Please Help Me.! My Dear 12 1/2 Rough Collie Has Had Troubel With His Back Legs

[lilacben]

for a while now but last night he woke me up. He was crying and trying to get up but couldnt. I cuddled him and then he went off to sleep. This morning he did get up after a while. Ate his breakfast and then just laying down. He was able to go out into the garden after a while and now is just layed down again. He cries every now and again. But doesnt seem in pain. But keeps looking at us with those big eyes. Cannot see the vet yet. Has anyone else had this problem and was the vet able to help your dog.? I just love him so much. xBrenda x

[paddywak]

Get him to the vet ASAP. Hopefully it will be something treatable like arthritis, but be prepared for the worst, I've had the same problem with both my GSD's and I'm sorry to say neither case turned out well.So look after him, love but please don't let him suffer. My fingers are crossed for you and I hope everything turns out well.

[Tilly2]

If he's crying, he's in pain. You do need to take him to the vet..

[sunny-dave]

May be old age arthritis - which is treatable with anti-inflammatories and pain killers. Diazepam can also be very effective (occasionally use only) for just completely relaxing the dog and letting them get a good rest - amazing how this then perks them up the next day.

My lovely old collie/lab cross soldiered on quite happily for two or three years after the initial problem, once we got the medication sorted out. She was about the same age as your Rough Collie when she first had problems.

[sunny-dave]

But do get him to the Vet - it may be something entirely different.

dave x

[RATTER15]

Off to the vet!!

[wolf63]

I always find that it is better to get to the vet as soon as possible instead of just worrying about the situation. It might be something completely innocent but which causes discomfort. Think how much better both of you would feel after the trip.


I am just back from a traumatic visit to the vet - the patient screamed from the minute he was stuffed into his carrier until we got home. But we survived!

[chaptazbru]

My old dog (Chappie) suddenly lost the use of his back legs at the age of 13 and I used to have to hold him up to do his poo, but I realised that he couldn't go on like that and as there was nothing the vet could do, I had to let him go. Obviously it broke my heart, but he was old and had no quailty of life if he couldn't use his back legs. That doesn't mean the vet can't do anything for your dog, but he really does need to see a vet ASAP.

[chaptazbru]

Good luck by the way xx

[lilacben]

Well thankyou everyone. I am know a lot happier thank goodness.! Took Ben to vet this evening and he said it isn't his spine just arthritis in his hind legs. He has given him some anti inflammatory tablets and pain killer plus Yumove joint supp tablets. And said it will be very noticeable in just a few days.! I am so pleased and I even think Ben feels happier in himself. So once again thankyou .xx

[Psybbo]

Great to hear your good news and a cuddle for Ben x

[flump1]

Good news Brenda, hug from me to you both xx

[Sycamore3House]

My Labrador had arthritis in his hind legs. When he got to 12/13 years his insurance went up to about £40 per month I cancelled it because I Thought if anything goes wrong with him now I am not going to get it fixed. It was just normal old aged dog stuff. He wouldn't take the tablets the vet gave him but he would take glucosamine tablets from the health food shop and also cod liver oil. If he was really bad I used to give him paracetamol. He went on like this for a couple of years. This proved to be a cheaper alternative.
It absolutely broke my heart when I had to have him put to sleep. His lead is still in the car nearly 4 years later. But he had a good life and we have lovely memories of him.

[paddywak]

Pleased to hear that it is treatable lilacben hope you have many more years happy years with him.

[lilacben]

sycamore, I am so sorry for your loss. I had a tear in my eye when I read about your beatuiful boy. And thankyou everyone.xx Today we havethe old Ben back with us. He slept well last night and managed to get up so much easier this morning. Painkillers and muscle tabs must be working. He is like his old self today, noisy !! lol but is moving a lot better. I suppose the weather doesnt help with one day hot and then wet and cold again. I really thought I was going to lose him as he was just so quite and lifeless yesterday. Many thanks for all your well wishes and help. Brenda xxx

[Zacs-Master]

Great news. Hope you have a few more years with him. I can see Zac getting old in his ways and dread something like this happening. He's just dropped his spikey inside ball on the settee next to me so ill have to go!

[wolf63]

Zac's Master - what breed of dog is Zac?

My Labrador/GSD developed arthritis in his shoulders but it only really caused problems in the mornings. He was 14 when he died - I got him when he was 5 and thought that I would only get a couple of years with him. You never stop missing them once they are gone.

[marval]

I am so pleased it is good news, glad you have got your old dog back.

[ruthann58]

hi our gsd x collie used to have 2 adult glucosamine and chroditon every day as recommended by our vet also bought her a bio flow magnetic collar from the age of about 11 and she was 14 before she passed on

[lilacben]

Thanks again everyone. Thought I would just pop in and say Ben is a lot better in himself and is walking a lot better. Although from time to time he just goes down on his hind legs. He seems fine until early morning around 5 ish and then starts to moan and whine for a while. Think his tablets must be wearing off. Thankyou everyone for wishes. Brenda xx