Funny gait and posture
We've talked to our vet and Nancy H. at Minn. Rescue (where he came from). They mentioned arthritis and we just started him on a pill today. Neither of us is really convinced it is arthritis because of the other behaviors. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance. |
|
|
Quote: Sometimes he tries to walk in a squat position (think pooping) for a few steps. What your describing sounds like he's straining or trying to pass something... he's peeing and pooping completely normally? No anal gland problems? Pain can cause a dog to stare off into space... not settling can be a sign too. Seizure activity can also cause the staring off into space. Has the vet seen Ralph and provided a thorough examination or did you just talk on the phone? Thinking he needs to be seen. If you can, video what Ralph is doing and take it along... it may help the vet also see exactly what's going on. Please keep us posted? Hoping Ralph is ok  |
| Usually arthritis doesn't come on as acutely as you are describing, unless he somehow irritated it. What kind of "pill" is he on? Some kind of anti-inflammatory? If so, you should be seeing some kind of relief. In my own opinion, it almost sounds as though he has a pinched nerve, or something else going on with the spine with what you are describing being all hunched over and the phantom bug reaction. Did your vet suggest xrays of the spine or hips? At the very least, they will show any arthritis progression... |
| Ralph was in about 4-6 weeks ago for a similar walking problem. She did a very throrough exam of his hips then, so when we called today she wanted to try the pill (it begins with an "n" - we can't get it out because it is in his treat cabinet) before doing the x-rays. I can get the name when he goes to bed. He's doing fine with peeing and pooping. He also just got back from a bath and haircut that includes having his anal glands expressed. The vet wants to try the pill for a few days to see if that helps with any pain he might be feeling. |
| Could they have shaved him too short on the butt area or irritated his anal glands? If a dog is clipped too short or irritated during grooming in the butt area, the dog will act strangely due to the irritation. Did the behavior go away and then come back? Was he groomed around the last time he was at the vet 4-6 weeks ago? Maybe not the cause... just thinking out loud... |
| Ralph is taking Norocarp, 1/2 pill twice a day. I don't remember if he'd been to the groomer last time or not, but it doesn't look like he's cut any shorter than usual. He's continued to do the "c" shape since we took him in last time. It is just suddenly much worse. He's jumping up and down on the bed without any visible problems. |
| The Norocarp should give him some relief, if it is arthritis. If you just got him back from the groomers, maybe he pulled a muscle or something when they were lifting him into bath or on table. Wish they could talk. Our girl had spinal arthritis, but no arthritis in her hips, and she got a little hunched over when she was about Ralph's age. Nothing as extreme as what you are describing though. We had her an a NSAID called Zubrin and she did very well with it. I found this article which shows some symptoms of spinal arthritis just in case you are interested. http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Treat- ... id=1405984 Good luck. Hope Ralph gets better soon. |
| I tried to get these to upload, but not much luck, so here is a URL that I hope you can get to on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1649854480730.88813.1068021652&type=3 karen took these with the cell phone yesterday. They aren't great, but you can see the sort of "c" shape I've been talking about. One also show the squat. |
| Can you make the video temporarily public? FB says it is restricted. |
| Here is an update. I'll have to figure out how to get the FB photos available. Anyway, Thursday night R. had a "no-see-um" attack - looking all around like a bug was near, batting at his face, etc. Last night he wouldn't stay in his crate (he usually loves that) and was trembling in his sleep. This morning he was sort of "J" shaped. I was away over night and just got home - he's clearly not standing in a normal position. His back legs are rather splayed at times. We're taking him for x-rays on Monday, but these sudden changes are really alarming us. |
| Keeping fingers and paws crossed for Ralph, hoping nothing too serious maybe something simple like a slipped disk or strain causing the angst in him due to a niggly pain factor. Sending hugs all will be resolved and you can find out what is making your darling man not his normal self  |
I just stopped by to see how Ralph's vet appointment went today.  Some of what you described sounds like seizure activity to me. The imaginary fly, the shaking in his sleep... "...or have fly-snapping episodes where he appears to be biting at imaginary flies around his head..." "...Usually her whole body trembles finely, or sometimes it is more visibly as though she is shaking or shivering..." http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-ang ... _focal.htm |
| I would agree with Jaci that Ralph's symptoms sound more neurological than arthritis related, unless some of these side effects could be due to newly prescribed medication. Please keep us posted. Laurie and Oscar |
Didn't find exactly what you're looking for? Search again here:
Custom Search
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|