Rear leg weakness in dogs

[catzmom7]

I just can't figure this out. Bear went outside for his potty break, happy and fine, and when I went out to get him, he was dragging himself up the sidewalk, looking scared, and totally unable to use his back legs. He has been to the vet twice in 2 days, and all they can determine without a $3000 MRI is that he has nerve damage in his back legs, and may or may not regain use of it. Huge help.

Has anyone been through this? And does anyone know where I can get a smoking' deal on a dog wheelchair?

Thanks

Dee

[retiredhappy]

Poor baby. Could he have gotten hit by a car? Please keep us posted on his condition.

[catzmom7]

No, he is mostly an indoor dog. He has a safe fenced yard where he spends a little time outside, does his thing, and let's me know when he is ready to come in. I went out to check on him, and he was crawling up the sidewalk. He had been fine 5 minutes before. He has arthritis, but it would not have gotten this bad this fast, and he is on med for it anyway. My vet has him on painkillers and we are trying prednisone. He is so sad, he just can't understand why he can't stand up. Vet says there are clear signs of nerve damage. It seems to be a percentage game whether his body will be able to overcome it.

[monik7]

My dog Krissi (will be 15 April 30) has had a periodic back problem, usually caused by jumping off the couch or just moving the wrong way. The last time they said a disc may have pressed on the nerves. She was having trouble with her back legs especially when trying to support herself to go potty or to go up or down the stairs. They gave her a pain shot in her back and told me to keep her off her off her feet for at least 2 weeks in hopes the nerves would repair themselves. She insists on taking a walk everyday with my other dog and I carried her for 2 weeks (weighs 16 lbs.) to let her get out but not walk. I ordered a stroller for her and the very day it was delivered, she had recovered. So you should try to keep your dog from causing anymore damage. You can roll up a thin towel and then slip it under him in front of his back legs. That way you can hold the ends to lift up his back half. The main thing is to prevent further damage and allow healing. Good luck and will send prayers your way.
Sandi

[sharon]

Just a thought...if he jumped or ran wrong he could have put his back out....maybe a doggy chiropractor? They're out there, but hard to find. We had to have a Bassett Hound's back adjusted every once in a while when he would put it out. Same thing, he couldn't use his back legs.

[catzmom7]

Thanks for the suggestions. I googled and found a chiropractor, as well as an acupuncturist. I am so worried about him. He weighs 60 pounds, and I am a single mom, so picking him up to get out for potty breaks is a real challenge. I'm afraid I am going to drop the towel sling and cause even more damage.

Does at-home massage help? Has anyone tried that?

[Redetotry]

Do try the chiropractor, acupuncture or acupressure it sounds like something slipped out of place. I've had dogs do this and our vet was able to manipulate it back into place. Hope all is better soon, it is hard caring for a heavy dog alone.(((Hugs)))

[WickedLady]

Any way you could apply moist heat to his back? Like a Thermophore heating pad? When I hurt my back that was part of the therapy.

[catzmom7]

That's a great idea! I can do that, he is super mellow and sweet. Thanks!

[Azusateach]

Jed almost lost his back legs, due to possible herniated discs in his neck. The MRI was the only way to tell, and the cost was prohibitive, but the vet/neurologist gave him massive doses of prednisone and basically confined him to his kennel for a month. For him, the key was keeping him quiet and letting the steroids and mother nature work their magic.

He's okay today, but still has some weakness in his back end. I can see it when he climbs the stairs and when he's walked for a while, as he scuffs his back left foot a bit. Not much, but I know.

I'm no vet, and don't know where you're located, but if you can find a specialist that might be a good idea. But keeping your pooch as quiet as possible for a good, long time might help. Time is key, both in getting a diagnosis and in healing, if it's a disc or something like that.

Good luck.

[catzmom7]

That is what my vet is trying. Prednosone, and rest. they wanted $3,000.00 for an MRI. I cannot afford that! I have also contacted a lady here that does acupuncture.

I am glad that your dog is better. I hope it works on my dog too. I am so worried.

Thanks

Dee

[MandysMom]

I wonder if there is a rescue organization or no kill shelter or someone who You could call and tell your circumstances and ask if anyone can do an MRI cheaper or like a scholarship or similar. Maybe a animal chiropractor might know. Or a pet massage or therapist. I hope you can find a way to comfort Bear. I will keep you both in my prayers. Did you vet say whether heat or ice pack might help?
Velda

[catzmom7]

The vet did not mention either ice or hot packs. I have a warm pack on his back now. He is passed out cold, so he must not mind it.

I have messages in now to 2 acupuncturists. I'd like to get their take on things. Hopefully one or both will get back to me tomorrow.

Thanks you for any prayers, or good vibes, you send to my sweet Bear. He is a friend to all, loved dogs, cats, kids - everyone! A more gentle dog, I have never seen.

[avalen]

I don't have any suggestions as I've never been through this with a dog yet but I've added Bear and you to my prayer list.

[Joan]

Unfortunately, Bailey is beginning to have back problems. He has degenerative disc disease. They diagnosed this with an X-ray. The vet gave me an anti inflammatory. I give him this once a day until he is back to his old self. So far this has worked. He is on restricted activity when this happens. First time he had an issue, he couldn't raise his behind.