Dog seems really stiff

[VivaLeBeaver]

She’s 7yo. She was fine last week, seemed a bit stiff the last few dahs and today can’t get on the sofa.

We’ve been walking longer than usual since lockdown. We’ve been walking an hour in the fields (off lead) every day and normally she would only have that at weekends. In the week she normally has a shorter on lead walk.

Should I just not walk her for a few days and see if she improves or does she need a vet visit tomorrow? Any over the counter supplements which might help?

[Imboredinthehouse]

Sounds like the extra exercise is too much for her.

www.petmd.com/dog/wellness/5-signs-your-dog-getting-too-much-exercise

[Wolfiefan]

Can she literally not get up? If she’s unable to get up and go out for a wee then I would want to see a vet ASAP.
Any specific sore joints? Swelling? Heat?
I hope everything is ok.

[VivaLeBeaver]

No, she can get up off the floor and walk about. Going in and out the garden to wee, etc but slowly going in and out te house due to a step and can’t get on the sofa.

I’ll cut the walking down and I’ve ordered some dog glucosamine tablets. Will take her to the vet if nk better in a few days.

Thanks.

[vanillandhoney]

Sounds like she can't cope with that much exercise just yet - drop it back to what she's used to and try building it up slowly.

[Wolfiefan]

Golden paste is supposed to be good for inflammation. And yumove too.
Sounds stupid but some warmth? We had a whelping pad for an elderly cat. Electric blanket thing big enough for her to stretch out on.
Hope it resolved itself soon.

[VivaLeBeaver]

It’s Yumove which I’ve ordered, should arrive tomorrow.

[VivaLeBeaver]

Will get her a warm hot water bottle as well.

[Wolfiefan]

Bless.
Not limping at all? (Thinking cruciate.)

[VivaLeBeaver]

No, not a limp at all.

I’ve done the thing vets do where they take one leg at a time and move them round a bit and up and down to see if one seemed more painful than the others. I admit I don’t really know what impressed doing but she didn’t flinch or yelp at anything.

[Veterinari]

Yumove is a good start but keep an eye on her. 7 is definitely not too young to be getting arthritis

I wouldn't expect an hour's walk a day to cause severe muscle stiffness to the point she can't get on the sofa so would be worried there's underlying osteoarthritis.

[VivaLeBeaver]

Yes, I was surprised at an hour a day on flat ground causing issues.

We normally go to the Lakes 2 or 3 times a year and each trip spend a week going up mountains, some serious lengthy days on rough ground. She’s always been fine with this. But appreciate last trip was last year.

[VivaLeBeaver]

Does osteoarthritis need prescription level meds?

[vanillandhoney]

YuMove is really good - fingers crossed she's okay!

[Veterinari]

Yes OA would need prescription level meds.

But see how she gets on with the Yumove.

Video clips on yr phone of her moving are useful for tracking progress
With chronic degenerative diseases the issue is often that changes happen gradually so can be tricky to track

[VivaLeBeaver]

Thanks, will video her this evening so if we do end up going to the vet I have footage I can show/send them.

[VivaLeBeaver]

She seems loads better today and has been chasing pigeons round the garden like normal, leaping about.

Dh has pointed out that I groomed her 2 days ago which I normally don’t do as she hates it so much. But currently can’t get her to the groomers for her 6 weekly skin head hair cut. She’s a bichon cross so gets really matted. I pinned her between my legs and she was thrashing about trying to escape so am now thinking she pulled something while doing that.

[Wolfiefan]

I hope that’s it. My big girl managed to be walking on three legs after sleeping oddly. Fine the next day. Keeping everything crossed.