Standard Poodle Dodgy Legs

[dunwerkin]

Do any of you lovely people have experience of standard poodles? My son's is 11 years old and is struggling to get up from lying or sitting. She normally sleeps upstairs but has got stranded on the stairs and slipped down them a few times and even fell down in the road when running (slowly). She has arthritis and is on pain killers for it, but these accidents are getting more frequent causing her to limp on the damaged leg(s). She improves after a day or two's rest, but then gets brave again and tries the stairs - and falls again. She is a sweet dog with a lovely nature and its heartbreaking to see her struggling. We can't bear the thought of taking her to the vet for the last time . . . but is that the kinder option?

[boxtops]

Probably, yes, it's the hardest thing that most of us have to do..... she's a good age for a dog. What does your vet say? We have to remember that this is about the dog, not how we feel about losing her. Sometimes, although it's so hard, it's the best thing and she'd thank you for it.

[paddywak]

I'm sorry for he situation your son has found himself in. I've no experience with poodles but have lost two beloved GSD's to similar problems though fortunately we live in a bungalow and didn't have the stairs problem.

[Robinia]

Yes, it might be the kindest thing now, I think 11 is a good age for a standard. I had one who made it to almost 10, the most entertaining, intelligent dog ever.
My dog didn't have arthritis but I know someone whose standard poodle had the symptoms you describe.

[paddywak]

Sorry about that clicked submit before I'd finished. Sadly there's not much you can do. Try to stop her braving the stairs, give her as much love as you can but be prepared for the worst and please, please don't let her suffer. As all the many dog lovers on site will tell you it's hard to make that decision but it is really the last way you can show her how much you love her.

[tamborine]

Dont let it suffer any longer. Time to say farewell dear friend

[dunwerkin]

thank you all. I am typing this in tears as I know it is the sensible thing to do, but its so hard . . . . .

[Robinia]

One of the hardest things ever, lots of us know how it feels. All the best, be glad you had her. x

[IggyB]

A very difficult decision. If the stairs are causing the problems wouldnt it be best to get the dog to sleep downstairs and possibly install a child gate to stop them using the stair again?

[maggie01]

My dog used to have the run of the house but started having funny turns where she would pass out on occasions.
Now she is restricted to downstairs apart from bedtime when she sleeps with me.
I have blocked the stairs. You could try that but it doesn't look to good does it.

So sorry.

[dunwerkin]

I am so grateful for your sensitive and supportive replies. Thank you. She's in the garden enjoying a meaty bone.

[CatGirl4]

Only you can decide,the question is about her quality of life.It's such a hard thing to do but,we normally do it as the last loving thing for them.x

[lankeela]

If this only happens on the stairs then use a stair gate to stop her climbing them. You can get something called a Bioflow collar which can ease the symptoms of arthritis and make it easier for them to get up after lying down. Having had Shepherds and Collies over many years I have had several who have gone off their legs, but it is a gradual process and provided they can get in and out to go to the toilet then that is my criteria. If she is ok in all other aspects then try stopping her going up stairs and make life easier for her getting in and out. Try a raised bed so she steps out of it rather than having to clamber out and struggle to get up. Also take her back to the vet and tell them - they won't put her to sleep if there is anything they can do for her, which could mean changing her medication. Its not fair to let her go on like this without trying something.

[lankeela]

http://pivotalhealth.co.uk/dog_collar.html

[dunwerkin]

Thank you again for your suggestions. Its good to know that you are there when good advice is needed from people who know what they are talking about.

[mannise]

I have recently had the same thing with my 11yo Std poodle. She suddenly became lame with no obvious cause. I started her on one capsule (ours, and of good quality) of glucosamine per day. With 2 days she was running around the yard as she had not done for some time. I think that she had been in a fair bit of pain for a while. She has now started to gain weight as previously it was on the low side.
I would not let your girl run until she was feeling better, as each fall hurts.
Hope this helps and good luck.