Canine Wax And Wane Arthritis: Molly’s Arthritis Acting Up? What Would You Do if It Was Your Dog?
If your dog has arthritis, they can have good days and bad days. The amount and type of activity, even the weather can influence how your dog feels. However, things are not always what they seem.
What should you make of it when your dog has some dramatically bad days when they have a hard time getting up?

Molly was an 11-year-old German Shepherd. She did have a history of mobility issues and lameness. Five years ago she was diagnosed with Lyme disease. As far as anybody could tell, she recovered well.
The first symptoms
When Molly’s symptoms returned, Lyme disease was the go-to diagnosis and Molly was put on antibiotics. This time, however, the treatment was not working. Molly was getting weaker and developed anemia as well.
Why was the treatment not working?
Could it be the Lyme disease? Arthritis?
German Shepherds are one of the breeds susceptible to joint issues. For example, German Shepherd dogs have higher odds of hip dysplasia than Dobermans, Labradors, or Rottweilers.
It would not be a surprise if Molly had hip dysplasia. It would not, however, explain the inconsistency in how she felt.
Some days Molly would feel better, some days worse. Much worse.
There were days when she could barely move and wouldn’t eat. She was being treated but to no useful effect.
Eventually, Molly ended up in the emergency hospital after she passed out.
What would you do if Molly was your dog?
What would you make of these symptoms and what steps would you take? Molly was under veterinary care but the treatment was not working.
Read Molly’s story to learn what her diagnosis was.
Related articles:
Is Your Dog’s Arthritis Acting Up? If You Catch Yourself Using These Words, Consider an Abdominal Ultrasound
Further reading:
The Silent Killer