12.5 year old back legs trembling

[peanutbutterdog]

We have a coss whippet / staffordshire who is 12.5 years. Active and happy but noticed today her back legs are trembling when she stands still. She is happy in herself, eating, going for a walk and able to jump off her bed quickly. I am presuming this is the start of arthritis? Will organise vet as soon as I can but anyone have similar and can tell me what to expect now. Thanks.

[GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman]

If it's arthritis, the vet will probably out her on some sort of pain relief, either metacam or something like tralieve.

IME it does the dog a world of good - it's as if the clock has been wound back about a year.

[moosemama]

My boy is almost 15 (large breed) and has arthritis in his back legs. Earlier this year he was having quite a few problems, despite being on anti-inflammatory meds from the vet and we were discussion options for a second medication.

I did some research and put him on a few supplements. He was already on Yumove for senior dogs, so I kept him on that, but added in Seraquin which definitely improved things. Then a month later, I added in Flexi Turmeric for Dogs. Finally this month I’ve added in Omega 3 for dogs.

The difference in him has been amazing. He’s still stiff when he lies still for too long, so we make sure he gets up and moves around reguarly, but he’s taken to having a mad half-hour around the garden in the morning and evening again. Not as bonkers as when he was a youngster but a vast improvement on the past year. He’s also obviously happier in himself. Added bonus is that, since he’s been on the omega 3, his coat is so super soft and shiny.

We have also been able to reduce his current meds by half a pill a day.

I know a couple of rescue groups that swear by Joint Aid. I haven’t tried that myself, but have heard lots of good things about it.

[moosemama]

I should add, yes, definitely get her checked out by the vet properly first and if it is arthritis, I would probably go for a mix of vet meds and supplements.

There is a good website with information about arthritis in dogs. CAM. They have a section on nutrition and supplements, which helped me do more research into which ones were worth trying.

[peanutbutterdog]

Thanks for both the replies, good to hear the problem can be managed and that the dogs can still have a good quality of life. We want her to keep going as long as she can as long as she's happy. Good luck to both your dogs.

[GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman]

I should add, our old guy is on joint aid (either in his food already or as a supplement) and still manages to go jogging with DH and still loves a swim.