I had a GSD with hip dysplasia. She was never able to jump/step across a chair laid sideways across the door; I had to lift her hindquarters for her to get into the car. OTOH, she loved to run and would race (not chase, as she was confined behind a fence) cars in the AM & PM rush hours. We kept her on the light side. She had medication only when she asked for it. At 13 she had a stroke. At 15, we had to finally put her down. The best thing you can do for Rusty is keep his weight down. Then he will find it easier to exercise, which can also help. Good luck. I hope you can enjoy him as long as we enjoyed our Freya.
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