ARmy Rumour SErvice

**Aul_Wan** · 30-09-2011, 17:02

Thank you so much everyone for your time to answer my query.

Her arthritis is a fact of her life now but it's her quality of life that I'm worried about. She's a very happy and alert dog in every way but she's not the dog she was. When we are out walking we see other Springers and they remind us of what she used to be like and we wonder if we are being selfish. Her front left paw is the worst, the "wrist" - don't what the name of the joint is - is swollen and the paw has rotated inwards. She trots along at her own pace.

However the vet has suggested an operation that will put a steel pin down through the centre of the joint. He says it will add stability and support to the joint. He has performed the operation on 14year old collie but I'm not sure about it. I don't know anyone who has had the operation done to their dog and I'm anxious for feedback on it.

Thanks for the suggestions for supplements I'll give them a go. She has great company at home with the other younger dog who keeps her active. I have thought about when the time comes to bring her to the vet that one last time. I don't have a lot of difficulty with the decision - coming from the country in the West of Ireland - we had plenty of farm dogs that were put to sleep when they couldn't do their job anymore. It's the big soft eejit from Kilburn that I'm married to that has the problem there.

**Monty417** · 30-09-2011, 17:06

I am a big soft eejit too when that moment arrives.

**racheyblubird** · 02-10-2011, 13:24

Thanks to everyone who patiently gave me advice on dogs and big old walks.

The hound loved every second, no injuries, one tick, four and a half days of swimming and running about like a mentalist, what's not to love hey?!

**Monty417** · 02-10-2011, 13:36

Originally Posted by racheyblubird

Thanks to everyone who patiently gave me advice on dogs and big old walks.

The hound loved every second, no injuries, one tick, four and a half days of swimming and running about like a mentalist, what's not to love hey?!

Well done! glad you enjoyed it.

**fairy_nuff** · 02-10-2011, 15:41

Well done Rachel and The Hound I'm sure it did both of you the world of good

**RNMAMULL** · 02-10-2011, 21:22

Originally Posted by Badger_Heed

I was recently in the exact same situation apart from my Springer bitch was 15 years old. The vets said she was healthy enough and we could probably expect another few quality months from her.

However, I couldn't sit back and watch her try to shuffle about once she spotted her lead coming out so unfortunately she had the needle.

Owners know their own animals better than a vet and the ultimate decision must be based on quality of life.

Our Sussex Spaniel Riley had surgery n his forelegs when a puppy.It left him with some Arthritis that was getting worse.He would end up limping after a short bit of excersise.He was given Metacam as needed.We also started him on Green Lipped Mussel Extract.I am sure it did help to soem extent.Whilst at the Sandringham Country Show we came across a stall selling a product called Yumove.
YUMOVE - Lintbells

so we bought some,since he has started to use it (3 weeks now) he has had NO Metacam and he seems much happier in himself also he is walking a lot more.It can ONLY be the Yumove that has done this.To be honest i was sceptical but no longer.I heartily reccomend it.

**phoenix04** · 04-10-2011, 18:10

Aul Wan, my dog was diagnosed with arthritis at 8 and I had her until 14. I used rimadyl rather than metacam and although there are warnings of side effects, she managed to have a full life on it for 6 yrs. Rather than crying every step as she did before it. As mentioned by others supplements also seem to help, inflamex is a good one, or you could buy devil's claw on it's own. I also used glucosamine and chondroitin and at dinner time a couple of drops of cider vinegar in the food.
I also changed my car and bought a ramp to make it easier for her to get in and out and taking the strain off her joints. If your old girl is still pottering about then personally I can think of no reason to not let her potter on. If she can't go on the walks with the young one then take her out for 10 minutes or so on her own and just enjoy her company. I'm of the belief that unless a dog can't get up by itself to go do it's toilets or it is in extreme pain , then let it potter on.
In regards to her leg can I point you to the following link, which might be an alternative to an operation Dog (Canine) Leg Splints - Cat (Feline) Leg Splints

**jarrod248** · 04-10-2011, 18:21

Cod liver oil and malt extract -boots sell it in big jars may be helpful and they do like the taste.

**DavidBOC** · 04-10-2011, 19:58

Originally Posted by phoenix04

...... If your old girl is still pottering about then personally I can think of no reason to not let her potter on. If she can't go on the walks with the young one then take her out for 10 minutes or so on her own and just enjoy her company. I'm of the belief that unless a dog can't get up by itself to go do it's toilets or it is in extreme pain , then let it potter on. ........

Completely agree! My old Lizzy had one eye and that one a bit blurry later on and had arthritis but i kept her going until the morning she could not get up off the floor and looked at me with a "WTF Dad, why can't i walk" The last couple of years were not perfect and she did break a couple of small antique tables bumping into them. she did enjoy those last couple of years curled up with her cat whenever possible. As an added benefit I also discovered a very skilled and very reasonable antique repair craftsman in the next town over.

Keep the old girl/old boy going.

**Sapper145** · 04-10-2011, 21:53

Originally Posted by racheyblubird

Thanks to everyone who patiently gave me advice on dogs and big old walks.

The hound loved every second, no injuries, one tick, four and a half days of swimming and running about like a mentalist, what's not to love hey?!

Thats a handsome happy hound there Rachey, glad you both enjoyed it. Now what's next?