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Original poster

13 year old border collie struggling

37 replies

BoredTrish83 · 29/05/2025 19:20

hey
I'm after some advice my border collie is 13 years old and has hip dysplasia from a young age .
Lately she is struggling to get herself up , over panting , on and off her food and water and trumping alot which isn't like her.
She struggles with 1 or 2 steps
I give her metacam and you move tablets but not sure if she is suffering.
She is frightened to death of the vets as she had loads of appointments when younger with her hips
Thanks in advance x

OP posts:
soupyspoon · 29/05/2025 19:22

You could ask the vet to do a home visit, thats what we did

It may be time to put her down, is she going to toilet ok?

Original poster
BoredTrish83 · 29/05/2025 19:25

Oh I didn't know they did that x
I would say no poo wise but weeing it's alot stronger smell and I think she's dribbling a bit as can smell her sometimes when she goes by x

OP posts:
Original poster
BoredTrish83 · 29/05/2025 19:26

I might sound harsh but my son is doing he's gcses at the moment and has 2 weeks left i really don't want to do anything till after he's finished as he would be distraught x

OP posts:
soupyspoon · 29/05/2025 19:51

Sounds as if she might have lost control a bit of her bladder and might also have an infection from leaks coming out

She sounds in a bad way OP

StasisMom · 29/05/2025 19:52

Get the vet out and go from there.

Original poster
BoredTrish83 · 29/05/2025 20:09

I will look into it tomorrow didn't know it was an option for home visits x

OP posts:
smallstitch · 29/05/2025 20:35

BoredTrish83 · 29/05/2025 19:26

I might sound harsh but my son is doing he's gcses at the moment and has 2 weeks left i really don't want to do anything till after he's finished as he would be distraught x

I understand what you’re saying but would he really want the dog to continue to suffer for two weeks to save his feelings? Please get the vet out and follow their advice. It’s hard, I’ve been there. But ultimately you have to do what’s kindest for the dog.

Original poster
BoredTrish83 · 29/05/2025 20:50

Yeah true ill ring vets tomorrow see what they say x

OP posts:
RichardOsmansfondueset · 29/05/2025 20:56

yes definitely ring the vets tomorrow, you don’t want your lovely dog to suffer and it sounds like she is.

Original poster
BoredTrish83 · 29/05/2025 21:32

I think everyone is right I've just gone downstairs and made a drink and she didn't move to see what I was doing x

OP posts:
lightslittle · 29/05/2025 21:44

My sister has a collie that had bad back legs. Was a dodgy spine or something but it was disabled its entire life but pain free and happy, just used to hop and walk funny.

it slowly got worse aged 13/14 then suddenly was walking less, not moving. Not weeing the same and dribbling etc - at this time of year last year, flies ended up laying eggs around its bum because of the dribbling wee, infecting the area and the poor thing ended up being put down.

whatever you decide, please please please help your dog keep this area clean, especially in the current hot humid weather. It was heartbreaking to see

Branster · 29/05/2025 21:47

Definitely ash for a home vet visit. She might benefit for a different type of painkiller. It sounds like she is really struggling right now. She might have issues with kidneys as well.

Original poster
BoredTrish83 · 29/05/2025 21:52

We got her booked in for 11.45 tomorrow x

OP posts:
soupyspoon · 29/05/2025 22:03

Yes we had to put our collie down when the back legs were going. We were on holiday with hijm and had to come home early

Booked the vet to come the following day to put him down, didnt want to take him to the surgery for that. Hearbreaking.

Original poster
BoredTrish83 · 29/05/2025 22:38

Oh so sorry to hear that 😢 her back legs been going for a few weeks we having to lift her up from sitting a few times
Does anyone know what they might suggest tomorrow?
I've got gut feeling it's the worse but could it be as easy as stronger medication ? X

OP posts:
minnienono · 29/05/2025 22:40

You need to do the right thing. I lost mine a few months ago same age, when it’s time you have to let go. Prepare you son by not hiding the situation, he’ll cope better than you

Branster · 30/05/2025 06:57

It can't be easy for you OP, but, sadly, 13 is old for a Collie and for most breeds.
Of course they sometimes do live longer.
The reality is that being in such pain, is a lot worse for your dog. And if medication does not help to remove the pain and allow the elderly dog independence for toilet needs, then it is sad to keep them suffering.
You know all this but you love your dog.
What will happen at the appointment depends on your vet.
It is possible they might take a blood sample in case they suspect some organs (kidneys for example), have been affected by Metacam. In which case they might suggest a different painkiller. The Metacam is clearly not working enough for her. I don't know if increasing the dose would help or if there is a different painkiller that would be suitable at this stage.
The trouble is, changing medication is no guarantee of immediate pain free because it may not necessarily work for her. Not all dogs respond the same to all medications.
But I would expect the vet to be able to give some sort of immediate pain relief.
It might be better to give her a medicine that could have bad long term effects because there won't be a very long time to use that product. But it would give her relief from pain for a short period of time so that she can have the quality of life she deserves towards the end.
I'm not a qualified vet, I'm just sharing what I personally think.
How is she this morning?
I think you'd know in your heart when it's time. The vet will give you straight answers so you can make an informed decision.
Please do not worry about your DS, he is old enough to understand the situation. Yes, he would be very sad but it won't impact his learning. Be there for him as always and he will be OK.
I hope the vet appointment goes ok.

tonyhawks23 · 30/05/2025 07:16

Yep they might try changing the pain meds and see if that helps.

Original poster
BoredTrish83 · 30/05/2025 09:27

@Bransterthankyou for your post I've not slept much last night for worrying
She's a bit more mobile today but still not right she eat her dry biscuits around 12pm last night that was down since day before
Water was topped up before I went to bed last night 9 10ish and she's had 3-4 cm worth of it x

OP posts:
Original poster
BoredTrish83 · 30/05/2025 09:29

@tonyhawks23that's what I thought 2 ways I think what you said and monitor or the other putting her down x

OP posts:
Original poster
BoredTrish83 · 30/05/2025 13:07

Well rhe time has come she's getting put down tomorrow vets say she has muscle wastage and is in pain 😢 😭

OP posts:
BloodandGlitter · 30/05/2025 13:30

I'm so sorry OP but you really are doing the best you can by letting her go. It's a brave and loving action for her.

Original poster
BoredTrish83 · 30/05/2025 13:40

Thankyou x

OP posts:
rainbowruthie · 30/05/2025 14:05

I do feel for you, it's heart-breaking, but you are doing the kindest thing for her now Flowers

Frenchfemme · 30/05/2025 14:13

I am so sorry you are going through this, but you are definitely the last, kindest thing for your lovely girl.💔