What does back pain look like in dogs?
Dogs with acute back pain appear stiff and often yelp when moving or being touched. They can also tremble, pant and seem unsteady on their legs. Chronic back pain on the other hand may only show up as talking more time than usual to get comfortable.
What kind of arthritis does a Collie have?
A common problem that seems to affect many of the larger breeds, including older Collies, is arthritis. It can occur in any joint, but is most common in legs, hips, back and neck. As dogs (and people) get older, the natural occurring cartilage that cushions bones/joints begins to deteriorate.
How does hip dysplasia affect a Border Collie?
Hip dysplasia in Border Collies causes afflicted dogs to walk or run with an altered gait, similar to a bunny-hop. They begin to resist any movement that requires full extension or flexion of the rear legs. They will experience stiffness and pain in their rear legs after exercising and on first rising in the morning.
Why does my senior Collie get dry and brittle?
However, some are not only lacking in palatability, but also too low in protein or fat. As a result, the older dog can either get too thin or the coat becomes dry and brittle. Some older dogs, for no obvious reason, develop touchy stomachs and cannot be fed the same food they have previously been fed.
What kind of health problems can a senior Collie have?
This is especially a good idea if your aging dog just doesn’t seem right. Blood work can be such an invaluable diagnostic tool and can give early warning of some health problems, such as diminished kidney and liver functions, and diabetes. Heart failure, anemia, lower thyroid levels and cancer can all be problems for the aging dog.
However, some are not only lacking in palatability, but also too low in protein or fat. As a result, the older dog can either get too thin or the coat becomes dry and brittle. Some older dogs, for no obvious reason, develop touchy stomachs and cannot be fed the same food they have previously been fed.
A common problem that seems to affect many of the larger breeds, including older Collies, is arthritis. It can occur in any joint, but is most common in legs, hips, back and neck. As dogs (and people) get older, the natural occurring cartilage that cushions bones/joints begins to deteriorate.
This is especially a good idea if your aging dog just doesn’t seem right. Blood work can be such an invaluable diagnostic tool and can give early warning of some health problems, such as diminished kidney and liver functions, and diabetes. Heart failure, anemia, lower thyroid levels and cancer can all be problems for the aging dog.
Hip dysplasia in Border Collies causes afflicted dogs to walk or run with an altered gait, similar to a bunny-hop. They begin to resist any movement that requires full extension or flexion of the rear legs. They will experience stiffness and pain in their rear legs after exercising and on first rising in the morning.