Fee Posted December 20, 2007 Report Share Posted December 20, 2007 Musky managed to excel himself this morning. He's always had fairly wobbly legs and a tendency to fall flat on his nose occasionally, but recently we've had a few instances where he has fallen on a smooth or slippery surface and has had problems getting himself up again without help (and he's a big lad, I struggle to get him up by myself) This morning, though, my sympathy just *might* have been challenged a little. I braved the frost and sub-zero temperatures and took Musky for an early walk in the fields. He managed to find a huge deep puddle of iced up water, he adores water and dived in enthusiastically but did one of his nose dives and couldn't get up again. I ended up having to wade in and reach in elbow-deep into icy, muddy water to get my arms underneath him and haul his back end up Typically, as soon as he was on his feet again he went bombing off quite happily, leaving me dripping, muddy and frozen to the bone Despite him being off my favourite dogs list I would appreciate a few good thoughts for the old bear. He's so happy and full of beans in every other way, but his mobility is getting worse and I have a very bad feeling that his legs will give out completely at some point. He's on supplements and has a Bioflow collar, and he's on a regime of short frequent walks to try to keep up his muscle tone without him overdoing it too much. Other than that the vet doesn't feel there's much we can do to help him, it's just old age taking its toll on joint and muscles - but if anyone has ideas of anything else we can try I'd be very grateful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
staffymad Posted December 20, 2007 Report Share Posted December 20, 2007 Awww Musky Bear Stop worrying your mum but make sure next time she has to haul you out of muddy ice water someone has a camera Sending positive thoughts for the big fella Cindy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fee Posted December 20, 2007 Author Report Share Posted December 20, 2007 Stop worrying your mum but make sure next time she has to haul you out of muddy ice water someone has a camera Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cycas Posted December 20, 2007 Report Share Posted December 20, 2007 Oh Musky! In practical terms, might one of those harnesses that has a handle on the top make him easier to get back on his feet? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetiger Posted December 20, 2007 Report Share Posted December 20, 2007 Oh Musky a nice warming hug on its way to you! oh I one for your mum too lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fee Posted December 20, 2007 Author Report Share Posted December 20, 2007 Oh Musky! In practical terms, might one of those harnesses that has a handle on the top make him easier to get back on his feet? I did try one a while back, but unfortunately it's the largest size Ruffdogs do and it's still too tight on him to be comfortable. I'll have a search around and see if there are others that do larger sizes, though, it would definitely help to have something other than muddy wet dog to get hold of! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
staffymad Posted December 20, 2007 Report Share Posted December 20, 2007 I did try one a while back, but unfortunately it's the largest size Ruffdogs do and it's still too tight on him to be comfortable. I'll have a search around and see if there are others that do larger sizes, though, it would definitely help to have something other than muddy wet dog to get hold of! I am sure TRPD could make you one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greytgirl Posted December 20, 2007 Report Share Posted December 20, 2007 Musky and for your Mummy to Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoT Posted December 20, 2007 Report Share Posted December 20, 2007 Big hugs to you and to Musky, bless his big hairy paws. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cycas Posted December 20, 2007 Report Share Posted December 20, 2007 A few interesting design ideas here: http://www.handicappedpets.com/Mobility%20-%20Harness.htm http://www.petsupportsuit.com/ http://www.dogmobile-online.com/Dogharness.htm top 2 are in the states and not sure if they sell worldwide, but might provide some inspiration? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fee Posted December 20, 2007 Author Report Share Posted December 20, 2007 Thanks Victoria, one of the back-end harnesses might be ideal as that is where he seems to need the support if he gets stuck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
domjetcas Posted December 20, 2007 Report Share Posted December 20, 2007 LOL Fee, just be greatful Musky didn't struggle and make you go face first in the mud! Why is it the hairiest dog seems to attract the most wet smelly mud? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buddyboy Posted December 20, 2007 Report Share Posted December 20, 2007 Hope you've warmed up now Fee!!! Jake used to go to hydrotherapy - good exercise as the body is supported and no stress is put on anywhere while the muscle tone is maintained..... And if Musky loves water it may be just the thing for him (and warmer for you thank hauling him out of puddles). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissa Posted December 20, 2007 Report Share Posted December 20, 2007 aaah bless him (bet you didn't think that this morning though!) I'm now left wondering what he looks like & what breed he is so please post a piccy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chasta Posted December 20, 2007 Report Share Posted December 20, 2007 Aww Musky Glad youre both ok though Fee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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