For the past couple months, Chloe has been showing some reluctance with the steps. Now she will go with mild hesitation, but up like a bunny (feet go in
pairs). I do hear some bone cracks every now and then. About 2 months ago, we had a string of cold rainy days for almost 2 weeks. Chloe was stiff each morning.
She still is a little stiff in the morning, but not as bad as then. I also noticed some loss of muscle, but she is also not active (my fault, we are lazy). I
have had her on Synovig3 but she had bouts of tummy issues and I'd stop it briefly then restart. She's almost done her initial double-dose.
I took her to see the doc and she seemed to agree it's arthritis, mainly in the back knees. I had just had her in to check a growth, so no tests were done. Chloe does stumble with the front feet sometimes, almost like they give out. I'm not sure if that's her trying to redistribute the weight (she tries to be careful squating to pee or poop). I had been walking her briskly for 15-20 minutes each night if possible (if not I try to 4-5x/wk), which she does okay with but is tired. It's been raining a lot so she's missed some trips. She does seem to actually do a bit better with this, but I'm not sure if it's me. Her play at home has decreased, which saddens me b/c it's been since this started and she seems to want to, then goes to lay down.
The doc and I discussed possibly starting meds soon, but I chose to watch her for now. The doc suggested a doc in the hospital who does chiropractic and acupuncture stuff. But, I unfortunately have to pinch every penny I can. Doc is reluctant to go right to daily NSAIDS, b/c of her liver hx. I am too. I am wondering what other options I may have. Doc mentioned possibly Tramadol with a small dose of NSAID to try down the line, I told her I would watch her for a bit and see how she does. I'm thinking of calling in for the Tramadol. Would it help alone? Do dogs get physically dependent on it?
I'm a bit reluctant b/c summer is here and the itchies are coming. If she needs a steroid again, I won't be able to have an NSAID on board, right? I'm not sure what to try.
Any input from you guys is appreciated.
I took her to see the doc and she seemed to agree it's arthritis, mainly in the back knees. I had just had her in to check a growth, so no tests were done. Chloe does stumble with the front feet sometimes, almost like they give out. I'm not sure if that's her trying to redistribute the weight (she tries to be careful squating to pee or poop). I had been walking her briskly for 15-20 minutes each night if possible (if not I try to 4-5x/wk), which she does okay with but is tired. It's been raining a lot so she's missed some trips. She does seem to actually do a bit better with this, but I'm not sure if it's me. Her play at home has decreased, which saddens me b/c it's been since this started and she seems to want to, then goes to lay down.
The doc and I discussed possibly starting meds soon, but I chose to watch her for now. The doc suggested a doc in the hospital who does chiropractic and acupuncture stuff. But, I unfortunately have to pinch every penny I can. Doc is reluctant to go right to daily NSAIDS, b/c of her liver hx. I am too. I am wondering what other options I may have. Doc mentioned possibly Tramadol with a small dose of NSAID to try down the line, I told her I would watch her for a bit and see how she does. I'm thinking of calling in for the Tramadol. Would it help alone? Do dogs get physically dependent on it?
I'm a bit reluctant b/c summer is here and the itchies are coming. If she needs a steroid again, I won't be able to have an NSAID on board, right? I'm not sure what to try.
Any input from you guys is appreciated.
