Problem with my lab

[Muddy4paws]

I own a 8 year old black lab and recently we have been noticing shes having problems standing up, she can be sleeping then she wants to get up and ends up crying as shes doing it is this a sign of arthritus? (sp)


If so would anyone recommend anything for us to use? We was thinking about cod liver oil in her food would this do anything or would it be a waste of time? we really want to help her out seeing as shes getting older and shes having more problems, she seems to be fine when shes out for a walk she loves to run about like a puppy! should we limit her walking time? shes normally allowed off of her lead in the park and she get a ball thrown for her so shes very active when shes out and shes fine getting in and out of the car so would this be arthritus?

sorry that this is quite long im just worried about her because everyones saying shes quite old for a lab! and thanks for any help in advance!

[dragondawg]

is not old for a Lab. My 1/2 Lab was going strong at 10 yrs before she got blindsided by Lymphoma. If she had avoided cancer I'm convinced she would have survived to 15 at least. So 8 years is not an old age for a Lab.

The symptoms and conditions you describe are contradictive. On one hand she has trouble getting up after resting, but once up can run - presumably without limping.

The first question would be: Is the dog at an ideal weight? For a female Lab that's usually around 65 lbs. If she is 80+ as a lot of piggy Labs are then you might have hip problems setting in, and the best cure is dieting and losing the weight. Exercise is better for arthritis or hip problems than losing muscle tone and no exercise. Swimming is the best exercise, and a natural one for a Lab. Pain medications such as Deramaxx may help. This all assumes the dog has weight and hip problems.

If the dog is trim and fit, running well, but having pain when getting up, then you need to get the dog to a Vet for blood work and Xrays to make sure there are no internal problems.

[wolfsoul]

It sounds like it could be arthritis. Supplementing her diet with glucosamine and/or chondroiton would certaintly help. As far as cod liver oil goes, it won't help her arthritis, though it would improve her coat. However, I wouldn't go with cod liver oil, as liver is high in Vitamin A and Vitamin A can be toxic if she's given too much. Don't cut down on her exersise -- it can be very beneficial. Just make sure that she isn't doing alot of jumping and make sure she walks on a flat surface rather than uphill/downhill.

I agree with Dragondawg that she certainly is not old for a lab -- she is a senior, but she's still got another 2-4 years on her.

I would take her to the vet and make sure that nothing is wrong internally that may be causing her to hurt when she gets up.

Good luck!

[Dixieland Dancer]

Only your vet can determine what is actually going on. It could be arthritis or it could by hip dysplasia but you need to consult your vet for the proper diagnosis. They will also be able to prescribe meds that will help your pup with the pain of getting up.

Exercise for the dog is great. Make sure the dog is a good weight. If overweight then the dreaded D word (diet) is highly recommended.

Please don't hesitate to consult your vet for a proper diagnosis. All anyone else can do is guess and that's not in the best interest of your pup!

[Muddy4paws]

she has started limping, after shes got up from sleeping she limps about for a while then it goes and shes slightly overweight but we are dealing with that already with advice from the vet, we have decided to take her back to the vet because we dont really know that much about what to do! thanks for all the help!

[KYS]

I am glad you are taking her back to the vet.
Like Dixie said only a vet can determine what is
going on.
My female dog started getting arthritis around 6-7 years old.
(she was x-rayed because of an injury)
As dragondawg suggested weight could play a part too.

Please keep us posted on your baby.

[Muddy4paws]

i will give u an update when we've taken her! :) Your dog is beautiful by the way! shes got great markings! she looks unique!

[Lexi_Lover]

I would suggest glucosamine, as it worked well or our dog but I would take her to the vet, its the surest and safest way to be!

FEEL BETTER!;)

[kma4965491]

My Chrissy was suffering from severe arthritis. I tried a bunch of different products and she would not eat them. I went to my Vet and he recommended "Arthogen". He gave me some samples and she ate them like treats. They are a beef and cheese flavor that she likes. I have seen such a turn around in her. She can jump up on the bed and gets up and down the stairs now. (She turns 16 next month!!!) You can find the Arthogen at www.BestPetSupplements.com. They answered all my questions and sent the pills quickly and were cheaper than at the vets office. I hope this helps!