Can't believe it but Copper is 9 now.  5 years gone in a flash.  Just lately over the last few months he's had what I would call "a bad leg".  It's one of his front legs and he hops and limps and all the rest of it.  I've had him to the vet, who can find nothing and we've had him on anti-inflammatory tabs etc - none of which really worked.  This isn't all the time.  First thing in the morning when he gets up he limps a bit and if he's been napping around the house, when he gets up he's limping again.  Usually when we go on a walk he's fine and his walking is normal.

I've had him on these pedigree joint care chews (quite expensive) but honestly, I've seen no change.  He's always been desperate to go walkies but today we got him ready and he just refused to go.  Point blank no way - and that is a first believe me in all the years I've had him.  Fair do's it was hoofing it down with rain but that doesn't usually bother him. 

So is he getting old then?  Is he just choosing to spend more time in his bed and less time pounding the streets.  And is the bad leg just a part of getting on a bit?  Are border terriers susceptible to stiff legs?  I honestly thought an old dog was 12 or over and small dogs fair better than big ones.  Comments welcome :)

CG

I doubt it's just a Border thing (nearly 6) although mine has a leg/shoulder problem that comes and goes.
Originally he hurt his shoulder, about 18 months ago through jumping and landing too heavily (I think that's what he did - and still does !).
It was bad for a while and an xray showed that it was just muscular.
Anyway, with rest it went but as soon as we increased his exercise it returned. It really was rest, rest and more rest that finally got rid of it but it did take about four months.
When he was on the mend I took him for some hydrotherapy sessions to build his muscles up again before he was allowed to run about as he had in the past - they helped him so much.
He still has odd days when he limps - but show him a tennis ball and it suddenly disappears !. Again, I rest him and if it seems bad just two or three hydrotherapy sessions help.
I prefer spending money on the swimming rather than anti-inflammatories and he loves it. Means he gets exercise without causing more damage.
Might be worth asking your vet what he/she thinks.
Good luck !.

Check his claws.  My old girls grow sooooo quickly and now and again one gets twisted over the other and she starts limping.  Just thought I'd advise because it could be something as simple as this.

Thanks perro - he does have a funny dew claw that grows mega long very quickly, just checked it and it's not quite on the ground but need to get it done.  His other claws are OK though as he does walk a lot on pavements and they keep worn down.  It's more of a top of the leg thing I think with him.

CG

He he he he, arched I had to laugh here.  Getting wet is not one of Cops' favourite pastimes :)  However, if the vet recommends it then I would try it if it would benefit him.  Not really sure he'd go for it mind you.  I have had my suspicions that he does swing the lead a bit.  If he desperately wants a bonio he will sit at the cupboard door with his paw up looking all pathetic.  But joking apart, I will mention it again to the vet as she did talk about a muscular thing.  I agree I am not keen on spending too much on tablets.  He's not ill as such, I just don't want him to get too much worse.

CG