How do you know what’s normal old age stiffness or if it’s something more serious?

[CormorantStrikesBack]

And I don’t even know what I mean b6 something more serious? Maybe arthritis or a hip problem, something which needs treatment or meds?

so my cavachon is nearly 11 and is definitely slowing down. She is reluctant to go on and off the sofa even with the recently installed reebok step, but does manage. She is cautious and awkward coming down the stairs and also nkw needs to be lifted in and out the car. Maybe this is all normal for her age? She still walks 2.5miles a day off lead an seems happy to come for a walk. But I have noticed that when out walking if we pause one of her back legs is shaking/tremoring. I googled and it said this could be pain.

i took her to the vet who didn’t seem bothered. Said she’s older, still walking a good distance and eats well. I do give her Yoomove tablets every day.

should I be doing more? When I took her to the vets which was only six weeks ago it was before the leg shaking had started. Should I go back due to this new symptom even though six weeks ago they said she was ok? Should I try someone else like a dog physio privately? A McTimmoney practitioner?

Definitely sounds like arthritis. Go back to your vet (or a different one), she needs pain relief! I would also reduce the exercise, just because she can doesn't mean she should.

Thank you, I’ll make another appointment

I used you move and also librella injection once a month £££ but it kept her ok for another 18 months. If it wasn't for that injection she'd have gone long before as the tramadol, loxicam, gabapentin and all the others we tried just made her like a little grumpy zombie 😂

Thanks, will ask about the injection. When you say expensive, how much a month? She is insured well but obviously I have to pay an excess and not sure if that excess would be every month?

Bless her can you shorten her walks at all ? Definitely vet visit though.

Yes, could shorten the walks. I walk with friends and their younger dogs but I could just do half and turn back.

She will be trying to keep up with the young uns. The shaky leg thing is pain I think we had an old dog who did this.

Librela costs me around £60/month for a 10kg dog.

It’s normal in a way in that most dogs her age will have arthritis. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t treat - simple and safe medications can improve her comfort no end.

Thank you. That’s fine, I was hoping it wasn’t going to be £hundreds.

yes, if I can make things better for her I’d rather do that.

I would go down the chiropractor or osteopath route before I went on librella.

Have a look on Facebook about Librella. It would be a last resort for me-it's a rather controversial drug. Surely Meloxicom (doggy Ibuprofen) would be a start and I can't believe your vet has not suggested at least something, to help with the pain. Meloxicom has been the go-to first stop for all of my dogs with joint pain, and is reasonably effective.