Ham Strings!!

Dana Jennings · #1 11-09-2008, 11:27 AM

This sounds a little strange but I was told by my vet that Sheba my 11 year old GSD has tight hamstrings - does anybody have any idea how I can help her to loosen them up??

The reason I took her to the vets was because her hind legs have become a bit stumbly and she hasn't been herself for a few days. After a bit of poking and prodding he diagnosed arthritis and gave me some painkillers for her to see how she gets on with them.

I wondered whether there were any exercises I could do with her to loosen up the hamstrings to make her a bit more comfortable - any suggestions would be welcomed!

Many thanks
Dana

Wooferhound · #2 11-09-2008, 11:54 AM

Hi Dana,

I would try hydrotherapy and even look down the route of acupuncture.

Also, cod liver oil and glucosamine are very good for keeping everything supple and working nicely.

Hasn't your vet offered you any advice on what you can do to help Sheba further without the aid of medication? As for the likes of hydro and acupuncutre you will need a referral I should imagine.

Good luck

Dana Jennings · #3 13-09-2008, 10:55 AM

Thanks for the advice Jo. I will definitely give the cod liver oil and glucosamine a try - can I just get these from a health shop where you buy them for humans?

My vet can be useful but only if I ask lots of questions and I always find that when I'm in there, I never pay enough attention!! I think he thinks that she has tight hamstrings cos she is walking funny to compensate for the pain and that when the pain killers start working she will start walking properly again and they will loosen up. I just wanted to try and excelate the process cos I would imagine its not very nice for her.

Thanks again
Dana

Petnanny · #4 13-09-2008, 03:09 PM

I took a notebook into the vets the other day. I had written down a few questions, since I always forget until I'm leaving the surgery and then its too late. You can also use it to take notes on their advice

Dana Jennings · #5 13-09-2008, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Petnanny

I took a notebook into the vets the other day. I had written down a few questions, since I always forget until I'm leaving the surgery and then its too late. You can also use it to take notes on their advice

What a great tip - I'm definitely going to give this a try on my next visit - thanks Petnanny!