Rex not improving

Resting after 2nd acupuncture session

This is so frustrating. We can't seem to get Rex's leg to improve. He has now been on Rimadyl for one week and completed two acupuncture sessions. It pains me to see him limping so severely and not being able to walk for more than a few minutes. In all other areas he is perfect. Very alert, energetic and have so much willpower to keep going. I'm torn between keep trying and to put him down. I don't see any pain and the vet and the acupuncturist agrees. This is the only reason I keep going. The moment pain enters the picture I know what to do. I will try two more sessions and if that does not show any improvements I will have to make a decision.

Dogs with discipline

I take my dogs with me anywhere since I know they enjoy driving  in my truck. This includes grocery shopping. It has always amazed me how they know to leave the groceries alone. There is meat and all kinds of great smelling foods right there next to them and all they do is sniffing it a few times. I can even leave the truck and nothing has been touched when I come back. Such good boys. They do the same at home. I can leave my plate with food on the dining table and  go somewhere, and the food will be there when I'm back.

Rex moving into 2nd. gear!

This afternoon Rex was unusual peppy and much quicker on his feet. He was almost running. Something is working! I apologize for the shaky video.

Happy birthday my friend! Rex is 12 today.

For the last 8 years Rex has been living and traveling with me and my other Danes. I got him at the age of 4. Rex is a genuine kind dog, incredible balanced and even tempered. I can't remember him ever doing anything wrong. He's just hanging out following me quietly. Such a great dog. 

He is now in is last phase of his long life, struggling with pretty serious join issues. I'm taking it day by day with him now. Watching for pain and signs of discomfort beyond what is good for him. I just do not want him to end his life miserable. So far so good. But, I'm prepared and I do live everyday with him as it could be the last. So, happy birthday buddy, I'm pretty sure we got many more walks together.

Another good day for Rex

Rex had another good walk to today. Close to a mile. His paw is healed and I'll take of the boot tomorrow.

P.S. Somone asked me if that's his ribs showing. No... that's shadows from some bushes. 

Rex made the morning walk again.

Once again Rex championed through our morning walk and made it to the end of the trail. He is definitely walking faster these days.  I guess dogs like humans have good days and not so good days. For me keeping an eye on Rex and adjust to his days is what I have to do.

Booty time

The cold frozen ground is wearing on Rex's dragging leg so I fitted him with a boot.

This boy knows how to get cozy

"There is nothing like coming home from a walk and get under my blankets"

Rex likes to get tucked in under pillows and blankets. When I get it right he lets me know by purring like a cat.

This purring/low grunting noise is also a great indicator on how he feels. One of the favorite things you can do with your dog is to rub their ears. I don't know of any dog that do not like this. When I do this with Rex and if he does not make this purring noise I know something may be wrong. This is how I found out that he had a kidney infection last year, long before I could notice it otherwise.

By living so close to my dogs for so many years I have developed an awareness for the very subtle signs they give.  

Dragging leg

When Rex get tired his rear right leg starts dragging a little. This wears on his toes and nails. Now with the colder weather the ground is harder and the wear on his feet causes one of his nails to bleed. A doggy boot prevent this.

Rex is still not showing any sign of pain. He still walks about a mile on his morning walks. On the 27th he will be 12, such trooper this guy. 

Doing well

It's been a week with no major issues. Rex is actually doing a little better. His energy level is for sure up. I did increase the amount of Green Blend I give him twice a day. I really think this supplement is beneficial to his joints.

Morning walk 11-2-2010

Below is a video from 11-2-2010. Showing Rex walking. He was actually doing pretty good that morning. And this is what makes this last journey with him so hard. He has good days and not so good days. I'm constantly watching out for any sort of pain. I know from past experience with Rex that he's wimp when it comes to pain. He will not move, definitely not walk. So as long as he is walking I know he is not in a lot of pain.

Relaxing after a meal

That was a nice meal.

Rex has this habit of sitting on the couch after a meal. It's on of these rituals Rex has always done. This is the only time he will do this. He sits there for about 5 minutes, watching TV. Then he gets down, turn around and gets up on the couch.

Caring for an old dog

Rex is now 13 and that's pretty old for a Great Dane. I adopted Rex when he was 4 years old. I got him from Midatlantic Great Dane Rescue League. This is a fine organization that has helped thousands of Great Danes find a forever homes.

Rex had issues already at 4. His joints were starting to get affected by arthritis and he walked with stiff front legs. I switched him to a raw food diet the same day I got him. He eat it like he has never had anything else. Within a few weeks I saw great improvement. He gained much needed weight, his coat got shinier and fuller, he muscles become more developed and defined.

Now at 13 he can't run much anymore. His rear legs are weak and he sometimes falls down on his butt and have a hard time getting up. The look he gives me when he this position is priceless. He also sometimes sways back and forth when he walks on uneven terrain. I have him on several supplements that has benefited him greatly. I have listed them all here.

I wish I could ask him if he hurts. I try my best to figure out if he is in pain. I think the supplements are helpful in this area. It's mainly stiffness that slows him down. The vet can't find anything wrong other that the joint issues. His heart is very strong for a Dane his age. All important tests come out 100% OK. His eyesight and hearing is also great. So this old guy is healthy. If I can manage his arthritis he should live happily a few more years. He is such a good dog to have around. Never barks or whines, kind to everyone and very independent. Just a perfect dog to have around.

I had to build a ramp for him to get out of my the truck. I also had to make our morning walks a bit shorter. Camelot ll is so active anyways so he pretty much, by running around, double the distance Rex and I walk.

It's interesting to see how different a 2 year and a 13 year old Great Danes acts and are capable of doing. Camelot's agility makes him capable of jumping over obstacles twice his hight. Camelot is very aware of Rex's limited abilities to play and run and do not ever bother him.

I'm very fortunate to have two such amazing dogs.