Dr. Aarff: My Dog Keeps Falling Down

Dear Dr. Aarff:

My  13+ year old Border Collie Mix is falling down a lot.  She takes 75 mg. of Rimadyl daily.  Is there anything else I can do for her?  She doesn’t seem to be in pain, but has a hard time getting back up after falling.

Sue

Dr.  Aarff:

Sue,

Is she falling down because of stiffness and pain due to arthritis or could there be something more going on? (like a neurologic problem) I would have her examined by your regular veterinarian to figure this question out before you started pursuing other medications or therapies for presumed osteoarthritis.  There are certainly other options for treating arthritic pain, such as additional pharmaceuticals, heat therapy, massage therapy and even accupuncture.  Your veterinarian can tell you more about each of these alternatives.

Good luck with her!

Dr. Aarff

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