Dogs and weak back legs.?

Question

My dog is 11 years old and has had ongoing problems with his back legs. He has trouble getting up and when out walking sometimes the leg goes weak on him. His back dips also. I think its is arthtritis or something. Ive never been able to get it checked at the vets cos they need him upside down and laying perfectly still on a table for an X Ray. (I dont think so)! Anyway there was a remarkable improvement after giving him rymidil for months but then he started to get diarroiah and blood in his poo. He had a blood test and all was clear. I took him off the tablets and his poo became normal again for one week. I then put himback on the tab and the symtoms came back so I cannot really continue with the tabs even though they are helping his legs, as obviously he is losing nutrients though loose bowel movements and the blood cant be a good sign. Does anyone have any other recommendations of how I can ease his legs?

Just wanted to add that he is still a very happy, playful, mobile and bouncy smilie dog so I dont think putting him to sleep is necessary just yet.

Answer 1

There are several other options to Rimadyl. Rimadyl is only one of several NSAID's or non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs ( similar to aspirin for humans-works the same way). I would suggest asking your vet about other NSAID options or, a current trend is a pain killer called Tramadol. We prescribe Tramadol to dogs in similar situations as yours that can not tolerate Rimadyl or other NSAID's ( kind of like your dog). I know your dog does not seem in pain but if he has arthritis, he is most likely uncomfortable. Your dog does not have to lay 100% perfectly still for an xray to determine about arthritis, although he does have to be ok with being restrained in a laying down on his side position or it won't work. Other options are supplementing him with glucosamine/chondroitin/MSM and a good Omega 3 fatty acid supplement. All of these things have shown to decrease inflammation associated with arthritis. With supplements though, keep in mind you must feed them daily and appropriately, you should consult your vet first or do some research on the net about pet supplements so you know what to buy, you will not see results immediately. Most of these supplements require that you feed them for at least 60 days before you can expect to see results. The other thing is, what kind of food are you feeding? A poor diet can hurt more then help.

Answer 2

I have a Pekingese the same age with the same problem. He has a big yard to play in, which is a blessing, because I don't think he could have taken a walk a few months ago. It sounds like you may have a big dog, which makes it more difficult to manage. My vet put my dog on a homeopathic medication when he couldn't take Rimadyl anymore. It is a capsule that I sprinkle in his food. He also gets a glucosamine supplement every day. It is expensive and I get it from the vet, and I'm sure your vet has something comparable. You can get the same thing on the Drs. Foster and Smith website, too. It took months, but the little guy is a lot better and can get up and down stairs with a little work now. He is much happier than he was, so I assume he is not in pain now. The homeopathic stuff and the glucosamine supplements take time to work--not the dramatic improvement you get with Rimadyl, but in time they seem to do much more for the problem. Hope you find lots of help for your doggie.

Answer 3

it sounds like it may be partly genetics since his brother also has the same problem. Also since he is a large breed dog if he grew really fast that could put a strain on the joints. We had a foster puppy that was adopted and the owners recently wrote to us saying that she was having problems walking so when she went in to get spayed the vet checked it out, she is only about 6 mths old, they found out that she has severe hip displaysia and is going to have to have both of her hips replaced at some point. Luckily her owners are willing and capable of paying for this surgery. The sole cause the vet said was that she grew too fast. So they now have her on adult dog food.

Answer 4

You really need to continue working with a vet. Xrays can be done under sedation so that your dog won't experience pain.
Bloodwork can be done periodically to monitor the effects of the pain medication your dog is given, as well.

Please don't let your dog linger on in his condition. Back and hip problems are very, very painful and his quality of life will not be good if you don't somehow mabage his pain.

Answer 5

Try Eukanuba Bone and Joint Maintenence for Seniors, which contains glucosamine and chondroitin. The medicine is in the food. Some people say their dogs act like puppies after feeding them this food. Maybe it will help him be more spry. Blood in his stool is not normal. Are you sure it is from the rimadyl? I would worm him to make sure he has no parasites. If not, he may have some irritation of the small intestine as well. It might be due to aging though. I would try the food for his legs as it eliminates your having to dose him daily.

Answer 6

dogs weak legs

Answer 7

He should do much better with a chondroitin and glucosamine supplement..You will find good ones at any pet supply shop or feed store.
However, this is a really good supplement> http://springtimeinc.com/product/94/2
and if you read the 'letters', they are genuine.
Ii wouldn't give any more of the Rimadyl, as it is obvious that he isn't tolerating it now. .It does cause liver damage with long term use..

Answer 8

Use glucosamine - one 1000mg tablet once a day.
You could also try using a different arthritis treatment such as metacam oral liquid (MUST be given with food) previcox or dermaxx.
Also ask your vet about a series of injections called catrophen vet - they are one injection weekly for 4 weeks. It help promote cartlidge regrowth and pain reliefe.

Answer 9

if it is a large breed dog, chances are that it may be hip displasia. the symptoms sound like it. i would highly recommend that you consult a vet. getting x-rays done on a dog isn't that bad really, the vet techs have a quick way to get it done. and if your dog trusts you, they may have you assist.
keep in ind as well that if left untreated, it could do more harm in the long run. and for 3 mins for x rays could save your dog a lot of pain in the long run.

Answer 10

I know this is not going to be an answer easy to read.. so get a grip.. You need to euthanize your pet now and stop it from suffering any more. This is making both of you suffer every day. Surely you don't want your beloved pet to be miserable 24/7. I know its hard to say goodbye but put your finger in a pinch clothespin and try to keep it there all day.. then you'll be able to relate to the ache and pain your pet is enduring. You are the only one who can stop the illness and suffering.. God Bless you both. (hugs)