General decline in muscle power

[ghggp]

Is there a reason he can't take NSAIDs? There are milder ones than Metacam.

I really recommend seeing a physio - they will give you strengthening and stretching exercises. One exercise uses an unsteady surface (like a cushion or exercise disc) to switch on their stability muscles - th ones that help with arthritis. You put their front legs on the cushion and then lift alternate legs and hold for 5-10 secs (depending on how stable they are). The you switch to front legs on the cushion.

Also important to keep mobilizing the joints if you aren't going out to exercise.

Caro,
Thank you for your detailed information. I am not really sure why NSAIDs is not being used other than he has had liver issues and is on Gall Bladder meds.

Can you explain... I really recommend seeing a physio

I am impressed to hear about strengthening stability muscles and will definitely look into it! Would LOVE to see a website that gives us options to help our pets. My worry of course is causing him more pain since he has the bone spurs in his back. If you find the information on the exercises and can post it on this string it would be greatly appreciated!

This is the website I found with a ton of info on arthritis
http://www.2ndchance.info/arthritis2.htm

Many thanks again!

 

[ghggp]

Found this on YouTube.... Is this what you mean?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kye_tfzymmg&list=PL845448074031F5F1&index=3

 

[Sheltie4]

My Wendell, whom I just lost at almost 17 years old, also suffered from pain and mobility issues in his back legs.

His issues most likely stemmed from Scoliosis in his spine.

I kept him going with Acupuncture every 3 weeks (if I waited 4 weeks, it was too long).

For pain relief, I would think you would want an anti-inflammatory - I kept Previcox on hand.

For the last 3 months of his life, I carried him up and down stairs (and I have lots of stairs in my house!).

I am sorry to hear your sweet boy is having pain - hopefully you can find him some relief.

 

[ghggp]

Debbie,
I am so sorry to hear of your recent lost of Wendell. How lucky you were to have him until 17! Shows how loved and devoted you were to each other. What a blessing.

I just wish I could carry Chance ... he is a very big boy and very oversized for a sheltie! More to love of course!

I even thought of buying those machines that attached to stairs that people sit on and have it modified for a dog! Crazy I know. Just a thought...
We pet parents will go the extra mile to help our charges...

I have condisered Acupuncture before but I am deathly scared of needles. I could never be in the same room seeing needles being put into his body! I know that sounds crazy but my fear is that great. I would feel terrible making him go into a room without me while they preformed the procedure.

I will most certainly ask my vet about Previcox. Thanks for the suggestions.

I am hoping some physical therapy may help is mobility.

 

[RikyR]

I have nothing to offer but my prayers, but I wanted to say that Chance is one handsome fellow. Other than his soulful expression, he does not show his age at all.

 

[ghggp]

Thank you so much Riky. Mr Chance wanted me to thank you for your prayers and concern for his well being! He is the love of my life and a real heart dog!
I am so thankful for this forum as it gives support, recommendations, and concern for our precious pups. Sheltie Nation is the best!

 

[Caro]

I think the one you posted will be too advanced for an arthritic dog. But yes that is the type of balance ball I use (mine is a lot smaller). I can't find the site I was referring to with all the exercises and pics (may have been taken down), but I did find one without pics.

The exercises the physiotherapist gives are for strength, stability and stretching.Most the exercises you can do without any equipment. This site has many of the exercises the physio gave us http://www.vipsvet.net/canine-stretches.html (except for the last three, I think they’re for less arthritic dogs). In addition to those ones we do the “sphynx” which is with the dog in a drop position, hold a treat in front of their nose and make them stretch for it without getting up (they can inch forward but only if its in a crawl). That helps with the lower back. You will probably find he has difficulty with the advanced stuff so start small with the stretches and the single leg lifts (balance on 3 legs).

I focus on doing these much more in winter - in warmer months Deska can walk more so doesn't need the exercises so much (mostly the stretching). I try to do sets of 5, 2-3 times a day Couple of other things that may also help. Massage in the muscles around the joints and gently moving the joint yourself - just to keep things from stiffening. Getting him to walk around the house a bit more. You need to get them up and moving around for 10 minutes at a time so they can walk out the stiffness and loosen joints. I actually put a lead and harness on Deska and walk him around with me as I do housework. He thinks it's fun and it keeps him moving.

I took some pics of the dogs doing exercises on the balance ball and on a cushion. The cushion is a little easier for them but still effective. (excuse the angles - I usually sit close in case they wobble too much but I was trying to hold the camera). Deska can't do leg lifts on the ball with his back legs on it - it's enough for him just to balance. But physio says that's still good.

 

[ghggp]

OUTSTANDING! Chance and I thank you SOOOO MUCH for taking the pictures to help illustrate the correct exercises for arthritic dogs. I will begin the stretching exercises and I will be purchasing the balance ball today.

I will keep you posted on results. I had no idea that making him more active would be better for him. I just figured if he did not want to move it was because he was too sore.

When I get the ball I will post pictures showing his progress!

Thanks again for taking the time to help me make Mr Chance's life more comfortable and fulfilling. Please give an extra cookie to Deska for being the role model for Chance!

Hugs to you and your crew!

 

[sable]

Hopefully it all works out for Chance. Lucky still has good muscle but his
judgement is not good because of his eyesight.

Good to know about the balancing ball, that is pretty darn neat.

 

[sanemb]

Just read this thread. Mandy will be 14 in 3 weeks. She has arthritis and is stiff legged in her back legs when she walks. She doesn't climb the stairs,we carry her. She would go down the stairs but her legs have given out when she has went down them. So thankful that she didn't get hurt. So we just carry her. She is on tramadol for pain. She also takes Dasuquin and coconut oil. Also have her on homeopathic zeel. We purchased a Tenlite cold laser unit on Amazon for a couple hundred dollars and are giving her treatments at home. We feel that they are helping with the pain level. She has problems when she sits. She doesn't't seem to have a problem getting up. Hopefully when the weather breaks nd we rid of all the snow we can walk her more and maybe that will help with the stiff legs. It is just so hard to see our fur babies hurting.