Old Age...Alaskan Malamute

Question
My "Bear" is 14yrs.10 months old. He has been walking about a 1/2 mile 5X a week. Last night he was unable to use his rear legs and was trying to drag himself around the yard while crying. He has not had Cortisone shots and I give him vitamin supplements and gelatin. Will cortisone help? Is there any type of harness, so I can walk him so he can go to the bathroom? I have been using a towel under him and holding him up to get him in/out. He has not gone to bathroom since yesterday. Any advice?

Answer

Hi Ricky,

I can't say if your vet would prescribe Cortisone or another corticosteroid medication (probably in pill form, not injected) or if another medication, that relieves pain and inflammation such as Rimadyl, or both.

Diet supplements are good and you should continue with them, but they can only take you so far when pain becomes as intense as what you described. Once Bear starts with medication, you might be very surprised how much better he's able to get around.

I urge you to see our vet as soon as possible because your dog is in a lot of pain.  Until you can do that though, you can help Bear to get to his feet and to walk slowly by either using a large towel as a sling as you've been doing (he will "go", eventually!) or by getting a sling made especially for elderly dogs that need a little extra help to get around, such as one of these:

http://www.handicappedpets.com/www/index.php/help-pets-walk/help-lift-dogs.html

http://www.k9caddie.com/

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=8082


And here are instructions for making your own sling:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2208914_make-walking-sling-dog.html

Yet another option which gives your dog total mobility without your assistance would be to rent or buy a dog wheelchair. Dogs adapt amazing quickly to these. You can see dog wheelchairs here:

http://handicappedpets.com/www/index.php/dog-wheelchair-carts.html

http://www.seniorpetcareproducts.com/Dog_Wheelchair_s/1.htm

http://www.eddieswheels.com/

http://www.k9-carts.com/Pet_Cart_Rental_Programs.php


I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,
Patti