ARTHRITIS

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Gemma has had two operations during the last few months to deal with the effects of arthritis in her two hind legs.

Humans tend to think that this condition is one that only affects them. However, it can strike at us all, no matter how old or young we are. The only difference is that we dogs can't talk, so they can't tell their humans that there is a problem. Instead, we have to trust them to understand the signs of arthritis in dogs: these can include reluctance to use a particular leg, difficulty sitting or standing, sleeping more, seeming to have stiff or sore joints, hesitancy in jumping, running or climbing steps, lack of alertness and a loss of interest in playing.

Ian and Julie took Gemma to the vets as soon as they suspected something was wrong, and an x-ray confirmed arthritis. They were surprised because Gemma is much younger than me but, as I say, this condition does not discriminate on the basis of age. The first operation dealt with the worse leg, and the second was delayed until after we had been to Scratby Seaside, where Gemma joined me in long walks along the beach and even went paddling while I watched from a safe - and dry - distance!