Worried.

[AllyCat]

I am so worried for my darling collie boy Jack. He is 8 yrs old and has suffered health problems for quite some time (mainly niggling things) When he went for his booster jab at the begining of the year I mentioned he had stiffness in his back end (my preveious collie had knacked hips from pup so vet knows i'm afraid it could happen again) His hips are fine but when she checked further up his back he nearly bit her. She prescribed Metacam syrup and after two months he was able to come off it and was fine. Recently I noticed he was getting stiff again and his patience with Tess very thin so I put him back on the metacam.

I dont want to put Jack through all the battery of tests as he would have to be knocked out for xrays etc and he has an enlarged heart so its risky at best. I am so worried that we could be reaching the end. I've had this boy since he was a year old and had been abused. It has taken me years to settle him with all my family and my two children adore him.

I am afraid I may have to make that difficult desision and let him run at rainbow bridge because if he cannot run with me he will be miserable. I also have to consider the safety of my children as we all know a dog in pain can be unpredictable.

[LOVEGSD]

Oh no poor Jack.....my heart goes out to you because I can understand not wanting him to suffer.

Did the vet offer any explanation as to why he may be in pain??

[AllyCat]

Without thorough tests she couldnt say. Its most likely his age. She hoped the metacam will help. I hope to god it does coz without my boy I dunno what to do. He has always been in my kids lives. He might be a pain in the butt but he is my loyal pain in the butt!!!

Trouble is when Jack had the metacam this morning he was retching half hour later. Due to his early life he is terrified of making any mess in the house and keeps wanting to go out in the wet cold garden which wont help.

[LOVEGSD]

I am praying that the metacam will help Jack....like you say they can be a pain in the butt but you've got to love 'em as they're your loving and loyal pain in the butt.

I'm always happy to listen if you want to talk ever and you know you'll have plenty of support & advice from everyone on here.

[AllyCat]

Thank you for your support. My gorgeous boy himself.

[LOVEGSD]

Jack really is an absolutely gorgeous boy....he has such a kind soft face and his colouring is stunning!! I want to cuddle him Allycat - he just has that look about him

I have to say I have a new found love for Collies after we fostered Willow.

[AllyCat]

I've been around collies all my life due to living in a farming community but Jack is the first one I've known with his colouring. He also has one blue eye and one brown eye. He is just a cuddle monster and always ready to give kisses (even when you dont want one!!)

They are a wonderful breed if you are energetic enough. They do require more stimulation than a GSD but are so clever that training can be so easy. Sadly with Jack we got rum end of deal coz he thick as two short planks!!! He would rather cuddle up on a cosy bed than go out in wet weather (dont we all!)

[GSDOWNER]

Originally Posted by AllyCat

I've been around collies all my life due to living in a farming community but Jack is the first one I've known with his colouring. He also has one blue eye and one brown eye. He is just a cuddle monster and always ready to give kisses (even when you dont want one!!)

They are a wonderful breed if you are energetic enough. They do require more stimulation than a GSD but are so clever that training can be so easy. Sadly with Jack we got rum end of deal coz he thick as two short planks!!! He would rather cuddle up on a cosy bed than go out in wet weather (dont we all!)

Ally just came across this thread with both tears and laughter............my george is thick as two short planks tooo

like you I hate giving george metacam, but I only give it to him when I am going to over walk him, speak to your vet about the cartaphyn (sp) injections, its a miracle drug, since I changed georges diet etc he is a different dog...............lol still my poodle/lapdog,couch potato dog ...............so not this fierce guard dog , he hates father Christmas tho

[AllyCat]

Had a panic earlier, took Jack out for a gentle walk on the lead down the road to pick my car up (had flat tire earlier, not my bliddy day!) Opened the back for Jack to jump in like he always does. He managed to get his front feet in but could not get his back legs in. I had to lift him up with was so horrble because he always jumps in really excited as he loves to go in the car.

Left him with the sitter while I went to work and when I came home he is brighter so hopefully he is perking up. No one can get him in the back garden to have a wee (not like him) but hes been trotting around the house like a pup so maybe we are feeling a touch better. We shall watch and see.....

[Sheebs]

I'm so sorry to hear the news about Jack.

Our thoughts are with you, and we are all here to support you.

Sue & Sheebs x