Question for dog experts - 13 year old GSD

[bodhi]

My parents have had a female GSD for 13 years now.

Amazing dog , never knew that a dog can be so trustworthy & loyal.

Only problem is that her hips are starting to act up - when she tries to stand up (after laying down) the strain shows :(

When does one know it's time ..............

[Aphrael]

I'm not an expert, just an animal lover ... if she's suffering and you can see it, then you will know for yourself when it's time ...

[bodhi]

thanks for the reply

Will wait & see what happens - true what you said.

GSD ftw :cool:

[Aphrael]

I've had to put two dogs down already - Fayth, due to cancer. She was a Golden Retriever. And Jessie, a staffie, 10y/o, due to arthritis ... if you're not sure, take her to a vet and see what he says.

Even though it's hard to let go, it's better to end her suffering before it gets too bad. Remember her how she was, rather than the pain she suffered with.

[titanium]

My German Sherpherd also had hip dysplasia, and it was heartbreaking to see an otherwise healthy dog gradually lose strength in his hindquarters.

There are some sites that give tips on how to give hip dysplasia dogs mobility of sorts (using wheels, etc), so you could investigate that as an option.

Otherwise, speak to your vet and make a decision based on what's best for your dog.

[bboy]

you'll obviously know if your dog is still happy.

my dog lived to 18 years old, he had a leaky heart valve, water in the lungs constant cough, weak back legs and loss of hearing but you walk up to him and pat him and he'd run with you (try as best he could) and was still a very happy boy, took a bit of baby sitting and alot of meds.

then came a time when my parents decided to put him down, they took him to the vet and the vet said they should try this different medicine for his watery lungs, it was a horrible day cause i thought he was gone but he came home, and the meds worked and he stopped coughing, unfortunately he became depressed later on and it got to a stage where he didn't care much, only then did it feel right to finally take him in.


he was a collie cross, i used to feed him anything when my mom wasn't looking, cake, biscuits, anything on my dinner plate i didnt like, he had coffee in the morning when he woke up and a chocolate biscuit , the boy had a good 18yr life and when he finally went it was "ok"

[Alchemist]

Hey blueghost_39,

As others have said, the best thing to do is take her to the vet. Let the vet asses her and then he can give you his honest opinion.

[TonyA]

You will have to decide. I have 2 dogs. One a 12 yr old staffie has extreme displasia and the vet recommended we put her down. I've been coddling her and feeding her a panado a day and she is still a great companion, Walk slowly and carry her over rough bits but a great watch dog and friend. The other was bitten by a puff adder (she killed it) and vet recommended put down. I opted for treatment and R10,000.00 later she is running around like mad. Vets can advise final decision is yours and a very difficult one it is too!

[Moonraker]

We have bullmastiffs. My wife's had them for many years, long before we married. Her first one was from an unregistered breeder and it had very bad hip dysplasia. This doesn't usually show until about four months. This dog was very bad and vets just shrugged. She decided to exercise Bessy (the dog) into strength. It was sore but Bessy eventually developed muscles that totally compensated for the dysplasia. She was then fine throughout her life.

[Freshy-ZN]

IMO 13 is not a bad innings for a GSD, and it sounds like its only the early stages so im sure theres a bit more time left before the decision needs to be made.

I think if it gets to the point where the dog is in obvious,constant pain, it cant get up to pee or poo so does it where it is laying then it should have already be put down.

I agree, only you and your vet can really decide.

[acidrain]

I had a rottweiler/doberman cross. She use to be a guard dog for my dad's security company, but got too old so we took her in.

Loved the dog to bits but had to put her down after she got cancer in her hind legs ( pined everytime she got up or even walked ). Lived to 18yrs so as for what everyone has said, if its clear your dog is in constant pain rather put he/she down because meds are only temporary unless its going to cure your dog. First sign of problems just means the start of more to come.

[SlinkyMike]

Take her to a vet thats the only way to know.
Some dogs are so loyal and happy to see you etc. that they can hide their pain and still do thins like jump around when you com home even though they are suffering.
A vet will tell you whats up and what to do.

[Aphrael]

Some dogs, on the other hand, will hide their discomfort when going to the vet! My grandmother's dog has done that. She's got heart problems and was having problems getting up one day. Took her to the vet and she acted like nothing was wrong.

[Gothan]

My parents have had a female GSD for 13 years now.

Amazing dog , never knew that a dog can be so trustworthy & loyal.

Only problem is that her hips are starting to act up - when she tries to stand up (after laying down) the strain shows :(

When does one know it's time ..............


Well you actually get tablets for dogs with hip dysplasia, that actually rebuild the cartilage. Its about R470 for 30 tablets.

We have a boerboel that suffers from hip displacement, and before we started with that, the poor dog struggled each day to get up, especially when its rainy or really cold. But after a month of those pills (you give it 2 pills a day till all 30 is up, then you skip a month and do it again), the dog is doing amazingly

You also get a powder that helps with it, its about R170 for a months supply

[bodhi]

Well you actually get tablets for dogs with hip dysplasia, that actually rebuild the cartilage. Its about R470 for 30 tablets.

We have a boerboel that suffers from hip displacement, and before we started with that, the poor dog struggled each day to get up, especially when its rainy or really cold. But after a month of those pills (you give it 2 pills a day till all 30 is up, then you skip a month and do it again), the dog is doing amazingly

You also get a powder that helps with it, its about R170 for a months supply

Thanks all for the input

Gothan - name of the tablets ?

[Gothan]

Thanks all for the input

Gothan - name of the tablets ?

Ok, I have the name of the powder (it works like a charm, but does not regrow the cartilage) is GCSDog Joint care powder.

Unfortunatly I do not have the name of the tablets. I'll private message you the contact details of the shop I get it from, they'll be able to tell you the name, so you can get it where you are (dont know if I can publish phone numbers here so I'll do it in private)

[Aphrael]

If that's a route you want to take, consider speaking to your vet about the Hills J/D diet ... also helps with joint problems. Did wonders for Fayth ...