my caninis erocticus has spondylosis

May 10, 2007 9:38 PM

My 13 year old pooch was diagnosed with spondylosis and, arthritis yesterday and I'm kinda at a loss. He's been prescribed something for the pain but he needs help with some other problems related to his condition.

We have hardwood floors/ceramic tiles throughout the house and, he loses his footing occasionally which is causing him great pain so I'd like to get him some dog boots. And, while the idea of getting him ducky slippers for his paws tickles me pink I'm not so sure they'd be of any benefit to him - heh. I'm looking for something that can be tossed in the wash and he can wear indoors and out. What should I avoid? Which is preferable, two boots or four? Which materials will hold up better than others? Finally, once I get his boots, how do I get him to accept them?

Also, if you have any other suggestions on dogs with arthritis and mobility problems and, how to help him out I'd love to hear them.

posted by squeak to pets & animals (10 comments total)

My beloved greyhound, Trailways, had arthritis of the spine during his last year. He needed physical assistance getting up from his bankie, and then I'd accompany him outside while he attended to his toilette (I stood next to him because he sometimes lost his footing). For his last few weeks, I used puppy training pads inside the house so he didn't have to do more than stand up and walk a few steps. It wasn't until he'd stopped eating and couldn't walk at all unassisted that I had to make that fateful decision that no pet owner ever wants to make.

So, anyway, I can't recommend anything boot-wise, but those puppy pads work well (Trai had never been trained on them, but he knew to use them as soon as I put them out) for those times when it's too far/difficult for your poochster to go outside. Other than that, maybe some carpeted runners laid in a line to his dish and wherever else he roams?
posted by Oriole Adams at 10:01 PM on May 10, 2007

It sounds hinky, but acupuncture and canine massage has been helpful for some arthritic dogs. There was a good AskMe thread on this subject featuring biscotti's usual sage advice. Maybe she'll weigh in here too. The glucosamine supplement she suggests should definitely help. A heated dog bed might help with his comfort too, but ask your vet about it -- I'm not sure if it would aggravate his symptoms or make him less likely to exercise. I hope your dog gets feeling better soon.
posted by melissa may at 12:10 AM on May 11, 2007

I wouldn't leave boots on him for any length of time, or the poor pup will end up with foot problems as well, boots are for short term use only, they're not suitable for day in and day out wear and dogs whose feet don't get to breathe enough can end up with seriously nasty foot problems. By all means try a pair of MuttLuks, but please don't think that you can leave the boots on for extended periods of time.

There is a product called "Show Foot", which is a non-slip spray-on substance that makes the dog's foot more grippy, which might be a better option for regular indoor use (or perhaps some of that plastic runner material along the dog's regular traffic areas in the house?). You can also help him get up by lifting with a towel underneath him. Sounds like your dog has a great owner, good luck with him.
posted by biscotti at 5:14 AM on May 11, 2007

My dog is old & we have hardwoods too. I use the product, "show foot" that biscotti recommends. You do have to apply it often, like daily, because it wears off quickly. Do you know what spray mount is? It's kinda like that. My dog won't keep booties on. Glucosamine helps a lot. It takes a few months to show results, but my dog is over 16 & in very good shape. She's been on Glucosamine for 7 years. You can also put down runner rugs where she walks most. In the winter, a heated bed will help with the stiffness. Keep her as slim as possible too, that's very important. The more weight they have to carry around, the more pain they will suffer. Good luck to you & your pooch!
posted by Alpenglow at 6:27 AM on May 11, 2007

Also - elevating the food and water bowls to a level where the dog does not have to bend way down to eat and drink is helpful too.
posted by Alpenglow at 6:28 AM on May 11, 2007

(am I the only one who can't stop giggling over 'My beloved greyhound, Trailways...")
posted by Space Kitty at 9:43 AM on May 11, 2007

Space Kitty, my husband chose that name, mainly because it made *him* laugh, too.
posted by Oriole Adams at 6:01 PM on May 11, 2007

Thanks for all the suggestions.

biscotti that's what I was worried about with the boots. I want to minimize his suffering not contribute to it. At most I was thinking of using the boots for his most active part of the day.

It takes a few months to show results

He's taking that and Deramaxx but when he wont even get up for food without some coaxing I worry he doesn't have much time left. When the medication kicks in he becomes his old self then I think I'm being a worry wart ...
posted by squeak at 9:38 AM on May 12, 2007

If it's possible, putting down runners/rugs seems like a good suggestion, especially where he walks most. Whatever you do, please be careful with pain meds given for this kind of thing. I don't know what your vet gave your dog or how he's responded to it, but Rimadyl, which is often given for arthritis, almost killed my dog. Just keep an eye out.

Good luck to you and your dog! He's lucky to have someone who cares so much about him :-)
posted by walla at 12:36 PM on May 12, 2007

You could get some carpert underlay (that non-slip mesh stuff you put under rugs to stop them slipping) and place them in a path through the house that he uses the most. They're cheap and easy to replace. He wil soon learn to walk along them if it helps him. I doubt any boots would do the trick. And remember it's all about quality of life. If he no longer has a good quality of life (which he sounds like he has as long as he's on medication at the moment), it's not fair to keep him going. I see it so often that people keep their animals alive for their own selfish need rather than thinking of what's best for the animal. I'm not implying this at all in your case, just something to think about for the future.
posted by chilli_cat at 11:49 PM on May 13, 2007