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Dog has lost mobility



 
 
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  #1  
Old July 8th 05, 07:10 AM
lounger
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Default Dog has lost mobility

My dog is 14 and has a spinal condition for which she's been on
anti-inflammatories for some time. Suddenly this morning, she really
struggled to stand up and only managed to hobble a few steps before
falling back down. Her legs have been weak for some time, but she's
been mobile and if anything, I felt she was a lot more active than
usual just two days ago. I left her in the care of a friend yesterday
and I suspect she may have overexerted herself in some way, because the
decline was literally overnight.

I took her to the vet, who said that damaged nerve endings on her spine
are causing her to lose control of her legs. He gave a shot of an
anti-inflammatory and switched her to a steroidal medication from
tomorrow, but said that if there's no improvement in a few days, the
condition probably won't improve. Right now, she's quite drowsy...I
offered her some food and she wolfed it down, but she's refused water
all day. She picked up a rawhide treat and has gone to sleep, gripping
it in her mouth.

I'm really struck by how her condition deteriorated from one day to the
next. Is this common? What are the chances that steroids can ameliorate
this condition? I guess I need to prepare to make some decisions, but
it's hard to say she's suffering when she still enjoys eating as much
as she does. How would other people approach this?

AH

  #2  
Old July 8th 05, 12:04 PM
buglady
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"lounger" wrote in message
ups.com...
My dog is 14 and has a spinal condition


said that if there's no improvement in a few days, the
condition probably won't improve. Right now, she's quite drowsy...I
offered her some food and she wolfed it down,


I'm really struck by how her condition deteriorated from one day to the
next. Is this common? What are the chances that steroids can ameliorate
this condition?

.......I don't think anyone can answer this. The only thing to do is to wait
and see. That your pup is eating well is a good sign. Dogs in pain don't
eat much. The steroids are probably driving the appetite.

I guess I need to prepare to make some decisions, but
it's hard to say she's suffering when she still enjoys eating as much
as she does. How would other people approach this?


............Now may be a good time to think about the fact of euthanasia.
Doesn't mean you'll need to go this route, but at least think about it
because you'll most likely have to face that decision at some point. Dogs
can still have a decent life without the use of their back legs. It takes
some work on your part though. You might look at the aids available
mentioned at the Senior Dogs Project: www.srdogs.com

good luck to you and your oldster
buglady
take out the dog before replying



 




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