Dog isn't well. Legs are knackered.

[GetHerOffTheBloodyBed]

He's a 12 yr old collie. Been looking a bit moth eaten and smelly for a little while but suddenly looking even more scruffy, he's also got a bit thin. His back legs have been a bit stiff on and off for maybe a year but he still thinks he's a puppy and chrges around like a loon.

this morning he was stiff and slow to get up for breakfast and was a bit hesitant when walking around but he seemed to loosen up over the day. DH just took him for his evening walk and he got excited to see a friend, went to bound over to see him and collapsed. I happened to be driving past (to take mother shopping) and stopped. When I got over to him he got up and seemed fine again and was a bit miffed when DH put his lead on to go home.

So - Vet tomorrow. He seems fine now, just a bit stiff and hesitant againbut perfectly happy.

Any ideas?

He is unisurable so bang goes my holiday fund. I also do not want him to go through loads of tests and not being able to run.

I will be buying him a chicken tomorrow.

[SantasNutellaFairy]

Our old girl got like that from about 10 years and we gave her glucosamine and other dog supplements which helped a bit until she got cancer. Is he in any pain ?

[GetHerOffTheBloodyBed]

he doesn't seem to be, still rounding up the cats and looks happy and waggy like normal.
tried him with cod liver oil last year but it gave him the runs - sensitive tum poor boy.

[SantasNutellaFairy]

talk to the vet- they recommended we get the glucosamine and try evening primrose oil capsules as well.

He sounds lovely- not keening when he's lying down at all?

[Quodlibet]

If he's anything like our arthritic collie was, he won't realise he's overdone it until it's too late and he's sore, because he'll be very busy and involved, so you may have to begin to set his limits for him.

They can go a good few years with arthritis with the glucosamine and painkillers if necessary with a good quality of life (sounds like yours is still a very cheerful dog), although there have to be adjustments. Your vet might not need to do lots of tests if it seems to be arthritis.