Advice please

geordieh

Well-Known Member
9 year old lab bitch very fit not overweight upto now has not shown any joint problems whatsoever, last night brought her into the house and I stood on her toe she yelped and limped into the house by the time she got to the house she could not put any weight on front left leg and she was collapsing right down to her shoulders today she cannot stand up at all on any of her legs back legs gone aswell.Called out the emergency vet, checked pulse breathing temperature all ok.No lumps discharges.Eyes ok sense of smell and hearing ok.Eat her grub and had water ok.Put her on the floor next to her bed and told her to get in and she had to roll in.Vet says if she is the same tomorrow get her back in and they will do bloods.Anybody got any idea what could be wrong
 
9 year old lab bitch very fit not overweight upto now has not shown any joint problems whatsoever, last night brought her into the house and I stood on her toe she yelped and limped into the house by the time she got to the house she could not put any weight on front left leg and she was collapsing right down to her shoulders today she cannot stand up at all on any of her legs back legs gone aswell.Called out the emergency vet, checked pulse breathing temperature all ok.No lumps discharges.Eyes ok sense of smell and hearing ok.Eat her grub and had water ok.Put her on the floor next to her bed and told her to get in and she had to roll in.Vet says if she is the same tomorrow get her back in and they will do bloods.Anybody got any idea what could be wrong

Just a thought, she's not been on any blackthorn hedge cuttings has she? Reason I ask is that one of mine had a blackthorn between her pads on diagonal feet which made her twist her body in a peculiar way.

Hope you soon get her sorted.

ATB WB
 
could it be some sort of nerve damage or even a trapped nerve . try a bit of massage and heat on the the foot you stood on . hope she is ok for you
 
Im no vet but this is my thought..the dog was ok before you stood on the foot..so this makes me think the dog has got a massive shock and the muscles have went ito spasms..a bit like us when we put our back out...maybe ask the vet his or her thoughts on this...as said before try hot and cold to draw out the toxins in the muscles....im not sure what else it could be....
 
Without wishing to be worry you, I'd be concerned about a spinal problem. Not being able to stand is not something I can see following having a toe stood on - unless there has been some spinal damage first to cause a lameness. She need checking out tomorrow. Even if standing and seems OK. Good luck
 
Im no vet but this is my thought..the dog was ok before you stood on the foot..so this makes me think the dog has got a massive shock and the muscles have went ito spasms..a bit like us when we put our back out...maybe ask the vet his or her thoughts on this...as said before try hot and cold to draw out the toxins in the muscles....im not sure what else it could be....
Actually this was what I was thinking, it has happened to me in the past.
 
Been back to the vet and they haven't a clue what is wrong with her, had bloods done, a scan,she is in no pain just can't use her legs still eating and drinking like a Labrador.They have said they can try random tests with no guarantee of any positive results.Or bring her home and see if she improves,or they can euthanize her.So I will bring her home and give her a few days and see if there is any improvement she has been a good dog so I will give her a fighting chance

Geordie
 
a google response

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD, herniated disc).
This happens when the material in the discs between the boney vertebrae in the back ruptures out and presses on the spinal cord. There is a lot of internal swelling when this occurs, leading to pain and decreased nerve function. This can happen in conjunction with arthritis of the vertebrae, because that causes decreased flexibility between the vertebrae.
Basically, the vertebrae are bones that protect the spinal cord which runs through a hole in the vertebrae. Each vertebrae has a little "shock absorber" between it and the next vertebrae, called a disc. The disc it a lot like a jelly donut! It has a fibrous part (the bread of the donut) and then a squishy substance in the middle (the jelly). In SOME dogs, this jelly in the middle becomes chalky and hard as they age. Dachshunds and other small dogs are prone to this. So, when the back flexes and extends, instead of the jelly compressing and expanding, this chalky substance gets squeezed - and it does not compress, but instead it extrudes out and you thus get a herniated disc.
It comes on very suddenly, just as you are describing.
In order to confirm this suspicion, your dog should go see his veterinarian promptly. If he has ruptured a disc, the sooner treatment is begun, the better the prognosis. I recommend that you either take him immediately to an emergency veterinary hospital NOW or be on your vet's doorstep when they open this morning! Do not wait for an appointment time later today - this is an EMERGENCY!
Treatment for IVDD often involves anti-inflammatories, pain killers and/or steroids. The goal is to decrease the swelling which in turn decreases the pain and improves nerve function. Sometimes, however, they are not enough. In these situations, surgery can be done to go in and remove the disc material that is pressing on the spine. This is called "decompression" surgery.
In order to determine what is appropriate treatment for your dog, a veterinarian needs to perform a very thorough neurological examination. The vet looks for neurological deficits such as a delay in turning the back foot over if it is turned so the top of the foot is on the ground instead of the pads, while the dog is in a standing position. The vet also looks for "purposeful movement" which is a stepping motion of the hind legs when the vet supports the dog's weight so the legs can swing freely. There are a number of other neurological tests the vet does to test reflexes. Also, the vet manipulates each vertebrae in a way to find where there may be pain.
Often, if a painful area is located, the vet will recommend x-rays to look for a compression between the vertebrae. This confirms the diagnosis.
The prognosis for each patient depends on the symptoms, the results of the neurological examination, how long the problem has been present, and how the dog responds to treatment.
 
Tried all that had a scan today she has been seen by 5 different vets and none of them know what is wrong with her she is in no pain or is certainly not showing any.When the vet put the back of her foot on the ground she immediately turned it and put her pads to the ground she is staying at the vets for another night on an IV.She is alert and aware of everything going on around her
 
Sounds neurological to me but there are other less common possibilities. I would advise asking for referral to a specialist with a view to a CT or MRI scan being performed. Bear in mind that X-rays and an ultrasound scan are of little value in investigating spinal disease. If all legs appear affected that would suggest a lesion affecting the spine further forward than T3, but a detailed neurological examination would be needed to tie it down more accurately. A sudden onset of signs would suggest intervertebral disc disease, ischaemic myelopathy( such as fibrocartilage nous emboli) trauma(fractured vertebrae sounds unlikely unless a pathological fracture although peripheral nerve injury would be possible but should only affect one leg) neuromuscular disease and metabolic causes of weakness cannot be ruled out but typically have a more insidious onset.
best of luck, hope this helps
 
Hi
Couple of days in the vets on IV still no use of her legs (she is not insured) they have said they will do random tests to see if they can find out what is wrong but going by symptoms and what happened I am going with spinal cord stroke and the prognosis does not look good.As is she has no quality of life I will give her another 24 hours to see if there is an improvement she is eating and drinking and being carried out to go to the toilet and she is not in pain but she has no quality of life at the moment so euthanasia looks on the cards
Geordie
 
Have you tried getting her in a hydro therapy pool. Worked wonders for a friends dog after back surgery.
 
There is a guy near me that is a grey hound osteopath he see loads of dogs that are walking funny and fixes them might be a long way for you but any body with running dogs should know one if you want his number call me 01354 692 036
 
Well she has gradually got worse and weaker and weaker so decided today she has no quality of life she was finding it harder and harder to eat and drink and she woke us up this morning whimpering.So goodbye and thank you old friend
 
Ours lost the use of his back legs, something to do with fibres in the spine the vet said, no cure. had to have him put to sleep on October the 31st, I shall remember that day for the rest of my life, he was my bestest buddy. Passed away in my arms.
Even now it brings tears to my eyes.
 
geordieh,very sorry to hear about your pal.
Remember this though..........


The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close -- we two -- these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

You have done the right thing for your pal Geordie,hard as it is,the right thing.......
 
So sorry to hear this bud
no matter what we say , it will never heal the pain at this time
Paula sends her best wishes aswell..
 
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