arthritis?

Question
Our 55 lb. nicely structured (not fat) dog is generally normal considering his age of 15.
About a month ago for no apparent reason he started acting like he was stiff in the rear legs and one leg started pointing inward almost sending him off balance so we kept him laying down mostly for a day and the next day he was back to normal. A few days ago this happened again; we did the same thing and he has resumed to normal. What do you think has caused these incidents? The only thing we know that was different was that before both occasions he had more activity (not strenuous though) and less sleep on the couple days preceeding. (There have also been a couple occasions when one leg got stiff or sore all of a sudden but then was quickly ok).
(Please don't send me any info' about getting used to the idea of losing our dog. We know this is possible at any time with an old pet).
Thank you.  

Answer
Hi Lou!

I can't say for sure, but two options come to mind.  One, is that he may be having a minor seizure that is only affecting that area. But more than likely, due to his age, it's probably arthritis.  Dogs get this just as humans do. When you said he had more activity, it probably put a little more strain on him than what he is used to. If he will let you put a heating pad on that area, it would help. Giving your dog aspirin would also help with the pain and inflamtion.  Dogs are most commonly given aspirin for treatment of arthritis and associated joint pain.
Aspirin has good anti-inflammatory effects that reduces swelling. It can also reduce pain and fever. These effects will help make your dog more comfortable.  Just remember that a dog is not human, and you shouldn't give aspirin just for anything that comes along.  It is best used to relieve extreme discomfort.  Although quite safe if used properly, you may want to check with your vet before giving any medications.  The dosage is 5mg per pound, every 12 hours.  Don't use the enteric coating type of aspirin, as dogs do not digest it well, and it would probably just go out in his stool.

I hope this helps.  As I said, I can only guess at what is wrong with your dog since I can't see him and I am NOT a veterinarian. But with his age, and what you are prescribing, I think this would be a pretty good guess.

God Bless,
Becky