Power losss in back legs
We have a 3.5 year old bitch who is losing the power in her back legs. Vet suggests it's probably arthritis, but she shows no sign of having any pain. She can still do most things (run, jump, play etc.) and people don't notice any problem with her, but we are noticing a gradual deterioration in her strength because we know how she used to be and also have her litter sister so can compare the two. Any advice or thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Kay & Bob |
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| Has she had Xrays that show arthritis or hip dysplasia or other structural issues? 3.5 years is awfully young for arthritis if there are no underlying issues. |
| No X-rays yet. Vet prescribed pain killers to see if they make a difference, though we doon't really expect them to.
I should also add that we had both dogs clipped very close recently (as we do about 3 times a year) and noticed that she looked much thinner and less muscular on her back legs then she used to!  |
| Hate doing this as a "guest", but am having problems registering for the forum.
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| She's as active as before? Has she lost any weight that might account for the loss of muscle too?
Quote: Vet suggests it's probably arthritis,
I'd get the x-rays done to see if arthritis or joint problems shows up in the hips... maybe they can get the spine at the same time. When she walks, can you hear or see any shuffling or dragging of the feet? |
| Yes, just as active, but a bit slower and gets knocked over far more easily than she used to when she plays with her sister. Also, when she tries to get under the lower bar or wire on a fence, she seems to get her head and shoulders under OK, but struggles to push her back end under and up on the other side. |
| Don't play the pill game, get xrays or referral to an orthopedic vet for an evaluation. It could be hip dysplasia, spinal stenosis or things I've never heard of. She's too young to be this weak which makes me think HD.
Knowing is the first step in appropriate treatment, not splatter pills and hope something works. |
| Agree with Sheepieboss dont muck around with pills, have her x-rayed. At 3 1/2 I would think definately nothing to do with arthritis either a HD problem, spinal, or even things like a slight tear in a cruciate lots of things that should be investigated as to why she is this way not just masking it with pills. An x-ray is definately needed and maybe even a referall to a more specialised vet to see what is going on. |
| We have a four year old male and he had the same symptoms. His problem was with his joints. The vet suggested cortizone shots. Then I read an article about Sea Jerky. The main ingredient is Sea Cucumber. It also has Glucosamine. We have had him on it for six months now and he is a whole new dog. He is running and jumping again and playing like a puppy. We noticed results after only two weeks. It is relatively inexpensive and he loves the way it tastes. |
| Also have your vet check to see if he's losing muscle mass. I thought of this when you mentioned after cliipping you noticed he was much thinner looking. |
| The pain meds your gal is on may mask symptoms and
make her think she can do more than she should be doing. This could lead to further injury of whatever is going on. Personally, I would restrict her activity, if she is not in pain no need for pain meds until you see what is really going on. Just my personal thought! Good Luck |
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