My sheepdog is six and I got him as a rescue two months ago, he has next to no muscle mass on his legs and requires that someone helps him to get up from laying down, I had him x-rayed at the vet and they said he has arthritis in his back, he weighs 77# but should weigh more like 90+#, he also leaks pee now and again, what could be wrong with him ? or is the problem arthritis, would that cause the loss of muscle ?
2007-07-14 14:34:53 · 3 answers · asked by coonrapper 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
he was like that when I got him, as a foster dog, but he was deemed non-adoptable so I kept him. I wont let him be euthanized as the told me that was the only option, our family loves him too much.
2007-07-14 14:51:48 · update #1
can you give him some glucosamine, I heard that acupuncture might work.
2007-07-14 14:56:31 · answer #1 · answered by cowgirl7772003 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The lack of muscle mass is a major component, and the arthritis probably is as well. Was he in this condition when you got him 2 months ago? I always thought rescue organizations put them into better shape before placing them with a family.
Did the rescue group give you any guidance on how to get him back into better condition????
You need to ask your vet those questions, and ask the vet how to get him back into better condition (if that's possible).
2007-07-14 21:46:19 · answer #2 · answered by Nedra E 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, the arthritis is causing pain, possibly affecting the nerves going to his legs by pressing on the spinal cord. If he doesn't move much he'll lose muscle mass. This could also be the reason he is incontinent--nerve damage. Is he on a good arthritis medication like Rimadyl? He'll have to have labwork monitored from time to time while on any NSAID. Also, a joint supplement can help. Ask your vet what you can do to keep him comfortable!
2007-07-14 21:41:26 · answer #3 · answered by KimbeeJ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋