To get a few things out of the way first:
This is a beloved, wonderful 15 year old 75 pound lab mix. Yes, I know we’re close to the end of our time with him. Yes, I am monitoring other quality of life indicators as best I can. (“best I can” because he’s very stoic). I would just like his remaining time with us to as comfortable and pain free as possible.
He did a course of Adequan last year, along with a course of antibiotics for tick borne disease. Because he did have an acute episode of erlichiosis some years ago, he’s tested anytime he goes to the vet and if he’s not feeling 100% the course of doxycycline is an easy choice to make.
He takes two carprofen tablets a day. He had been on 1 a day, and because family with kids visited in April, I increased it to two and he suddenly was a much happier dog. (I feel guilty for not figuring this out sooner, but he is very stoic.) I am starting another course of Adequan this week.
He is overall a creaky arthritic old guy, but seems to have a particular problem in his LF shoulder. Has anyone here done joint injections in dogs? Was it helpful? Are there any other arthritis treatments you have found helpful in older large breed dogs?
He still (slowly) goes on the morning run with the young dog. He still pay wrestles/plays bitey face with the young dog. He sauntered down to the pond this hot afternoon on his own initiative to lay in the water. He still manages stairs, though he prefers not to. He still mugs for scratches and treats. But his age is clearly catching up to him, and if there’s anything I can do to make him more comfortable, I’d like to give it a try.