which is playing up a bit more in the damper weather . Best thing to do is to have him checked out by a vet . Good luck

Answer 9

Depends on the cause. I doubt at 15 years old there's much that can be done for him. Take him to the vet for an exam. They might be able to provide steroids or medication to help him a bit.

Answer 10

Ask your doctor about an exercise routine. Regular exercise, such as walking three times a week, may reduce neuropathy pain, improve your muscle strength and help control blood sugar levels. Gentle routines such as yoga and tai chi might also help.