2007-02-28 23:49:33 · 7 answers · asked by SATJ12 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I agree. You should take her to a vet and see what the problem might be. Could be she's having organ problems so they may need to do blood work also.
2007-03-01 00:15:21 · answer #1 · answered by ladydi_1987 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Before you do anything, see your vet. Without seeing your dog, the first thing I would say is reduce the dogs weight. Overweight dogs (and people) have trouble getting around. Encourage your dog to sit. Some dogs are so weak in the hind end, that sitting is a challenge. Have her sit for as long as comfortable. Next I would suggest walking, then running up hill. This will strengthen its hind end. At 12 there is not too much you can do but her weight down and exercise her.
2007-03-01 08:46:14 · answer #2 · answered by Deb t 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The others are right, old age is taking its toll on your baby, sorry to say. Arthritis &/ or hip dysplasia are the first 2 things that came to mind. There are other things that could be causing this and only a vet can really diagnose what is going on and how to treat it. There are great medications out there now for our furchildren, and more all the time.
Let us assume that but for the weakness of hind quarters, his quality of life is good. There are some of the coolest wheeled carts out there specifically for that situation. There is a link below. Your buddy can still be a fun loving doggy cruising around in one of these space age carts. Near the bottom of that google page is a link for do it yourselfers: "Homemade carts for dogs and do it yourself wheelchairs for dogs". New freedom for your doggy!
(NO, I am not affiliated with any of these sites/companies. :D )
2007-03-01 00:52:06 · answer #3 · answered by doggzma 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is also a spinal problem in aged german shepards which could be it. Afraid nobody can tell over the internet I'll have to 3rd the visit your vet thing I can think of a few treatable things it could be too..... You can provide some support by slinging a blanket or towel under her belly or use a "bottoms up" lead (which goes around hind end to hold that up.
2007-03-01 00:27:58 · answer #4 · answered by ragapple 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is typical of very old dogs like this and not uncommon in GSD's of this age. I would keep her off of slick surfaces and put down a lot of throw rugs if she has to walk on concrete or linoleum to help her get some traction. Good luck.
2007-03-01 03:41:12 · answer #5 · answered by avalon_bz 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like she has hip dysplasia. From what I understand, it's not too uncommon in German Shepards. Go to the vet, have them x-ray her hips. Maybe send them into the OFA as well.
Other than hip dysplasia, she might have poor circulation in her legs or arthritis. Get that checked out too. I'm not sure what testing there can be done for that, but ask the vet.
2007-03-01 00:27:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
12 year old GSD is quite old i could be her hips i would take her to your vet and have her check out the hips might have to be X-rayed
2007-03-01 00:04:22 · answer #7 · answered by Skyhoss 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋