Was going to reply to the earlier thread but the Mods locked it before I got the chance because of comments by one poster.

Why do the Mods do this, surely they should simply remove the post rather than locking the tread, it cannot be that hard. More people (including myself) may have had valuable comments to make.

Anyway, here is my experience.

Early in 2017 our 14 year old cross (probably a bit staffy, a bit wippet and a bit terrier) began having noticeable mobility issues so after a few days of rest with no improvement off to the vets. He did some x-rays and was concerned about what appeared to be an abnormality with her spine and suggested we get an CT or MRI (cannot remember which one) and he recommended a chap about 10 miles from home. Turned into a next morning dash since the chap was off on holiday the following morning and he had one appointment at about 9 am.

He studied the x-ray and based on what he could see he did not want to spend our money on a scan. He and the physio examined the dog and could detect some discomfort and suggested some bloods. Left the dog with them and went to collect her later in the day. What he diagnosed was a liver issue and recommended a change of diet to a liver support one together with same herbal tablets he sold that he had seen good results with.

After a few weeks we went back for him to repeat the tests, levels had improved as had the dogs mobility but it was clear she was still not able to jump into either of our cars (at the time the Leon and Note) so we decided to get a folding ramp.

Searched the interweb and found a company about 15 miles away that did one via e-bay and after a chat they agreed to sell to us in person and save on postage (and probably their fees). When we arrived they knocked some money off for being local, nice people. Like ORB we found that the ramp would not fit into a rear door opening of either car (the Note was better) but the real issue was you needed a space with about a 6 ft gap between cars to insert the ramp. Did not want to put her in the boot, she had never been used to in all those years plus there was a huge risk to the ramp from cars passing behind the car with drivers not observing.

So we gave up on that one and for the next 2 1/2 years (we finally had to loose her in August 2019 at the age of 16 years and 8 months) we lifted her in and out and whilst initially she gave us a certain look after a short while she simply accepted it. Her liver levels remained constant on the diet and tablets but by mid summer 2019 it was clear the end was approaching. She was loosing weight and muscle and it was clear she no longer enjoyed her walks. Eventually she pretty much stopped eating and we knew it was time.

The ramp did get some use, with no passing cars it was perfect in the lounge for her the get on the sofa.