Thank you in advance for taking...

Question
Thank you in advance for taking the time to answer my questions.
Our wheaten terrier is 13yrs 11mos.  Over the past few months he has been slowing down--much difficulty as he tries to lie down, slower pace when he walks,legs give out and stumbling.
Last week he had a fall down four or five steps.  The next day he yelped when we touched--doesn't seem to bother him now- his side and then the next day would not lay down.  I took him to the vet and she felt that Mulligan was in pain and seemed to favor his front leg the most.  His back is swaying--forgot to mention that -for quite some time.  No conclusion but offered a short term narcotic for pain.  He's already on a liquid anti-inflammatory med.  We went back on Saturday.  He is literally standing and pacing for 17 hours a day.  His eyes are closing as he sways back and forth, he collapses and gets up right away.  It's pitiful.  They extended the painkiller for a few more days-2x a day-  The second vet feels that it is probably a combination of things--neuro, muscular,skeletal and a bit of senility.  He still knows us and his routines; he's eating and can walk.  When my daughter puts him on her bed-he jumps off.  This is a high bed.  He walks up and downstairs--slowly.  He voids--doesn't really lift his leg anymore and seems to have trouble squatting for bowel movement.  The vets feel that they can only diagnose with a full battery of tests --ctscans,MRI etc.  He's a difficult dog to examine--doesn't like to be touched.  At his age we hate to give him anesthesia and the tests are quite expensive.  Can you offer any suggestions?  My guess would be the spine but --the walking and even a bit of running puzzles me. Once again--thank you
Dorothy White

Answer
Hello Dorothy,

I am sure arthritis is part of the culprit with acute trauma on top of it.  You can try giving him the homeopathic remedy ARNICA.  But in this case you may want to consider alternative medicine and take him to an acupuncturist or chiropractor.  As far as the pain, maybe he needs to switch to a different anti-inflammatory.  If the pain is that severe, I would consider steroids versus as NSAID at this point.  In addition, adding MSM with Glucosamine can help lubricate his joints, but it is not a quick fix....you can try giving 500 mg of each twice a day.  You can also ask your vet about starting ADEQUAN injections twice a week for arthritis.

Best Wishes,
Dr. Fry