Returning Users Sign In
Forgot Your Password?

Televets

Click here for details »

Can't get up or stand well on slick floors

Rating: 8
Lucy
Lucy

Lucy has been deteriorating in this respect for some time. When I mentioned it to her Vet last, he didn't comment and I neglected to followup. She has been getting progressively worse for about a year. The onset was a difficulty sitting still. when sitting, her front feet would slowly slide out in front of her. Then she began having trouble moving quickly on the tile floors. Her back legs would slide out from under her and she would go down on her hips. Lately she has trouble getting up off her bed when her front feet are on the tile. She has either become incontinent, or just can't get up to go, so she soils her bed every day or so. She works at lying down, making several starts at it before actually getting down and getting comfortable. However once she is up, and outside on the rough sidewalk or in the yard she pulls like a horse. At first I thought she was losing muscle tone in her legs/shoulders/hips, but it seems unlkely given her strength on rough surfaces. What are the possible causes of this?

One Response to “Can't get up or stand well on slick floors”:

  • Experienced Advisor Deepa Gopinath says:

    December 20th, 2007 at 06:41 PM

    Hi there, I noticed Lucy is an elderly large breed dog, which makes me think that the most likely cause for what you are describing is osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease. This can make her joints painful and less flexible, thus causing her to slip on smooth surfaces but when she is on rough ground she manages ok. As for her urination problems, it is important to figure out whether she is truly incontinent or whether she is urinating voluntarily indoors as going out is too painful/difficult. If she is incontinent and neutered then the most likely explaination is that she has become so due to lack of oestrogen in her elderly age. There are prescription meds (available at your vets) that can help with this. As for her mobility, I would have her assessed orthopaedically by your vet who can also check her spine for any pain. There are medications that can help keep her comfortable and improve her mobility but arthritis is unfortunately a progressive condition. She is bound to have some muscle disuse atrophy (smaller, weaker muscles) and swimming may help to strengthn these. There are definately meds your vet can prescribe that can make Lucy more comfortable! Hope this helps, please let me know if you have any questions.

    Current Rating: Rating: 8
    Rate This Answer:
    Deepa Gopinath

Do you know the answer this question? Are you a pet professional? Become an advisor today!

Not a pet professional? Register here to comment on this question and help fellow pet owners.

Do you have a pet question you need answering? Ask our caring pet advisors here: