Piper, the boisterous eight year old labrador had always loved his walks. He had slowed down a bit during summer but his owner Sue thought it was just due to the heat. When the days started to cool off, Sue became confused as Piper seemed even less enthusiastic about his walks.
Every time Piper and Sue went for their usual 6km morning walk he had started to want to turn back at the end of the street.
Sue was convinced Piper was being just being a bit lazy and stubborn and asked her vet if Piper could be pulling the wool over her eyes and trying to get out of going for a walk?
A vet examination revealed Piper had sore hips, and X-rays confirmed early arthritic changes in the hip joint. Sue was shocked - wasn't Piper too young to be developing arthritis? He had never had a limp, he wasn't whimpering and he still jumped around at dinner time!
It is sometimes a surprise to owners when we tell them their dog is in pain. Remember, dogs won't always whine or yelp, particularly with chronic pain - they simply learn to live with it.
Piper was started on a course of anti-inflammatories, a special joint diet and arthritis injections. Within two weeks he was a new dog - Sue couldn't believe it! And he was loving his walks again.
If you've noticed a change in your dog's personality or habits he might be trying to tell you something!
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