Adopting a dog with arthritis
Discussion
We have our eye on a brother and sister GSD at at rehoming kennels. They are lovely dogs, rather large, but asking more questions today reveals one has to take regular medicines for arthritis.
They are about 5 years old.
Are we letting ourselves in for an expensive trip to veterinarian hell, or is this something we shouldn't worry about too much
They are about 5 years old.
Are we letting ourselves in for an expensive trip to veterinarian hell, or is this something we shouldn't worry about too much
bexVN said:
Potentially yes but it depends on what they are actually treating, where the arthritis is and if hip dysplasia is involved. You won't get insurance cover for it. Some rescues will cover costs of ongoing meds.
Tbh most shepherds end up with arthritis so it is almost inevitable that it will happen unfortunately 5 is a bit young. Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy would be highly beneficial and could stave off progress of the disease and reduce the need for meds
There is also a food called Hills J/D which has scientific backing for reducing the need of ongoing meds in arthritic dogs.
So there is a lot you could do to reduce costs of meds for as long as poss but it will depend on how severe things are already.
And finally not forgetting the rescue would take them back if anything became too much for you. I think you should still consider them. They will struggle to find a home together tbh.
The rescue home has actually told us they will pay for the meds forever, which surprised me actually. Tbh most shepherds end up with arthritis so it is almost inevitable that it will happen unfortunately 5 is a bit young. Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy would be highly beneficial and could stave off progress of the disease and reduce the need for meds
There is also a food called Hills J/D which has scientific backing for reducing the need of ongoing meds in arthritic dogs.
So there is a lot you could do to reduce costs of meds for as long as poss but it will depend on how severe things are already.
And finally not forgetting the rescue would take them back if anything became too much for you. I think you should still consider them. They will struggle to find a home together tbh.
And the staff did seem genuinely happy that someone has finally shown an interest in the two gentle giants. Apparently their previous owner died and they were signed over to the kennels by family who unfortunately live overseas.
Sounds interesting about the food stuffs that could help the arthritis. We have been told they only like/eat dried food, dog biscuits I guess. Not sure why that would be, personal preference? Type of dog?
I would assume a small amount of meat could be introduced into their diet to see how they react. I'm sure the kennels will give us more information once things start rolling. They have to arrange the home check first, to see if our fences and facilities are indeed strong enough and suitable for the dogs.
One doesn't like cats, apparently, so a 100 lb dog leaping at a panel fence to get at a cat smirking down from atop it may end in tears.
One doesn't like cats, apparently, so a 100 lb dog leaping at a panel fence to get at a cat smirking down from atop it may end in tears.
One of our concerns will be finding a local vet who is reputable, so we don't get gouged.
If this adoption goes through I think we will have a lot to learn. She doesn't seem to have the real low rear end associated with a lot of Alsatians that have hip trouble, so hopefully that is a good thing. And apparently she has lost a lot of weight since she came into the kennels three months ago, she was a real porker, they said.
We're still waiting for the home check, but I had a phone call yesterday starting to arrange things.
If this adoption goes through I think we will have a lot to learn. She doesn't seem to have the real low rear end associated with a lot of Alsatians that have hip trouble, so hopefully that is a good thing. And apparently she has lost a lot of weight since she came into the kennels three months ago, she was a real porker, they said.
We're still waiting for the home check, but I had a phone call yesterday starting to arrange things.
Bex, good idea, just ask everybody we get to know with a dog locally and I'm sure a decent place will have a good reputation.
Gary, we quite a long way from Telford, unfortunately. Maybe 30 miles, not too far really, but with dogs in our car....
If we get these big babies I can see a small van or estate car in our future. A Mundeo just does not have the volume, even with back seats flipped and pulled down and parcel shelf removed.
Gary, we quite a long way from Telford, unfortunately. Maybe 30 miles, not too far really, but with dogs in our car....
If we get these big babies I can see a small van or estate car in our future. A Mundeo just does not have the volume, even with back seats flipped and pulled down and parcel shelf removed.
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