trouble walking

My sister in law has a 10 year old shetzou? not sure of spelling on that one.
anyway, she has had it to the vet several times, he has a great appetite, is very happy, but all of a sudden he is having a really hard time walking, he is very weak in the legs,(all 4). The vet has done several blood tests and it is not lyme disease. She has been told that she should either put him down, or take him to a neurologist, Which will be very costly.
Her son is very upset, and they are affraid of giving up too early on the dog, when it could be something simple.
The vet does not seem to know what is going on, and they feel like she is also just giving up on the poor thing.
Any suggestions from anyone here, on what they should do, or has anyone else ever had this happen to their pets.
Thanks
Kim

Kim,

Tell your sister to get a second opinion A.S.A.P.

I wish I had a story to share, but, I'm thankful I do not. I promise you'll get the same answer from nearly everyone, get a new Vet!!
Please don't give up on this young guy, he is very young for his breed. I believe their lifespan is between 13-15 years. 10 is so young. But, I'm not an expert on **** zus (spelling)

she has gotten a second opinion, the first vet gave him a cortizone shot, and he acted like a puppy again, the second vet put him on steroids which he is still on and he has gotten worse.
They have done x-ray, done blood tests and have been given no explanations yet.
she will spend the money if they need to go to a neurologist, but it is costly and with no one really knowing what is going on, she is not sure what to do. The poor little guy can only stand on his legs for just about a minute before he collapses.

Spondylosis?
I had a Rottweiler go through that - it's when the spine fuses in spots, and can pinch nerves. If that is the case, acupuncture may help a great deal...it did wonders for my dog. It is not expensive, and worth a try, especially if they cannot afford a specialist - have they contacted the nearest veterinary teaching hospital? That could be a lot cheaper.
If the steroids aren't working, I'd discontinue them ASAP...they can be a miracle drug, but have such potentially severe side effects that IMHO only should be used when absolutely necessary.