My senior dog keeps collapsing from arthritis pain. What should I do?

I'm sorry Buddy isn't doing well at the moment! He is a senior large breed dogs, and musculoskeletal problems such as hip dysplasia and arthritis are common in these dogs. Those would both cause him trouble walking. He could also have a problem with his back. Even though it doesn't appear he is in pain, dogs are very stoic and this will be painful for him. I would have him seen today by a vet for a physical exam, lameness exam, and possibly x-rays. This test will help the vet diagnose what is causing his symptoms so he can be treated. He may benefit from pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given.

Oh my. Poor guy. : ( Arthritis can progress fairly quickly in pets, even when they are on the proper medication. The only thing you really can do at this point is to have Roscoe re-examined by your vet for a full evaluation. Repeat or initial radiographs of his back legs and hips should be considered and then if arthritis is indeed the only problem here, your vet can prescribe additional medication to hopefully help stabilize Roscoe and properly manage his pain. However, I suspect that he may have a back injury if he is crying out in pain, which may not be so easily treated. I do hope that there is something that can be done here. Some additional medications to consider are Gabapentin (for pain) and an injectable osteoarthritis medication called Adequan. Best of luck moving forward with your pet Roscoe and I hope that he regains his mobility soon. Take care.

Since he’s still eating this is most likely from pain not an internal organ problem. There is a good chance he over did it and he has arthritis pain. I recommend giving him a gentle massage, and getting him up for several short walks during the day. Once he’s up and moving a little he should feel better. Bring him in Monday for an exam and a senior work up if he hasn’t had one lately. They may do X-rays to check his joints. They can then tell you whether it’s arthritis or a more serious medical problem. There is prescription medication for his pain and he should be back to his old self in a few days. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Milo.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. These symptoms are possibly related to arthritis in the spine or hips. Please, take Roxi to your local vets for an appointment. Full clinical examination should allow making the diagnosis and adequate treatment can be started. It possibly will be a course of anti-inflammatory medications.

I'm sorry to hear that Axel has been having so much trouble with his hind legs lately. Stumbling and falling can occur as a result of worsening arthritis issues or neurologic deficits. Stumbling and difficulty standing up can be signs of pain, even though he is still eating and not crying out. It sounds as though it is worth taking a trip to the vet to evaluate Axel's neurologic status, as well as to discuss additional options for pain management. X-rays may be beneficial to track any changes in his arthritis, but you can also ask your vet if it is possible to try treating conservatively with medications for a period of time first. In addition, fish oil supplements can be helpful to decrease inflammation in joints for the long term. Until his vet appointment, you can use a large towel as a "sling" to help Axel to stand up, or this type of product: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/dog/dog-health-and-wellness/dog-lifts/solvit-carelift-rear-dog-lifting-aid. I hope that all goes well for Axel!

Hello. I agree, surgery at this age would not be ideal given her age. You do not indicate what meds she is already on, but she should be receiving an NSAID such as meloxicam, carprofen, or any one of several excellent drugs in this classification. I would also have her on gabapentin, possibly tramadol, & maybe even Adequan injections, just in case some of her joints are painful. An alternative for the NSAIDs would be steroids as they are very good at reducing inflammation, but that does put her at some risk for side effects. Hopefully, these can keep him comfortable for some time to come. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello, while I am glad you have been using a good joint supplement, it sounds like your girl needs some more serious pain medication for her osteoarthritis. There are many to choose from, and they can literally give an aging pet a new lease on life. I have literally seen crippled dogs that owners wanted to euthanize become happy, active pets. The first thing to do is see your veterinarian for a thorough exam, blood work & possible x-rays & hopefully start your pet on a medication to ease her pain. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.