Sassy is showing the early signs of.....

[Miss Z]

Zsa-Zsa has mild arthritis, but my RB cat, Brando, had it quite bad in his last few years, especially around the area where he broke his leg. It was heartbreaking to see him gradually become in more pain as he tried to walk, and i know that animals do have to be put down because of it, it is unfair once it gets really bad to just let them suffer.

To help her though, does Sassy like baths? Brando hated them, but warm water soothes stiff joints and also movement is slower, and therefore easier, underwater. They use pool therapy for people who are suffering from aches and pains.

I hope that Sassy is OK for many more years to come.

[elizabethann]

Get Sassy on a daily dose of Glucosomine-Chondrotin-MSM. Talk to you vet for the right dose for her size. You don't need to buy the pricey one from the vet. A human supplement will work just fine.

My sister gives her dogs Glucosomine and it works very well. Perhaps you can print these suggestions out and give them to your parents so when you all go to the vet, you can ask him/her about them?

Please keep us posted on Sassy. Eight is very young. Especially for such a small dog.

Good luck!

[pnance]

Get Sassy on a daily dose of Glucosomine-Chondrotin-MSM. Talk to you vet for the right dose for her size. You don't need to buy the pricey one from the vet. A human supplement will work just fine.

Keep her weight down, keep her moving. 8 is young for a dog Sassy's size. She's got years left!

I agree with Glacier. Bears been on this for almost 4 years now. He's a little stiff but isn't in any pain and can run and play with the others.

[AlleyCat]

I have learned that weight can be an issue with arthritis. From your sig it doesn't look as if Sassy is overweight, but if by any chance she is, losing a few pounds may make the difference. Our RB Nikki was about 8-10 pounds overweight and we noticed she was starting to limp when she was around 7 years old, always after sleeping for a while (the weight pressure on the bones). Losing a few pounds, especially after recommendation from the vet, helped her a lot.

[CagneyDog]

I don't think there would be any need to put her down I hope she can get some medication for it and starts feeling better.

By the way, I like your new sig!

[Alysser]

Thanks Cagneydog I FINALLY got PSP.