Doggie arthritis suddenly worse

[TigerJoy]

My 12yr old lab/german shepherd/heinz57 rescue has had arthritis in her hips for a few years. She doesn't take anything for it and obviously it's worse in the winter. She is very active still and runs around on walks but struggles with stairs / steps / she's stiff when she gets up. However just now she got up and her right leg just went from under her. She tried a couple more times unsuccessfully then hopped about unhappily and lay down. We're having a cuddle on the floor and she's a bit clingy but she doesn't seem too unhappy.

Any tips on how I can help make her more comfy? Hot water bottle? Ice pack?

She's not been outside much today and she hasn't gone for a walk today either (her brother has a poorly paw and they're both on a reduced walk schedule for now)

[Waveymaevey]

Take her to a vet for appropriate treatment? Pain relief joint supplements? Stiff is painful, arthritis is painful, dogs just carry on.

[Span1elsRock]

I'm amazed you're not using any medication - we had an arthritic lab who got 2 days past her 13th birthday, and she was on permanent anti inflammatories and Cartrophen injections, and we added oils/joint supplements to her food.

Could be a sign that yours needs some pain relief, I'd get on the phone to the vet.

[TigerJoy]

Ah sorry, yes she's on supplements which have helped enormously. She also lost loads of weight in her first year with us (she's been here for 3 and a bit).

Vet has offered these things before but on examination / discussion said she looked alright for now, given how active she is - each winter they've said "next winter" - it probably is now.

I'll take her this week but is there anything I can do tonight / tomorrow?

[Span1elsRock]

Make her a really comfy bed - fold up an old duvet or some soft blankets, and a hot water bottle may help. Make sure her bed is away from draughts, and she can reach water easily without having to get up.

Ours had Metacam daily, and she also had Pardale which is paracetamol and codeine for days when it was really bad. If she's still not mobilising in the morning, I think you need to see a vet.

[TigerJoy]

Her bed is near the radiator and she has a soft bed which is also covered in a very soft thick sheepskin. I will put an extra blanket on although she often seems to prefer the floor (carpeted) and get her a hot water bottle

Thanks!

[CoffeeBeansGalore]

When you can get to a supermarket or pharmacy, get some glucosamine sulphate and some oil of evening primrose. It has helped my aging arthritic dogs. It sounds like you have the comfortable/warm bedding covered

[Scattyhattie]

Sounds like will need a vet visit to see why the leg collapsed but there's also lots can do to help arthritis.

caninearthritis.co.uk/ their facebook groups are also really helpful.