I can't find it but there is a supplement for older dogs I thought was called RA57 or similar and for the life of me I can't remember what it is called I can picture the packet in my head, typical, but it is for old arthritic dogs and has oils etc in it which may be worth considering, if anyone else can remember what it's called!
Becky

Thanks Suze. He's had the fatty lumps for years....they are just going mad at the moment, they are everywhere.
The vet said his arthritis is only 'mild' and that he feels there is something neurological going on...but the last time we visited the neuro symptoms had eased, which was why he was pleased with him, I think they have crept back again.
He has been on allsorts...cod liver oil, synflex...you name it...no joy.
The metacam worked for a month or so...the rimadyl...well aboout 3 weeks the way it's going....
Thanks for that I shall go and have a look!

Thanks Carole.
Thanks Becky...I've no idea what it is though!!

Sorry to hear Biff is feeling rough A.

I think the weather will be playing a big part here - my old girl Sacha has had some off days too this part couple of weeks - and I think she has 'aged' vastly this year too - she will be 13 next March.

Got all worried when she didn't eat two meals - worried mummy kicked in - then next minute she is trying to eat hers and Max's tea! And running on a walk!

Winter is not a good time for the older doggies.

I am even thinking of getting Sacha a wee coat to keep her warm and dry on walks now.

ok soudns stupid - - but can you use certain horse prodducts (obviously a lesser dose) on dogs??

thers a product i know thats is amazingly affective on horses...??

Aww, A, I know EXACTLY how you feel - you could be talking about Kip with nearly everything you say (except I suppose Kip's been getting old more gradually than Biff).

Kip has hardly cocked his leg to pee for a couple of years - he goes like a puppy & often walks just as you describe - on bad days I only take him for walks on grass because I'm worried about him scraping his nails/toes on hard ground.

I must admit, the vet has never suggested neuro problems for Kip - its all to do with his arthritis in his hips & muscle wastage.

Muscle wastage is one of the reasons that I still take him on reasonable length walks (though I would never force him if he didn't want to go) because I just feel that if he doesn't keep moving & using his muscles, his back legs will just totally fail.

He was at hydrotherapy last week - which alwasys seems to make a big difference to him, but even so, I must admit there are days when he's asleep and I find myself checking to make sure he is still breathing.

Over the past month or so I have wondered about his quality of life - I don't want to be one of those people who keeps their dog going just because they can't bear to part with them. In addition to his leg problems he's nearly deaf and going blind. But - he still seems to be enjoying life.

He's always ready for a walk (apart from the 'round the block short one which sometimes he finds too boring!) and still loves to play.

As long as they are still enjoying life (even though at a slower pace) I think we have to accept they are getting older and try not to be too sad about the things they used to be able to do but can't anymore, but it isn't easy.

(((hugs)))

Big hugs Ramble to you and Biff

My old girl got like this ,I bought her a really snuggly dog coat to wear out on walks and that seemed to help the stiffness, and at night I put a blanket over the top of her to keep a chill off her back, she develped fatty lumps, went deaf but plodded along for a few years, she just suddenly grew old, and it took me awhile to adjust to it I ended up cutting back on her walks to one short one a day, and she slept most of the time,get up have a stretch and go back to bed
It did take me some time to get used to seeing her slow down, but I know she was happy, just an old lady

Love to Biff xxxxx

Found it! It's Vitapet RA supplement! http://www.hubintsecured.co.uk/acata...Additives.html
Dah Daaaa! It's down at the bottom by the way!
Becky

Thanks Rachel.
I think you're right and it is partly the weather.Bless him he can't walk far nowadays without being really sore the following day we have to be so careful with him and just take each day as it comes...today he was only out for 10 minutes and given the way he's moaning everytime he moves in his sleep, I'm guessing he won't be out again or he'll be even worse tomorrow. The vet has banned him from free runs as he doesn't want him to injure himself...Biff is a nutter and that can kick in at any moment regardless of how much he is hurting! :smt001

I love old dogs so much but they are such a worry...I guess I'm also concerned about how fast these lumps seem to be growing...why would they suddnely increase in size and number...of course the worry is that it is a lipoma causing the neuro symptoms...and if that is also growing.
Sigh.

(We checked with the vet about you know who though and he said it was actually a great idea! :smt002 )

(((Hugs))) for you and Biff I hope he feels better soon.xx