Why does my 7-year-old Cavalier have trouble getting up in pain?

This is most likely from a bulging intervertebral disc pressing on the nerves to his legs. I recommend a veterinary exam and spinal X-ray to be sure. Then as long as he’s walking I recommend pain medication, muscle relaxers and I treat these dogs with laser and acupuncture. He needs to rest, no running or jumping and short slow leash walks for three weeks. Usually this will improve with treatment in three to four weeks. He also could rupture the intervertebral disc and become paralyzed. That is a medical emergency and he may need surgery by a specialist so he could walk again. Please take him in soon and get treatment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Armor.

In senior dogs, arthritis is common and that could be causing Poppy's reluctance to climb the stairs. It may be painful for her. I would take her into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose if she is suffering from arthritis, and can give her some pain meds for it. Rimadyl (an NSAID) is a good drug to give to help with the symptoms of arthritis. I also recommend giving her glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate supplements. They provide the necessary nutrients for cartilage repair and function. Use of them helps relieve some of the symptoms of arthritis, and you can use it in conjuction with Rimadyl to help maximize relief from her symptoms. Good luck, I hope this helps!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Diamond is adorable! It does sound like she is somewhat painful as she is hesitant to do normal activities. This can be caused by arthritis - pretty much any joint can be affected as well as the spine. Your vet can perform a thorough orthopedic exam and x-rays to isolate the signs to a particular part of the body. Certain conditions such as Lyme disease and autoimmune disease also cause generalized joint pain and can be ruled out with bloodwork. I hope this helps and am happy to answer any other questions you have about Diamond!

Poor Bella! Back problems are extremely common in Dachshunds because of their body shape. Arthritis of the hips and rear legs is also a common problem in older dogs. These problems are often very treatable with anti-inflammatory meds and pain medication, so I would recommend taking Bella to the vet for an exam when you are able to. He/she can take x-rays if needed to help determine what is causing her pain and soreness, and will prescribe medication to treat the problem depending on what is found. In the meantime, you could try starting her on a daily glucosamine/chondroitin supplement such as Cosequin or Dasuquin, as well as an omega-3 fatty acid supplement such as Welactin. Both of these things have been shown to be helpful for arthritis and other orthopedic issues in dogs, and can be purchased over the counter or ordered online without a prescription.

I am so sorry to hear this. I would make sure she is on a joint supplement - I like dasuquin or flexadin. I would also look into the orthodog hip hound brace. I have had some of my geriatric patients who this has help tremendously with getting up. Unfortunately, it doesn't work on everyone. I would also talk to your vet about whether or not she needs a daily anti-inflammatory to help keep her comfortable. Finally, if you can find a vet in your area who specializes in acupuncture and Chinese herbs, this can be a tremendous help to increase the STRENGTH and decrease pain in an arthritic dog. I hope this helps!

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Knees 'popping out' in a Pug is usually due to a luxating patella. This is a condition that can be surgically corrected, and given Rascal's age of 2, this is recommended so that he doesn't develop painful arthritis for the rest of his life. The other possible condition is a 'torn cruciate', and this also can be corrected with surgery. Carprofen is a medication of the class 'NSAIDs'. This are hard on the liver, kidney and gut. It is good for breakthrough pain, however long-term this isn't something you want to continue on. Please discuss with your vet about surgical correction options for Rascal, as well as other options for pain medications longer term (Gabapentin for example). NSAIDs do work best, they just come with high risks of side effects. Best of luck with Rascal, I hope he feels better soon!

Hello. I would definitely start Lonnie on a good glucosamine supplement like Dasuquin made by Nutramax. Adding a fish oil to her diet can reduce inflammation ( I like Nordic Naturals ), too. Do talk to your vet about adding an anti-inflammatory medication to make her comfortable, & possibly even Adequan injections to help maintain healthy, lubricated joints. There is much you can do to ease her pain & discomfort. I hope she is doing better soon & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.