old dog,bad legs

Question
My dog, Lucky, has had a hard time walking and now
has trouble to stand the last two days.He is a mix,part Sheltzy and others,is about 15 lbs. and is approx 17 years old. Has been a GREAT dog and is mentally alert,sleeps well,drinks well, and eats well,still wags tail !.I don't want to put him down but if he can't walk anymore ... One rear leg seems stiff while the other rear leg is weak and limp. Two front legs are fine. Seen a vet but not very impressed with their response. This is his same vet since he was a pup.Any ideas ? I'm seeing a second vet this week.
Thank you,
Jeff and Lucky Dog

Answer
Hello Jeff

I would recommend loading him up on Joint Supplements as outlined below in addition to a prescription NSAID such as Etogesic, Rimadyl or Metacam.

Glucosamine...500 mg twice a day
MSM...500 mg twice a day
Choline (also available as CHOLODIN)...40 mg daily
Ester C...250 mg twice a day
Fish Oil...500 mg a day
Bromelain...1/2 of human adult dose
Arnica (homeopathic remedy)...3 pellets as needed--may also purchase as a topical gel to apply directly to his legs
Bosweilla & Yucca...1/4 of human adult dose or look for these ingredients in a dog supplement such as Arthrisoothe


Good luck,
Dr. Fry