Small Black Dog fully retired

[edzbird]

Tramadol put Belle completely off her legs. Just one tablet. Lady sounds a lot more comfortable this morning.

 

[Naya]

Glad that SBD is feeling better today

 

[Beanwood]

That's a relief...she sounds more comfortable and more like her old self!

 

[Stacia]

What's all this about a large black dog!

@David, L is for Little

 

[David]

 

[MellowYellow]

Glad to hear she is feeling much more perky!

 

[kateincornwall]

Your post made me smile David , bless your dear Lady xx

 

[Granca]

Glad to hear she’s had a good day.

 

[Loraseal]

So relieved to read that SBD was feeling better today.

 

[David]

Update. I reduced her Tramadol from a full tablet 80mg x 2 per day to half a tablet x 2 a day 24 hours ago. This morning she was like a young dog again. Ahead of me all the way and generally moving quite freely. She's on a short walk regime but I took her a bit further (rather she took me) and she was absolutely fine and in front all the way including back home when she usually drags. On that basis I've booked her in to see the vet again on Monday (7 days after her last visit) to ask for his opinion. It could be the all round pain relief working on elbows and back, but I wonder if we've been focusing on the arthritis in her elbows when there was also a painful problem going on with her back. Anyway will report back on what the vet says as I think it's all helpful stuff in understanding what's going on with older dogs.

 

[Joy]

That sounds very good news. It's lovely to hear of her moving so freely.

 

[SwampDonkey]

When I went to my physio with Doug he often recommended a fleece coat that covered the lower back and tail area. I used an equafleece for him on cold days and it really helped. I found getting his pain relief right to be the best thing for Doug. Once you get it right you can make huge improvements. I'm glad you've made her feel better

 

[Beanwood]

With Otter's rehab the physio also works on her back, as imbalance in joints causes subtle gait deficits which invariably throws problems in the back. It might be worth getting a referral to a good physio to help with mobilising and strengthening the supporting musculature, maybe a swim in a hydro pool? Hoping to take Harley and Benson for a fun swim soon and apparently I would be able to get in a play too! Sounds like a win win to me!

 

[SwampDonkey]

Playing in the pool with them that will be amazing. Hydro was wonderful for Doug it helped in so many ways physically, but also mentally. When he got to 14 he couldn't walk far or got out much but he loved to go to hydro. He'd meet friends dogs and human have a nice swim, loved his physio Shahad. He'd had such fun.

 

[David]

I think we are starting to go south pretty steadily now. The SBD keeps losing full control of her back legs. It doesn't last long but you can see it. We went out for a nice walk this morning. Very slow but about a mile in all letting Lady sniff around and make her own pace - she was fine. Then coming in from the garden just now she had a real struggle with her back legs wobbling and crossing so she flopped down. After a few minutes she was fine again. It's her back and nerve pressure I think. The vet says it's what takes most Labs off in the end. Her coat has gone dull as well and she's not so keen on her food either. Not good signs.

 

[kateincornwall]

So sorry to read this David , its so hard to witness a decline , bless her xx

 

[Beanwood]

I am sorry to read this @David

 

[Granca]

So sorry, David. She will have enjoyed that walk and did well to go quite a distance. It's difficult to see them struggle, though.

 

[SwampDonkey]

I am sorry to hear this. Shes a lovely girl

 

[Candy]

Sad to hear this David. Thinking of you and your lovely SBD.