We have a 11 year old german sheppard and it has reach that point in its' life where health problems are a concern. At this point he has a disc problem in his back, hip problems and rear leg weakness, and as of the last day or so he can only drag around his rear end. It is hard to deal with and guiding our kids through whats happening to our dog, never mind what's going on through my mind, is challenging.
Has anybody got any advise on how to deal with this kind of situation? Thanks in advance for any help.
I know where you are coming from Kevin.
You may eventually have to make some tough choices, but then I know you know that.
The average life span for larger dogs is slightly over 12 years. So, the old fellow is in the range.
But! if his disk problems are caused by over weight, if you can reduce it then may improve. However, if the problem is due to
Degenerative joint disease (DJD), then you are in a bit of a pickle, with the exception of Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate which may help, or at least there is a 'slight bit' of evidence they do in humans and on that level should help dogs among other things.
There is no denying it, things like this are rough because an animal that lives that long become part of the family
A Vet should have a good idea and recommendations. There may be something you can do, although at that age I would think the options are limited. But who knows.
If worse come to worse and the recommendation is to OD him on Sodium Pentatholl, then you have tried and should not feel guilty.
As for kids, I find they are more cognitive that you think. A simple consice
truthful explanation, then let them digest it.
I think they understand such things 'in their own way'.
I certainly hope things works out favorably for you guys and the dog.
I agree with what Ron said , you are going to have to make a hard decision soon. German Shepards are known to have this problem when they get older , I have not had a shepard , but I know a few people who have. I made the mistake once when I had a Golden retriever that was old , I didn't want to had the "deed" done , I was awaken by my son one night about 3:00 am , the dog was having a stroke. I still feel abit guilty to this day , that was about 8 years ago. Talk to your kids and explain as best as possible , it is better they don't see it suffer , and best for your dog.
It's a hard decision ,...good luck. Do what you feel is best.
Thanks for the advice guys, the dog has become a part of family and it's the only pet our kids have ever known, so whenever the 'deed' has to be done it'll have to be done with the kids out of the house. When the time comes, I am not sure if I will tell them we had it put down, I'll probably just tell them it was time for him to go and that it's in a better place, something comforting anyways.
We have a good vet and currently have the dog on pain killers and greatly reduced activity. We are going to give it a chance to come around and regain mobility, but if that can't happen in the next while then the tough choice will have to be made.
I had a German Shepherd for several years when I lived in England. I took him when he was ten years old, from a landlord of a pub. He couldn`t care for him anymore so me being the big softy and having an affection for German Shepherds, he came home with me.
He was good for a few years but then started having problems with his back legs. These gradually got worse even after several very expensive visits to the vet. He was diagnosed as having acute artheritis(sp?). After some soul searching I decided the best option would be to have him put to sleep. I couldn`t be selfish and keep the old dog around while he struggles on in life. He couldn`t be helped and when it got to the point I was having to carry him a lot of the time, that was the last straw.
I`ve lost relatives and family. Losing the old dog was one of the hardest things I ever experienced, especially as I took him to the vet knowing I won`t be bringing him home. I still have many photos of "Karl", he was an awesome dog and a great friend.
I won`t have a dog any more. Not because I don`t want one, I just couldn`t take the pain of going through trips to the vet again.
What`s his name Kev?
Do you have a medical plan for your pet(s)? Those visits to the vet can really rack up the dollars, might be an idea to subscribe to one if you anticipate many more visits.
I`ve lost relatives,. Losing the old dog was one of the hardest things I ever experienced, especially as I took him to the vet knowing I won`t be bringing him home. I still have many photos of "Karl", he was an awesome dog and a great friend.
Yes , I know how you feel ( on what I quoted you ) , I have been there also. I still have a pic of one of my pets (dog) on my dresser , but I will always have a dog. They do become a part of the family.
What`s his name Kev?
Do you have a medical plan for your pet(s)? Those visits to the vet can really rack up the dollars, might be an idea to subscribe to one if you anticipate many more visits.
The old guys name is 'Milo' and he lives outdoors in our backyard, he won't stay in the house the crazy guy. He'll come in for a quick look and then he is right out the door again! What can you do, I guess he is just an all-weather dog.
We recently looked into pet medical plans but most of them require no pre-existing medical conditions. Oh well, to late for that.
Milo has been diagnosed with arthritis, pain paresis (a slow paralysis) and possible disc disease (we'd know for sure if we had him x-ray'd). He also has a tense abdomin from excess panting due to general discomfort from all his problems. I tried picking him up last week to take him to the vet but he just yelped and yelped, so we had to call in the vet to do a house call, which was a real process, finding a vet to do a house call was hard to do, 9 out of 10 vets don't seem to want to leave thier practices. 
Thanks for all your valued support, but sadly we had the old guy put to sleep after a tumultuous couple of weeks trying to rehab him. The main problem with Milo was his spine, the vet figures it may have been fractured from a bone disease or cancer of some kind. No matter what we tried, anti-inflamitories, pain killers etc his discomfort right in the middle of his spin was serious and untreatable. Since he became dissabilitated, other problems started and things just continued to go downhill instead if improve. It was heart wrenching to say the least to see him go.
Sorry for your loss Kev. :(
I am so sorry. I know what it's like Kevin.