Matt and I did some research online and determined that she probably had hip dysplasia. It is common in big dogs, and even specifically in catahoulas. We talked to the vet, and since the medicines hadn't helped, he wanted to schedule x-rays to look for hip dysplasia. Unfortunately, we were right. I thought she was too young to have it already (she's not quite 4 yet), but the vet said that is usually when the symptoms start showing. It's just a genetic condition, and there really isn't much to do for it. There is surgery, which the vet said would cost thousands of dollars and he wasn't even sure that was the best option for her, or trying to manage the pain with medicine, healthy diet, and regular (but light) exercise. We found some medicine that worked pretty well for a while, but she still seems to be getting worse. The vet said it varies with every dog... some can live comfortably for years and years, and in some, it progresses very quickly.
As you can imagine, she is spoiled rotten now (even more than before!). It is dark, but I caught this picture of Matt loving on her after our vet visit.
It's a tough situation. It is hard to have to be the one to judge her quality of life. Some days she seems perfectly happy, and others she seems miserable. Matt and I are doing our best to take good care of her and to try to be aware of her pain and how much it is hurting her.
This is SAD, certainly, but it DOES make us laugh to watch her mope around, grunting with every step, then JUMP UP, TURN CIRCLES, and RUN TO THE DOOR when you ask her if she wants to go for a walk. :)
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