Hey all-

I have a lab/pitt mix that I rescued 10 years ago. He tore his right CCl 4 years ago, got it fixed, and he has been great. The vet then said he had minor arthritis, but continue giving him glucosamine and it should help. So, we've given him glucosamine since. I continued duck hunting him, and he hasn't had any issues with mobility.

Prior to this hunting season, I knew I would have to retire him at the end. I made sure he was in good shape physically before season, to make sure I didn't over work him and wear him out too much. He did good duck hunting this year with no problems other than being much slower than he used to be, and no longer able to climb in/out the boat (understandable given his age). He was happy as can be, and it was a great year to retire him off of.

However, since duck season ended 3 months ago, he has gone down hill. I don't think it had anything to do with me hunting him, as it was probably 2-3 weeks after his last hunt before symptoms showed up- but who knows. He now has trouble getting up from his dog bed, can't go down stairs without falling over, and can no longer squat to poop without falling over or walking forward. When he first gets up, he has trouble extending his left foot, and walks on the top of his foot sometimes because he can't get it underneath him. He also doesn't hold his tail up anymore. He didn't have any of these problems in August (other than being slow to get up).

Our vet says it is just bad arthritis, but I just hadn't heard or seen it get so bad so quickly. We can't get a second opinion, because we live in rural alaska and there is only one vet.

I realize both labs and pitts have hip issues, and it may just have caught up with him.

So my question to the brain trust on here:

Has anyone seen this speed of arthritis affecting active dogs?
Has anyone had any experience of the same symptoms with their dogs with hip arthritis?
How long did the dog last after these symptoms presented?


Thanks,

B

10 years is old for a lab. I wouldn’t put any more money into him. Put him down and get a new pup.

I'm thinking this is your only option, I'm sorry to say
Has your vet tried Vetprofen, my GSP gets it once a day

Yeah I have a 14 yr old lab that hips are weak now. Pain manage and then put him down whenever it's too much or he stops having quality of life. I have to make a decision with mine soon also.

Thanks guys. I guess I didn't mention, he gets Carprofen 2x a day to help with arthritic pain also.

Not planning on putting any serious money into him, just want the rest of his retired life to be enjoyable.

UPDATE:: Went back to the vet today. The vet says on top of the arthritis, he has Degenerative Myelopathy. So, his spinal chord is degenerating, which is why he is falling so much. Looks like we don't have much time left with him. At least it isn't a painful disease.

Sounds like you should put him on steak and gravy diet and make sure he get's plenty of curled up by the fireplace time.

He already gets cooked salmon fillets 2x a week. Guess I will up it to 7 days a week- as I have a freezer full for him at the moment. make him a happy pup with a great looking coat.

Cheers,