No more trail runs for Loki...
 

I have 2 dogs, both rescues, that I've had for about 5 years now. One of them, Loki, is supposed to be a mini pin, but I think he's a bit too stocky for that. Anyway, this little guy has more personality than any big dog I've ever had. I'd been a cross country trail runner for the past 25 years, (up until last summer when I fractured my foot from overuse) and Loki has always just loved going with me. He was so fast that I'd look around me to find him tearing up the trail with a chipmunk in his mouth!!

Yesterday I got him to the vet as I've been concerned that he seems to be limping, favoring his back leg, and moves like an old man. He had lime disease and I know that this disease can cause arthritis. Well, he has it, and to the point where his back 'knee' dislocates. The joint isn't tight like it should be. This is really sad for him. My other dog Obie hasn't been much for long treks on the trails, and it looks like now Loki will be spending more time at home on the deck rather than in the woods...

Poor Loki! I am a dog lover, too, and have two dogs, one of whom is a rescue. Both of mine are seniors now. It is so tough to see them get older and develop the issues that go along with that.

Has your vet suggested any treatment for Loki? Any joint supplements or pain meds? I've been giving mine a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement, and I think it helps.

He is on 2 pain medications, one for nerve pain and the other is an anti inflammatory. He also was on chondroitin and fish oil. I love this little guy like nobody's business.

When we lived in PA, all of our dogs and we got Lyme disease. If you catch it quickly, can by knocked down relatively easily, but if it festers....

Part of the issue is the difficulty to diagnose it correctly.

I am sorry about your dear Loki. :(

Thank you. Me too :(

---------- Post added at 10:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:09 PM ----------

Yeah. In early summer I told the vet he was having difficulty jumping into the car, and that he was often behind me on the trails, rather than in front and zipping off into the brush in pursuit of something. The vet suggested they he may have hurt his back or something, and to give it time...which was actually a way wrong diagnosis.
In very early December I took him in and ASKED that they give him a blood test. He tested positive for Lyme.

---------- Post added 02-14-2018 at 12:10 AM ---------- Previous post was 02-13-2018 at 10:17 PM ----------

How long has your dog been on these supplements? just wondering how long it'll take Loki to feel better...

It was about six months ago or so that I first started her on the glucosamine/chondroitin supplements. I want to say it was no more than two or three weeks that I felt I was seeing an improvement. The symptoms never totally disappeared, but I felt it was helping enough that I keep her on them. Occasionally, she will have a bout of more pronounced lameness, and then she benefits from a course of Rimadyl. I also give my dogs fish oil which I find beneficial for many areas of overall health, including the joints.

I don't have any personal experience dealing with Lyme disease, though. My dog's arthritis is of the common age-related variety.

Best of luck to you and Loki.

Sorry for Loki.
Think of it as a retirement.
I really don't like to talk about it but I understand your feeling. When I was a kid I lost two dogs.

Thank you all for your replies. I told Loki and he feels much supported!

Having dogs as part of the family is so very rewarding and that is why we fret over them so much. I have one at my feet and the other curled up next to me right now. :)

My dogs are getting there in age. One is fourteen and the other is ten. The older one is stiff in the mornings but still spry, thankfully.