Pet Lovers

[Linmo]

I'm just wondering if any of you have had physical therapy for an older dog with mobility issues?  My large pup is 14.5 years young and seems to be having some back problems.  The vet recommended physical therapy like laser therapy, accupuncture or aquatic treadmill to help with his mobility and to ease the pain.  He's already taking an NSAID and gabapentin for pain.  

If any of you have tried it, did you have success?  TIA

[moonandthestars]

I had a cat with arthritis and he went to the vet for accupuncture and cold laser.  It was so helpful to him.  The treatment worked for him best when done together vs. just one.  For him, we also gave him a glucosimine supplement which was also very helpful for him.  The vet where we went had the acquatic treadmill -  from what we heard it was very helfpul to to doggies who had that therapy.  Just as an aside, at the time it wasn't available for cats, not sure if it is now!

@Linmo 

[Linmo]

@moonandthestars Thanks for the feedback!  I can't imagine any cat enjoying aquatic therapy.  My pup loves water and baths, but I don't know if he would enjoy that either!

[Drythe]

@Linmo 

My Labrador had acupuncture when he was older.

I know some think it’s not a real thing, but he and I would go in, him having trouble walking, after he walked much more easily for 10 days or two weeks.  

He would lie still on a rug, and I would sing to him, and love him.  

He was a Good Boy. 💕 

I miss him.  Hope you and your pup find help.

[Sammycat1]

@Linmo 

We've used laser and acupuncture for our dog and cat in the past. I'd say they both tolerated the laser better, but it takes an expert touch in handling your pet while administering the laser. 

[moonandthestars]

@Linmo   There are some kitties who love water - so you never know.   Hope if your doggie has the acquatic therapy that he does enjoy it and that it really helps.  I'm a big fan of the cold laser. (I've had it myself too and I love it for me also)  When the vet originally suggested accupuncture for my cat I just couldn't picture that going over well!  But my kitty was so good through the treatments - I honestly think he found it relaxing.  I had a similar freak out when he suggested cold laser, not understanding anything about it then.  But it's just really like a nothing, very non threatening, just so easy - but very effective.

[JohnnyWasnt]

Hi Linmo, 

Our beloved 14 year old dog had laser therapy for his back.  We also started him on acupuncture.  We thought the laser therapy worked but discontinued the acupuncture.

This was about 9 years ago.  Compared to everything else, the weekly laser therapy sessions were relatively inexpensive - less than $40 per session.

One thing I do really regret.  Eddie got weighed-in every week and his weight was going down, just a smidge every week.  I mentioned this to the vet tech and he didn't think it was significant.

A few months later, we had a blood panel taken before a teeth cleaning and his liver enzymes were sky high!  After much diagnostic testing and specialists, he ended up having his gall bladder removed and he lived until just shy of his 17th birthday but there were some scary times in there.  

So, my (unsolicited) advice - at this age - notice everything and if you do notice something, ask the actual vet!  Trust your gut.

And, best of luck to your pup.  He hope the therapy eases his pain and he lives a happy and painfree long life!

[Linmo]

@moonandthestars @Sammycat1 @Drythe  Thank you all so much for your posts.  I thought I might be grasping at straws, but now have hope!  He doesn't seem ready to leave us, but I don't want him suffering with unnecessary pain either.  

@JohnnyWasnt I just read your post.  Thanks to you as well!

[Drythe]

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@Linmo wrote:

@moonandthestars @Sammycat1 @Drythe Thank you all so much for your posts.  I thought I might be grasping at straws, but now have hope!  He doesn't seem ready to leave us, but I don't want him suffering with unnecessary pain either.  

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@Linmo 

I understand, and send Hope, you already have Love.

Good Wishes to you both.

[moonandthestars]

@Linmo  These things are definitely worth trying to see if they can help.  

I just reread your original post and you mentioned your doggie had back pain.  Does anyone know what the problem actually is?  Is it arthritis?  Or is it something that is just out of joint/allignment?  Has it been xrayed or however it would be looked at?  I did want to mention that there are veterinary chiropractors!   You could do a search and see if there is anyone nearby where you are and if so, maybe set up a consult.  Lastly, if it is arthritis you could try doggie on a supplement of glucosamine (probably with chondroitin?).  Again, with my kitty it was very helpful (each thing we did added to the success) but we had to try different brands before we found one that seemed to make a difference.  

Does he have trouble getting up/off sofas or beds?  If so, they have these great stairs or ramps you can buy, which makes it all so much easier or even possible.    They are really great.