Getting Older

As some of you know we got my gorgeous Flo as a rescue from BDCH nearly 3 years ago now. We asked how old they thought she was and were told anywhere between 5 & 7 years. During our first year she was ever so active and literally bounded up the stairs but these days it seems to be becoming a bit of an effort for her (She still does it almost every morning to get a cuddle in bed from me )

Whilst she's happy to have a trot amongst the bushes over her Big park looking for Squirrels, she really doesn't run after them like she used to. Today we had a short walk over her little park & on returning she slept soundly after her dinner right into the evening.

I'm now wondering if in fact she is nearer 10 and just slowing down a little now. In every other way she seems quiet content.

Is it worth a quick trip to the vet to see if there's any reason other than age?

As long as she's happy and you're happy, though, then whatever age she is doesn't matter.

Could be that she is older. Do you have her on joint supplements?

I think joint supplement is something I need to look into for sure, so any tips there will be gratefully received.

The other thing that has become more noticable over the last few months is that when she runs she is definately stronger on her right rear leg which is the one that had the TPLO a couple of years ago. You would see it if you saw her run but not walking.

The vet did say that she would probably need her left one doing eventually but I'm hesitant and the reason being is her age. Do I put her through a general anaesthetic and long recovery given that she is 9 or 10 this year !

I guess the only person that can really advise is her vet but I'm pretty sure I know what they will say.

She does look 10 ian codliver oil tabs may be good as well

It might be worth looking into therapies other than surgery. Nola had bilateral lameness and had both elbows operated on when she was about 2, but it didn't help. They wanted to do the shoulders but we said no as it felt a wild guess so tried Galen therapy and she's been right as rain ever since. Hydrotherapy can also help strenghten joints. Maybe worth looking into?

This is the Galen therapy website, but there are various other dog sports massage type things out there as well: http://www.caninetherapy.co.uk/

Oh Flo yes some supplements would be a good idea, as long as she is content though

aww Ian i so know how your feeling,Sash is 11 this year and looking at pics of Flo and sash(both being brindle)they do have the same amount of grey on their muzzles and face so may be Flo is a little older than what you were told,Sash seems to snooze a lot these days but she is always ready for her walks,i have changed her supplements the last month or so she is now on Yumove by a company called Lintbells it contains green lipped muscle and glucosamine all brilliant for the older dogs mobility,if you go on to goggle and type in Yumove free trail you can go on their site and get a months worth free,i got friends and family to do it also and ended up with about 10 months worth free !!

Ian forgot to ask,does Flo snore and if so does it get louder the older she gets ??Sash and the hubby seem to be having competions on who can snore the loudest lately

-Ian- wrote:I think joint supplement is something I need to look into for sure, so any tips there will be gratefully received.

The other thing that has become more noticable over the last few months is that when she runs she is definately stronger on her right rear leg which is the one that had the TPLO a couple of years ago. You would see it if you saw her run but not walking.

The vet did say that she would probably need her left one doing eventually but I'm hesitant and the reason being is her age. Do I put her through a general anaesthetic and long recovery given that she is 9 or 10 this year !

I guess the only person that can really advise is her vet but I'm pretty sure I know what they will say.

Most of the vets I've been to will not do a general anaesthetic on an older dog unless the issue is life threatining

Glucosamine is a fantastic supplement. I've used this on a previous dog and it worked wonders. You can have them prescribed by a vet however you can buy them in bulk online from Holland and Barrett for half the price.

Thanks for all the replies people, it'll give me plenty to think about.

Stella, Flo's grey has gotten more pronounced over the last year and like you say, it does question her age. We have some yumove which we gave her after her big op 2 years ago so may well go back to adding that to her food again. As for the snoring, well she doesn't that much, however, she doesn't sleep with us because of her butt & paw nibbling so I guess she might when alone !

She is quiet content in herself and isn't showing any signs of discomfort. I guess I really need to ask the vet at her next check, I'm just sure that he will say get her other leg done.

I'll have a look at the link you posted Liz... Certainly something to consider.

She's still my adorable, lovable girl and would, if she could, do anything to be with me at all times

Hi Ian
Your last sentence in the above post has touched me immensely. The love you have for Flo is immeasurable as mine was for Stella. Enjoy everyday with Flo and spend as much time as you can with her.

Yumove and Glucosamine with chondroitin are very good supplements

Thanks for your lovely words Sheila.

I will certainly look into all the great suggestions here... thank you all

Mias muzzle has more grey also tho she hasnt slowed any given me tips also

It does look and sound like she is nearer the high end of her age bracket.
What is TPLO?
Pete

Lynn&Pete wrote:
What is TPLO?
Pete

Pete, I have a slight correction to make. Flo had a TTA which is similar to a TPLO just less work. The procedures are to correct bad knee joints/Cruciate ligament issues. I have always wondered weather she did actually need it but on the evidence some two years down the road, it certainly appears that that leg is stronger.

Here's two links that explain both procedures:-
TPLO http://www.topdoghealth.com/library/orthopedic-surgery/articles-surgery/tibial-plateau-leveling-osteotomy-tplo/

TTA http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibial_tuberosity_advancement

Ah! Floyd had the TTA when he was about 4. Thankfully he didn't need the other one doing.