Arthritis is Jaw

[FlynnsMum]

After years of wondering what is happening with our 8 year old boxer (had posted on here about it beginning of the year as we needed answers)
I was lucky enough to get a Vet who would not give in till he found out why our Flynn - Dribbled heaps (to the point it came out of his nose) losing wieght (majorly he is so skinny its embarrasing and scary) eating messy and gagging on large food bits.... - he has ARTRITIS IN HIS JAW he can only open it no more than an inch.
He manages to eat small dog buscuits and canned dog food - can drink but drinks for long periods (we have started using a drink bottle with him to help)
Our problem now is that if hes eating food (Proformance Dog buscuits) why is he still very skinny and sleeps alot more than he is awake?
Our vet did say we would have to make the decision soon to be cruel to be kind - as one day he will go to eat but can't - he has just learnt how to eat with his jaw the way it is.
I know there is not fix (its fused shut to that point) but is weight loss part of it?

I don't want to say goodbye as most of the time he seems happy and not in pain. I just don';t know when to say goodbye :-(

I just would like to know if any other boxer owners/parents have had this happen to their boxer?

 

[Gatorblu]

Are you giving anything to help with the pain or swelling associated with arthritis? My boy as it in his shoulders. We supplement fish oil and vitamin e which has helped quite a bit. On the days where he is really painful I give him tramadol.

 

[FlynnsMum]

we discussed with the vet about pain relief and as he doesn't seem to be in pain we have not put him on it - he has learnt to eat like it is by lifting his head to help it go down.

The weightloss is what makes us worry but he always eats his food and he is on performance busciuts for working dogs (expensive type) and this should make him bulk up - it doesn't. He seems to poo and wee normally . The other day someone was around and told us we needed to feed our dog he looks like a greyhound not a boxer - sadly it is true but we have fed him and give him the best.