Dodgy legs - Any ideas how to slow it down or lessen the problem?

Any orthopedic problem can be improved with keeping weight down.Sometimes you feel like a meanie restricting calories but in the long run it really helps the dog so much.I would also recommend massage,a good joint supplement and avoiding concussion by not jogging or jumping on hard surfaces. If you have a place to swim your dog it is great exercise that won't hurt joints.

His weight is OK - and no I don't feel like a meanie!  When at home not on holiday our walks and runs are all concrete - the streets! He loves to swim but that's once a month or so at the sea or lakes. No place here realistically. Can you be  more specific about joint supplements?

 

Forgot to say - Massage is done by myself - I'm in Thailand here - dog training is a new thing let alone massage - can me doing simple massage around his muscles and joints help - I do it already anyway - and he loves it LOL - but don't know if it helps - or it has to be more expert?

As I look at the pics on your profile(I assume it's the less fluffy dog you are talking about)I would still want to see some weight off.I would want to see the last two ribs.My older Labrador shows her last three ribs and while most people prefer to have labs in heavier flesh It has been the difference between struggling to walk and running like a young dog again for her.At 8 years old she was so stiff I considered medications for her but the weight drop was all she needed to ease her joints.She's twelve now and keeps up with our youngsters with no meds or supplements needed.If you do go the supplement route I would look for a product approved for human use that has glucosamine,condroitin and MSM.Any massage is helpfull even if you are not a trained expert because it improves circulation.If the only option for exercise was concrete I would keep the dog at a walk as opposed to a jog or run to protect the joints from impact.

 What are "dodgy legs"?

Thanks so much for your help. I shall ensure the last two ribs re-emerge! - I would much rather avoid any medications or supplements.

He has a genetic disorder - luckily not too severe - says my vets ( x2 - got a second opinion). His front legs are shorter then his back - he can't actually do a 'sit' - has to do a sort of sideways sit - bless him. His front legs bend in at the 'knee'. My vets said there is no 'cure' - I just want to make sure he has a good time while he's here. And am looking for ways to slow down / ease any discomfort. He is a lively happy mutt and loves to play and run with his sister - but at night after sleeping  - he's very stiff for a few seconds after getting up.

Is it a form of dwarfism? Sounds like it. His legs certainly don't look as healthy as his sister's. I agree with everyone else. I'd keep his weight down, and keep him on the best food you have access to. I don't know what you have available, there, but if you can get glucosamine, chondriotin, MSM, and gelatin, that is an awesome combo. All are readily available, here, and I keep 2 of my dogs on the first three, and do gelatin for a couple of months on, then a couple of months off. It's good stuff!

If you can get pepptermint oil (not food flavoring -- the essential oil) or eucalyptus -- or honestly most any sort of massage oil they use on arthritic people (White Flower Oil is Chinese, WoodLock oil is Korean -- I'd imagine you have something locally that is similar -- essential oil blend) -- anything that provides heat as a massage oil will reduce inflammation in those back legs and hips.

 KEEP HIM LEAN -- most definitely. 

When Jennie says "gelatin" she means bovine cartilage -- so even chew hooves can be beneficial.

Glucosamine/chondroitin you'd probably need to get off your country's version of e-bay.

The massage can just be done by you -- if you want to email me (click to the right of my name at the top of this post on the word "Contact" and choose email) -- I'll be glad to tell you how to 'find' the place to massage and how to do it.  It's likely going to be the most helpful thing you can do.

tiffy

 What are "dodgy legs"?

He means they are a bit unstable -- not quite normal.

Yes - that's it exactly - Chondrodystrophic dwarfism - to be precise.

Thanks so much for your suggestions - I have done some research and found everything you mentioned (Glucosamine etc) is readily availble here. Any words of caution / advice - e.g. best brands, possible side effects etc?

Okay I went out this morning and  bought the oils you suggested. But how can you teach me to massage via e-mail - I mean should I send a picture of Dtern so you can highlight the key areas for massage?

 Thanks for your help and imput - it's very appreciated.

Oh and I'm a 'she' not a 'he' !

 This disorder affects connective tissue as well as joints, so the MSM is good.  Nupro is a supplement that has MSM, flaxseed, glucosamine, and ester-C, among other things.  Don't know if you can get it there, but it's commercially available on the Internet in quite a few places, so one of them may be willing to ship to you.

Thanks spiritdogs - I'll get onto that tomorrow - it's evening here now. Nupro being the brand name right?