Working collie nearing the end of his days?

[Daisybell1]

This is sensitive, so please bear with me whilst I explain. Nothing drastic needs to be done now, and hopefully not for a long time, but this is something I'm starting to give some thought to.

We farm, and have an elderly working collie. He came to us last year when his owners emigrated and we were delighted to have him to both work and be a companion dog. He's only 10, but he's spent most of his life working cattle, plus he's a thick set heavy dog, so he's riddled with arthritis and is in pain without his meds.

If he were a 'normal' pet dog, I would have no qualms about his quality of life - the drugs are working, he can manage 45 mins run a day, he adores a good stick and a muddy puddle, and gives every impression of being a very happy pooch.

The only fly in the ointment is that he can no longer work. This isn't an issue of 'farmers won't keep a dog who can't work' - he's my beloved companion, dd adores him, and anyway, our vets know that we adore our pooches and they get the best care.

Anyway, the issue is that he's desperate to work and his mind is still sharp, but his legs simply can't keep up. I'm concerned that this will cause him frustration and make him miserable. As I say, if he had only ever been a pet dog, then I wouldn't any concerns. However, because he's known a working life, and appears to miss it, does this impact on his quality of life? And if so, how do I factor this in when making decisions.

I suppose I'm asking basically - are walks and being a pet dog enough for him, or is something missing in his life which will get him down and make is life more miserable?

(I really hope this came across ok, I know that one day I may have to make a decision and I'm already dreading it).

So sorry to hear this, Daisy, must be a very tough call.

I think there's two sides to this - one is to do everything possible to mitigate the effects of the arthritis. Rigorous weight management, review of drugs regularly with vet, dietary supplements, some have good results with Cartrophen injections(we didn't, but some do), warm, comfy surroundings (memory foam bed can help) and have you considered hydrotherapy? It helped our bitch with her arthritis tremendously and made a huge difference to her quality of life and what she was able to do.

The other side is to look at the exercise/work/stimulation package. Are there low impact, shorter versions of things he can do? Can you work on problem solving/training/puzzles in the garden near the house? Collies need lots of mental stimulation, as well as physical. Can he accompany you on back of quad bike etc so is involved but not running so much?

Am sure lots of experienced BC owners will be able to give more detailed suggestions. You might also get some expert advice from a specialist like Wiccaweys.

Good luck.

Thank you for being so understanding Scuttle, it sounds as though we're doing the right things which is reassuring. So far the meds are working well but we'll talk to the vet if anything changes. All the pooches live outside in a big barn (not tied up) and he has his own bed area. We're collecting yet another sofa for them today so he might get that one.

He still goes on the bike if possible, as a consultant! But I'll def look into problem solving puzzles etc, that isn't something I've thought of. We took one of our other dogs for hydrotherapy but it's an hour's drive each way and I don't know if the travelling is fair on him. We do take him swimming in the river though, which eases his joints immediately.

Do you think Wiccaways would have some ideas for brain exercises for him?

I think it's fair to say that Wiccaweys would be my first point of call for anything related to BCs!! They really know their stuff. And they have a very good understanding of what is involved in working BCs, so can advise on suitable alternatives. Got to be worth a try, I'd say.

An hr each way for hydro? Hmm, that would be a challenge.

I really hope HerbertJane or one of the other BC experts picks this up - my knowledge of BCs is fairly limited and mainly confined to the wonderful ones I meet on my friend's farm (who, coincidentally is a friend of Wiccaweys).

As I'm mainly involved with greyhounds, anything involving brain stimulation or intelligence isn't much needed!

I do understand where you are coming from with this collies love and need to work. However you may find if you are able that you can divert his working into a different format.

Does he herd? Is that his job? Can he do smaller amounts of it eg ride to the location on the quad bike and only work for shorter periods.

If not can he learn to heard the ducks and chickens into their pen etc.

Eg look for a retirement job rather than full time employment. Could he work three days a week instead of 7 etc.

I would want to keep him going as long as he still wants to even if it is toned down.

Daisy one of my clients has a similar problem with an older dog he has encouraged her to remain on the quad and allow the younger dogs (whom she considers are stupid) to do the 'easy' basic herding out in the field. Then she hops of the quad and executes the less strenuous fine detailed work at the end. It took a few months for her to get the idea, but now she 'helps' instruct those young stupid dogs from the back of the quad. She is now four years into her more senior position and is still a working BC (on metacam) at 15 years of age. She still also fancies a chunk of vet for her mid morning snack even though I have saved her life twice.

Thank you all for your suggestions.

I've been speaking to Wiccaweys and my partner. He's happy to keep using him as a 'consultant' where possible so he should still get to go out a bit.

Herbie - oh yes to herding! In fact, gathering is what he does best!!! Wiccaweys also mentioned ducks/hens. We must be the only farm in the country that doesn't have them (but I have been dropping hints for ages) so they may have to arrive. What my partner has not completely dismissed is that in a few weeks there will be some old ewes who've lambs who have been weaned and who could move into our paddock - we could then try some mini trialling with them.

Thank you for your support, I'll keep you posted!