We have a beautiful irish r&w. She is a family pet, 5 years old in December and spayed. She has developed a limp, which the vet believes may be arthritis. Although on a very light diet, she has put on lots of weight since spaying (our other dog - black lab - is also spayed, on same diet,but slim).

Has anyone had any similar experiences?

Any suggestions?

Many thanks

Huw, Newcastle upon Tyne

Sorry to hear about your dog, arthritis can be caused by almost as may things as there are dogs suffering from it. One of the common reasons is repaired damage at the site of an injury or operation. When I was looking into the cause of early onset arthritis in a castrate dog I owned it was suggested to me by several qualified people that the early castration (13months) may have effected the bone growth and that it was considered that may cause joint problems later in life. The only sure way to know is to x-ray and see if there is deposits in the joint, there is good medication available and most work well. Hope you get to the bottom of her pain soon and are able to treat is satisfactorily.

Hi Huw

I dont want to worry you as your dog may just have artheritis BUT I also own red and whites  and our first bitch unfortantly started off with a limp with was thought to be artheritus.  Unfortantly within two week she could hardly use her back legs and we never found out what the problem is.  I don't want to worry you in anyway but if she does get considubly worse then maybe it is what our red and white bitch had.

I would like to stress that it is highly still only artheritus and I hope you and your red and white live together for many years.

Rox