Arch getting a bit frail - anyone done hydrotherapy with a senior dog?

[ArchandEbs]

Since his C5 booster and Harry being PTS Arch has been getting very weak at the back end. I have to admit it - he's getting frail.

Although a good size (and still on a diet!) he's not good walking on tiles or anything bumpy as he ends up on his bottom.

I've had a long chat with the vet who has told me he's in remarkable condition for a dog of his age with such bad HD.

He's on pentosan injections - he's having another loading dose ie one injection a week over the next four weeks. I'm using metacam more frequently and I've discussed maybe doing some hydrotherapy sessions with him. They're half an hour in the pool on a treadmill so his weight is supported - but hopefully we can build back some muscle as there has been some muscle wastage.

I do everything I can to protect his dignity. He's 12 in May. Any suggestions on how to build up muscle in a senior dog will be greatfully received.

He hasn't been able to run properly for a year - although he does chase Poppy in short bursts but his back end goes down if he twists and turns too much.

I am finding it very hard facing the reality that my boy is getting older. We've been through so much - he's my first GSD and such a big part of my life.

I want his twilight years to be as comfortable as possible. I just want to do the best for him.

[Kissy1921]

Swimming is very good for this, see if there is a pool near you for dogs, it will work wonders for him, my last girlie had the same problem and it helped her immensely )

[ArchandEbs]

Thanks for this - I'm up at the vets on Thursday so I'll get the hydrotherapy centre's number and book him in - how old was your dog? Arch is nearly 12.

[Beki]

Ive heard good reports of hydro hun, cant hurt to try xxxx

[Kissy1921]

She was 10 when she started using a pool, and she got loads better, we had to put her to sleep at 13, but that was due to heart failure, nothing to do with her back end problems.................. funny how you think you may lose them to something, then something completely different takes them away (

Good luck with the swimming, your boy will deffo benefit

[ArchandEbs]

Thank you so much - I am definitely booking the appointment. Thanks Bekki for your support - it's very much appreciated!

[sami]

I can sympathise!! My angel Sami is almost 13 and whilst she is really good all things considering she too is getting a little frail. She gets about fine but it doesnt take much to make her fall on her bum. Its not nice seeing the dog you remember as strong and vital becoming a little old and frail but I just keep telling myself that shes happy and so should I be that i still have her.

Good luck with Arch

Tracy

[lauraburns]

Poor Arch!! I hope the swimming helps! It is worrying when they are getting older and start to get frail. Hopefully the swimming will build him up a bit and you will have a good while left together yet!

[LOVEGSD]

Aww bless him Lisa, I would have suggested swimming as it's such a good way to build muscle without weight bearing....let us know how he gets on...xxx

[ArchandEbs]

Originally Posted by sami

I can sympathise!! My angel Sami is almost 13 and whilst she is really good all things considering she too is getting a little frail. She gets about fine but it doesnt take much to make her fall on her bum. Its not nice seeing the dog you remember as strong and vital becoming a little old and frail but I just keep telling myself that shes happy and so should I be that i still have her.

Good luck with Arch

Tracy

Hi Tracy - that is exactly how I feel. It's so hard to see the strong dog you remember becoming frail. Like your Sami - he's very happy but I am very, very protective of him now he's getting older. To the extent that my family think he puts it on a little bit for the extra attention - I don't really mind. If that's what Arch wants - that's what Arch is going to get