My 12 year old collie, Lassie (Ah I was nine, the poor dog has no dignity haha) has arthritis, and it's so severe now in his back legs that he can't stand up on his own anymore, and he falls frequently. He's on Rimadyl and Cosequin twice a day, and also he gets Adequan injections twice a week. So far he's had 4 or 5 but they aren't working at all. He's delevoping sores on his legs that the vet has treated with ointments and antibiotics, that he got from falling, but they keep breaking open and bleeding. His nights are horrible, he cries for me to come and help him stand about every hour.

But what makes things difficult is that he's otherwise fine. His systems are working, he's healthy, his organs are fine, and he has quite an appetite. He still tries to get in on playing this game we have with our other dogs where we walk around the house with small treats. And he looks alert and okay most of the time, when he's not exhausted.

So I guess what I'm asking isn't if there is anything I can do, because I guess I have to accept that there really isn't. I just don't know what to do. I don't want him to suffer and I have no way of knowing how much pain he's in. But when he eats so much and seems so bright eyed at times, I feel like I don't know what the right thing to do is. What would you guys do if you were in my situation? And are there any miracle remedies out there I haven't heard of? Thanks.

BandaiJ.

I'm sorry to hear about your collie. I've googled around and found that the average age for a collie is around 10 to 13 years. Of course, they can live longer, as well.

Since he's on Rimadyl, please take a look at this link.

hi-go to www.doggonepain.com/shopping/sample.asp for a free sample of a supplement that is suppose to help arthritis pain in pets. i hope it helps and i hope you have a lot more time with your beloved pet.

Dear Bandaji,

My dog had terrible arthritis too, Go to your vet get Missing Link Plus with glucosomine, and get Ascription (not aspirin, no tylenol)nothing else but Ascription. Ascription is coated with maalox so it doesn't upset their tummy. Give the Ascription once in am , and once in pm.
My dog now runs around like crazy,before I had to go over and lift her up on her feet to get her walking. She was on Rymadyl too, did nothing for her. A rescue told me to use the ascription and Missing link. You will notice a big differance by 6 weeks. And in about a week you will notice her feeling better. Unless it's hip dyplasia. But if it';s truly arithritis, this will help.

Thanks for the advice, unfortunately I had to put him to sleep on May 24th.

I will keep it in mind though, I have 5 other dogs.