Difficult Decisions - Page 5

I'm glad he's at least feeling better, for now. Tough times to come, I'm sure, but enjoy, enjoy, enjoy for now. You & he are in my thoughts...jackie harris

Good days, and bad...

Maybe because the weather turned chilly today, causing him to stiffen up, Ranger fell several times. The worst one was when he lost his balance going upstairs, and wound up with his front paws dangling over the edge of the basement stairs! I ran to help him, as it looked like he was going to pitch headfirst down THOSE stairs, and could have seriously hurt himself, as there are about 8 steps and a 15 foot drop!

My heart was in my mouth!

Poor boy ...glad you saved him. jh

Can you put a ramp in? I am glad you were able to catch him before he fell :(

I need to borrow a friend's truck to buy a piece of plywood big enough, and now I also realize I need to block off the stairs to the basement somehow, so if he does slip sideways off the ramp, he won't fall down THOSE! 

I already have some rubber matting and some wood slats to attach to the ramp, but just can't fit a 7 foot long piece of wood in my vehicle...

Do you have a home depot near you? They rent trucks for $19! Could you use a baby gate block off the stairs?

Do you have a home depot near you? They rent trucks for $19! Could you use a baby gate block off the stairs to the basement?

I havent been on here in quite awhile but Im glad I saw this before closing my browser. I took in a shepherd last year from a shelter in Ca, was planning on adopting him out but decided to keep him. One of the best decisions I made last year. Anywho, this dog has a lot of what your describing and I hear people say that he is dysplastic but I think its spine related. He will lay down but loose control of his right hind leg. Sometimes the hind legs just wont do what he wants them to and he falls. A couple of the falls have been a bit of a nail biter. Like you, Ive had "that" conversation with myself. But for now it's on hold. This dog is 11+ and other than the leg problems, he's doing ok. His spirit to keep going is out of this world so for now we deal with his issues. Hell we all get old. I hope that when I do my caretaker gives me a fair shot.

Ive found Vitamin C works well 500-1000mg a day keeps things moving. I have not found much success with joint meds other than the Vit C. Weight gain is a big no no and although he gets tired fast these days, walking works but not long distances. Combing his back with a brush just gets those old legs every whichy way. I have found Tramadol works pretty well. It hasnt helped with the actual condition but puts my dog in a better frame of mind and if we travel (like the 5000 miles we just did) Sancho is less sore and stiff. I still have to make sure that jumping etc is minimal because those damn legs give out, even if he is trying to give me a kiss. Here is his pic.....When it's time you will know. We always do.

Bhaugh, best of luck to you and your old gentleman! Arthritis and spondlylitis in the spine is quite common in our breed, and the sypmptoms are so similar to DM, it's very hard to tell which you're dealing with without an x-ray. And my vet is concerened Ranger may have BOTH, which is not impossible!

I am glad you found my experience helpful to you.

Latest update: I have the materials for the ramp, but he's been so good the last few days and I've been so busy, I haven't had time to start its construction! I DO stand on the landing of the stairs, to help out if he gets into trouble. A hand under his tush to give him a little boost is often enough to get him up the steps safely.

The other night, I was throwing a ball with a rope on it, and Ranger got hold of the ball. Star grabbed the rope, but he wouldn't let go. She pulled him to his feet, and started walking him around the property, while he held on to the ball with great determination!

Still some spunk left in the old guy, that's for sure!

Oh, and I recently read on another thread that steroids also cause muscle wasting, so that has made me more determined than every to make sure he gets some exercise every day!