I got a dog from the SPCA back in June. She is a Treeing Walker Coonhound, anywhere between 3-7 years old (her teeth are worn in the front yet she has learned well; one vet said three, one said 5-7 but could be off.) When I got her she was a stray and still nursing.

The vet and I both agree she was used for excessive breeding and probably lived in a cage. My concern is that I believe her calcium may have been depleted and she is showing signs of arthritis in her hips. She will go for her daily walks and run at the park, but lately she hesitates at stairs and now needs me to lift her into the car. She can still jump on the bed fine as far as I see. I am just noticing the hesitation at stairs and the car. She seems more tired/lazier after her daily walk.

My first impression is that she is showing the signs of arthritis. I am taking her to the vet but I am sure they will concur. I am not only an RN myself, but I have rheumatoid arthritis myself.

Any insight from the PROS here? Thanks.

Gilly on the stair lift

The funniest part of the film by far!!!!

My nan has trouble using stairs so she had a stair lift installed and I had a go, They are so much fun

lol