Ask A Pet Pro

Helping pet owners get health help For their pets

14 y/o dog with spine and walking problems. If no help I’ll put her down

My dog is a 3 lb 4oz Yorkshire Terrier.

My 14 year old companion’s back has had a ‘curve’ develop in her back towards her little rump/tail end, with her spine showing (very ‘pronounced’). When she tries to walk, she does so, in an out of control way… gaining speed and falling over or running into something.

She appears to be “frustrated”, as she will sit down abnormally, with her legs both together, to the right side… as if she were being ‘modest’ (not to “reveal” ‘private’ parts) it initially looks cute, BUT she is in obvious pain; sometimes she will reach down and ‘grab’ her foot and gnaw on it, as if she was quite frustrated.

She has been “spewing” considerably lately and is always needing an unusual amount of water, lately.

What (if anything) can I do for my bitch?

Bitch is her name, of course.

I do have oxycontin, baby aspirin, etc. but I’ve been hesitant in administering even a tiny amount, even if the entire pill were pulverized with a morter and pestal, mixed thoroughly (before administering any).

Real pain relief has got to be done or euthanasia would be the only alternative, ‘humane’ answer. In that case, I would assume a good size portion would let her peacefully expire.

Most Urgently Submitted,
J. M.

PS: I forgot two “points”:
1) Her legs are “crossed” when she sits.
2) My wife has had a cold/flu… “spewing”, also; actually… BEFORE Bitch started doing it. Is it possible that my dog contracted an illness from my wife?
I didn’t think human sickness isn’t “spreadable” to our friends in the animal world…
Continued Thanks,
J M

Tags: ,

One Response to “14 y/o dog with spine and walking problems. If no help I’ll put her down”

  1. Taylor - Blog Administrator VetLocator.com says:

    Dear J.M.,

    I am assuming you’ve had Bitch looked at by a veterinarian. If not, that’s your first stop. But I’d suggest you bring her to someone who is familiar with acupuncture and/or canine chiropractic because those professionals have several skills and tools that they can use that are specific to spinal problems to help your dog.

    14 years is a good age and it sounds like you can help her live her life remainder in a better condition just by getting her to the right professional, so put the medication away. I’m betting there is something you can do to help her.

    Here is a link to our alternative/holistic directory. Veterinary chiropractors are not always veterinarians so they don’t appear in our regular directory.

    http://www.vetlocator.com/holisticandalternative.php

    Let us know how she does.

    Sincerely,
    Taylor
    Blog Administrator
    http://www.vetlocator.com

Leave a Reply