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wobbly
Aug 20, 2015 5:13:02 GMT 10
via mobile
Post by worried on Aug 20, 2015 5:13:02 GMT 10
My greyhound a 6 year old male suddenly started wobbling and stumbling when walking and is dragging one of his rear feet toes down, he can right this but I am very concerned. My vet gave anti inflammatory and analgesic medication but I'm not sure what it could be... He was fine but then last night he started displaying all these symptoms
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wobbly
Aug 20, 2015 6:26:40 GMT 10
Post by Tom Meulman on Aug 20, 2015 6:26:40 GMT 10
Hi worried,
I'm sorry but loss of hind limb coordination is a sign of severe problems in the spine that affect the nerves to the hind legs to the extent that the dog is unable to lift the legs comfortably and as is happening with your boy the toes knuckle over and drag on the ground.
The cause is not good news as in some instances it involves a disease called Degenerative Myelopathy which is a disease that slowly destroys the nerves of the spine. Or it may involve a tumor growing in the spine that is placing pressure on the nerves that control the hind legs.
Unfortunately there is no cure for either disease, and while Cortisone injections over a period of several weeks can sometimes slow the progress for a few months, in the long term the result is the loss of the use of the hind legs that progresses to a loss of bladder control.
While you have to be guided by your vet in this, personally I have found that spinal surgery in an attempt to solve some problems in regard to tumor removal simply did not have a good long term outcome.
Often the only solution is the one that is hardest on you but kindest to your mate.
You have my sincere sympathy as there are some difficult times ahead.
Cheers, Tom
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wobbly
Aug 21, 2015 3:01:04 GMT 10
via mobile
Post by worried on Aug 21, 2015 3:01:04 GMT 10
My vet didn't mention either...should I get a 2nd opinion?
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wobbly
Aug 21, 2015 5:11:18 GMT 10
Post by Tom Meulman on Aug 21, 2015 5:11:18 GMT 10
My vet didn't mention either...should I get a 2nd opinion? That really depends on whether or not you believe your current vet is providing your dog with treatment that is improving the condition of the dog. However I would certainly be asking the vet what he/she believes the cause of the dogs illness is, and is the treatment being used going to fix that illness? Only then can you decide if further advice should be sought or not. Cheers, Tom
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wobbly
Aug 16, 2018 5:47:15 GMT 10
Post by SamWithGreyhound on Aug 16, 2018 5:47:15 GMT 10
How can you diagnose this problem? Can you tell by x-rays?
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wobbly
Aug 17, 2018 4:48:32 GMT 10
Post by Tom Meulman on Aug 17, 2018 4:48:32 GMT 10
How can you diagnose this problem? Can you tell by x-rays? Hi Sam, Yes in most instances degenerative problems in the spine will show up on correctly taken X-rays. Cheers, Tom
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