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Bad Arthritis in Older Dog PetPlanet Vets PPAdmin pettalk@petplanet.co.uk |
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Dear Brenda, I can sympathise with you in your present predicament. I have a 13yr old collie in a similar situation - he did not have an accident, but was a working collie most of his life and now has very bad arthritis, especially in his back legs. He sits on a rug in the kitchen most of the time and struggles to get up and down a bit. He cannot go on walks but has a potter around the garden a few times a day. His one real pleasure is his food. It is a difficult situation, as it is hard to tell how much discomfort they are in - we know from people how painful arthritis is { especially in the cold weather - as you have found }. The cod liver oil is good for their coat as well as the joints. I'm afraid I have not heard of Cortaflex - is it a supplement or an anti-inflammatory drug ? I certainly feel Katie would benefit from an anti-inflammatory drug, if Cortaflex is not one. There are several very good, safe ones available for dogs now - both in tablet and liquid form. My dog is on a tablet every day and I definitely can tell the difference if he misses one for any reason. There is also a course of injections that can be given weekly for 4 weeks {the effects lasts 6-12 months} which improves the joint fluid and is anti-inflammatory. I have given this recently to Mack and it has helped him over the winter. Your vet can advise you on what would be best for Katie. You mention "painkillers as necessary" - she may be at the stage where she needs something everyday {i.e. an anti-inflammatory).Physiotherapy and massage really help as well and that is something Katie would love. Every day spend a few minutes rubbing up and down her legs, especially the hips, in firm circular motions to warm them up and ease them. I can tell how much Mack loves this when I do it to him - he would lie there all day! It is important to try to get her to move around a little bit to try to keep her joints going - a rub before and after will help. There are various food supplements available now to help the cartilage - your vet can advise you on these {Cortaflex probably is one}. It is hard to know when to say "enough is enough" in cases like this - I am waiting for the days Mack no longer enjoys his food, or cannot get up without help, or starts to urinate in his bed or just seems to be no longer enjoying his life. Then I will let him go with dignity.Your vet can help you decide when the time is right for Katie,if you are not sure. In the meantime speak to them again about what extra help they can give her.Good luck,Maeve Moorcroft MVB MRCVS{PetPlanet Vet}
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