will i have to have my 15 year old lab put to sleep? his authritis is affecting his back legs! he also has a large lump on his back. he still climbs up and down stairs and his appetite is as hungry as ever!
Optional Information: Type of Animal: labarodor Gender: Male Age: 15 Name of Animal: shearer Already Tried: supplimets etc
Welcome to JustAnswer! I am a licensed veterinarian and specialist and will do my best to assist you today!I am sorry to hear Shearer is not feeling well.What medications is he on at this time?Is he in a lot of pain that you are concerned about putting him to sleep?-
he is just having flexi-joint tablets from our local petshop. he seems to be in pain when he sits down however he climbs up and down stairs many times during the day, he also goes outside in our garden when he wants and as i sais he has agreat appertite. he also has his sight and hearing. i have had him since he was 8 weeks old so he and i are best friends, but i know i he is a very old dog. i just need to know if he is still enjoying life
Thank you for your reply!Regarding these signs in dogs, signs of arthritis - this is very common at this age, and askide from joint tablets there really are severe good pain management options to help give him a very good enjoyment and quality of life!!!Here are common options to consider:1) NSAIDS (like ibuprofen - BUT SAFE FOR DOGS!)- Rimadyl (LINK HERE)- Deramaxx (LINK HERE)2) Tramadol (an opiod like morphine used in dogs) - LINK HERE3) Even acupuncture (LINK HERE)! This is something many owners find extremely helpful for their dogs!I hope this helps! Please REPLY if more information is needed.Positive RATING (EXCITED FACE or 5 STARS) and bonus if happy is appreciated as this is the only way I know you have received the information and I receive credit for my time. If for any reason the rating box is not visible or you are unable to enter a rating, please send me a message.This is meant to be a running dialogue, and for this reason it is very IMPORTANT that you reply using the REPLY TO EXPERT button if more information is needed at any time BEFORE rating.Please remember to ONLY rate my answer when you are 100% satisfied. IF you feel the need to rate "Poor Service" or "Bad Service", please STOP and reply to me via the REPLY TO EXPERT button with the issue you have. I will be happy to continue further and do everything I can to provide you with the service you seek.Join thousands of satisfied customers by adding me to your bookmarks/favorites: CriticalCareVet.Just type your future question in the text box to direct it to my personal attention.With this communication - we are here to guide you in making the best decision for your pet. This is for informational purposes only. We are not allowed to diagnose and prescribe medications - rather provide a course of action to speak to your veterinarian about - and any medical therapy and treatment should only be performed after an in-person examination with your veterinarian as a professional-client relationship has not been established on the site. While information may be discussed, this is not intended as an encouragement for you to self treat your pet, rather information online, and any treatment provided should only be performed after consulting your veterinarian.
i think i will try some more of the recomended pain killers.
so do you believe he still has a decent standard of life and to continue to make his life as happy as we can for as long as we can?
Yes - many dogs really can be helped immensely with a change / adjustment in medications such as these!I hope this helps! Please REPLY if more information is needed.Positive RATING (EXCITED FACE or 5 STARS) and bonus if happy is appreciated as this is the only way I know you have received the information and I receive credit for my time. If for any reason the rating box is not visible or you are unable to enter a rating, please send me a message. This is meant to be a running dialogue, and for this reason it is very IMPORTANT that you reply using the REPLY TO EXPERT button if more information is needed at any time BEFORE rating.Please remember to ONLY rate my answer when you are 100% satisfied. IF you feel the need to rate "Poor Service" or "Bad Service", please STOP and reply to me via the REPLY TO EXPERT button with the issue you have. I will be happy to continue further and do everything I can to provide you with the service you seek.Join thousands of satisfied customers by adding me to your bookmarks/favorites: CriticalCareVet. Just type your future question in the text box to direct it to my personal attention.With this communication - we are here to guide you in making the best decision for your pet. This is for informational purposes only. We are not allowed to diagnose and prescribe medications - rather provide a course of action to speak to your veterinarian about - and any medical therapy and treatment should only be performed after an in-person examination with your veterinarian as a professional-client relationship has not been established on the site. While information may be discussed, this is not intended as an encouragement for you to self treat your pet, rather information online, and any treatment provided should only be performed after consulting your veterinarian.
Experience: Emergency and Critical Care Specialist