Why is my senior dog suddenly struggling to get up and climb stairs?

Question

my dog woke up this morning and all was normal she got off the bed and couldnt get back up had ok down the stairs but up she quit half way could not again the bed without help she went out normally pee and poop and ate ok other than weak legs she appears ok aside from wanting me to come lay down with her she is 16yr old rotty/ brindle pitt mix..please adfvise. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | unspayed | 15 years and 10 months old | 75 lbs

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM · Accepted Answer

As a 16 year old dog it is almost a given that Nokie has some serious arthritis and that while she probably has been having pain for a few years now but did not show it, the pain now is so bad that she is afraid to jump up on the bed or climb stairs. In severe arthritis cases like that the quality of life can be significantly improved by giving NSAIDs which take inflammation away and therefore pain. Make an appointment with your vet for an exam and a blood test to verify that her kidneys and liver are working properly and then your vet can prescribe NSAIDs or pain medicine for Nokie. At the same time the vet can rule out other causes of weakness.

Why is my senior dog suddenly struggling to get up and climb stairs?

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