9 1/2 year old english mastiff starting to show his age

[colleenrsee]

So I am a proud momma of two English Mastiffs a male chopper who is 9 1/2 and female haley she just turned 8 last month. Chopper is really starting to show signs of aging struggling to get up, walking with a limp, he is filled with lumps and dry patches all of which is common for his age from what i have been reading. He was last seen at the vet 7 months ago which my vet was shocked he was still alive and looking as good as he is. i took that as a sign i must be doing something right not to mention his check up went very well. Anyways we stuck him on cosequin ds about a month and half ago he started to show improvement but today he is having a really hard time getting around. i really looked him over and just bursted into tears i can see that he is getting old his face isnt as wide, his skull is more noticeable, his hips are starting to show. i know this is all to be expected but he is my boy, my child for i have no human kids. He is still eating, he still will go out to use the bathroom even though it seems to bother him, he still wants attention if we leave the room he barks for us to come back in. I am sure there are many of you with aging mastiffs i just need to know i am not the only one dealing with this and tips to make his life a little easier. I dont think the husband and I are ready to make the ending decision yet.

 

[cinnamon roll]

Have you thought about possible using Rymidel? (sp) It worked wonders on my rotts.

I assume it is getting cold in PA have or can you try upping the dose of cosequin?

 

[colleenrsee]

He was taking three tabs a day for a month and now he is at 2 tabs a day. His last weight check he came in at 167 lbs which in his prime he was about 175. I havent heard of rymidel before do i need a rx for that?

 

[cinnamon roll]

Yes you would need a rx for Rimadyl. I am so sorry to hear about your boy we have all been there and it is horrible. My heart goes out to your family.

https://www.rimadyl.com/default.aspx

 

[colleenrsee]

Thank you very much! We will look into it. Hopefully the vet doesn't give too much trouble about writing the script.

 

[colleenrsee]

Here's a few pics.

 

[cinnamon roll]

Chopper is very very handsome. The vets normally are pretty good about it. Keep us posted

 

[colleenrsee]

Thank you he is my baby! i am calling them tomorrow first thing he isnt getting around very well right now fell coming up the outside steps after his nightly bathroom break. i automatically think the worst i really hope its arthritis and can be treated or at least manageable. I keep holding onto the fact that he is eating, able to hold his bowels, and as far as his personality goes it hasnt changed.

 

[joshuagough]

Good advice & we are pulling for you and Chopper!

Thankful for every day we get to spend with our 4 legger's.. they make life better

 

[musicdeb]

Your pups do look good! I had 3 pups who were 1 yr apart in age to live to age 13 yrs old. They all died within 1 year of each other. It was heart breaking to watch them move less.

Just know when the time comes to make the decision, ask yourself this question, "Do I want him to suffer? Am I making the right decision for him?" The pup will hang on for you. Give the pup permission to run across the rainbow bridge.

I was selfish and hung on to all 3 of my pups. I promised myself I would not do that again.

Keep us posted on Chopper. Hugs and kisses from Titan to you and Chopper!

 

[DennasMom]

What a handsome pup!!

You're lucky to get to experience old age with your fur-kids.
We were getting ready for senior-itis with our last pup, a Dane/Lab/X going on 9 years old, when a cancer tumor in his spine took him from us over the course of one week...

Enjoy every minute.
He'll let you know when he's ready - which will probably be when he deems YOU ready. These big lugs are always looking out for us.

 

[cinnamon roll]

Just checking to see how he is doing?

 

[DDSK]

I love old dogs.
It is such a shame they cant live longer.
If there is a way to keep them comfortable we owe it to them to do so.
When they are no longer able to control themselves or they are in constant pain then I'm sure they understand what needs to be done.
I love puppies, everyone loves pups, but old dogs have character, and the wisdom of age and experience and the love and bonding that has been built over a lifetime.
Give them hugs from all of us.

 

[Dakota Kid]

9.5 is a great age! He is handsome! My IL's Great Dane, Riley, got "old" around 8 or so and she lived until 11.5. She was a hoot. She would lay in her cage (safe spot) and "bitch" whenever anyone came to the door. Just lay in there and tell people off for waking her up. However, she would wake up at 4 am and make you give her a good scratch.
I learned a lot from my short time with Riley (I only knew her when she was old). I agree with DDSK: keep them comfortable. Now would be a good time to assess your house for slippery floors and put rugs for traction where needed. Think about making a ramp or a back end lifter to get outside, instead of stairs. It's best to get him used to this stuff now, instead of rejecting it when he should be using it. Rimadyl or other drugs are great to help his pain.
I know its hard to think about, but ask your vet if they do on-call home visits for when the time comes. Riley was able to pass easily and comfortably at home in my MIL arms. Maybe this option would be something for you. But for now, just keep giving them the love they deserve.

 

[zardac]

Chance (10+ years) was having a really hard time several months ago.
He literally looked as if he was on his last legs.

The vet prescribed Meloxicam and low dose of Tramadol, and this seemed to make a huge difference.
He didn't revert back to puppyhood, but became able to get right up our stairs, walk, and occasionally romp around a bit.
We previously gave, and continue to give glucosamine and fish oil.

Just a passing thought, have you had him checked out for ear infection?
This can impact balance and gait and (I don't know if this is typical) only became an issue with Chance after he became a senior.

 

[spritemk3]

Vetprofen is a good option too. My 9 year old lab with hip dysplasia gets 100 mg a day. Makes a HUGE difference.

 

[musicdeb]

How's Mr. Chopper doing?

 

[Kelly]

My Tess is 10 now and she has arthritis. I've seen her some days she does struggle. But my vet gave me this stuff called Oseo Support to try and it seems to be a wonder drug for her. she's playful now, her arthritis bothers her in the mornings of course, but for most part she's doing amazing. it has green lipped mussel in it. you shouldn't need a scrip for it, its a natural remedy.