My dog Bingo is 14 this November

[dot.haukes]

He has had epilepsy since a puppy and we give him phenobarbitols for it, he has had lumps under his skin for a while and the vet advised us to keep an eye on them and if they change to get back to him, they have not changed but there are more of them. He was quite ill at new year and we thought we would have to decide to put him down but he just slept his way through it all. Now he seems to be unsteady on his back legs and one of his legs is kinking out as he turns and he is struggling to get up the step into the kitchen. I have made an appointment for the vet for friday afternoon. My neighbour says her collie had to be put down when his back legs went. What does she mean about the back legs? Is it to do with his coordination or something?

[Schutzengel]

Hello Dot. I'm sorry your dog is not well. He is a good age, and depending on the breed, he is really quite an old dog. Many dogs get lumps under their skin as they age, which are usually benign fatty cysts, which don't cause any trouble or discomfort for the dog unless they grow too large, which is why the vet said to keep an eye on any changes in them. Regarding the back legs, with old dogs, and especially with some breeds particularly larger dogs, the back legs gradually become weaker. This is particularly noticeable when they try to get up after sleeping, and when getting up steps. Unfortunately, one day the back legs become so weak that the dog is not able to rise to a standing position, and this can happen quite suddenly. Sadly, then it is decision day, as there is nothing further that can be done. As long as a dog is managing, and seems happy in other ways, vets sometimes recommend a wait and see time, to give the owner a bit longer with their beloved pet. This is what happened with my Jock (labrador/alsatian cross) several years ago, and more recently with my next door neighbours border collie. I do feel for you, as it's so sad when our dogs not well. I hope your vet can explain things for you, and hopefully let you and your dog have more time together. Sorry I can't give you better news, but I shall be thinking of you on Friday. Good luck. Schutz.

[Postdog]

Old age has a lot to do with it. My 16 year old yorkie sometimes shows signs of the legs going, and I wonder if the time is near. That said, we can (partially) console ourselves that they had a good life and lived to a good age.

Hope it isn't serious though.

[Schutzengel]

Gosh! Postdog. Your little treasure is doing really well to get to 16. Long may it continue. Schutz.

[kita1]

I help my dog into a stand by holding his tail and helping him into a standing position. Once he is up he can then go for his normal walk (albeit slowly!). I have done this for two years now, he is never left alone and I am able to give him lots of time. He is not in any pain, so I am willing to let him continue. He does rarely stand up on his own, so obviously is still capable (the weakness tends to come and go). He has bad days and good days - at the moment the good days outnumber the bad ones.

It depends on how much you can help the dog and your personnal circumstances.

Your vet may suggest something like Metacam (that is better than Rimadyl) if your dog is not already on it. It is an arthritis medication and helps alot of dogs. There is also an injection that is given every three months.

I had a GSD in a K9 cart for 18 months (she had a condition that affects mainly GSD's - CDRM), her back legs were completely paralysed. She was only 9 when diagnosed though. Her back legs went over a period of 12 months.

I hope your vet is able to suggest something positive.

[lankeela]

If your vet says this is arthritis or just general weakness you can get a Bioflow collar, which can help dogs who are stiff when they first get up. They can in some cases give them a new lease of life.

Sadly if the situation is too bad, then you need to do the right thing by your dog. Many dogs 'go off their legs' and although still ok in other respects I always feel if they are not able to get themselves out to go to the toilet or get up and find the water bowl when they need a drink, then their quality of life is not what it should be, and you need to really consider whether you are doing the right thing by the dog.
Remember, better a day too soon, than a moment too late.
We will all be thinking of your and your dog on Friday.