jillm
October 8th, 2007, 06:39 AM
just new to all this haven't quite got the hang of it yet, posted a thread on wrong place i think, anyway, my border terrier meg recently became unwell very lethargic, then she lost the use of her back legs, after going to vets and various blood tests and xrays still no cause has been given we are waiting for a MRI scan but her immediate problem is although she has gained some strength in her back legs and is well now in herself she is walking on her knuckles and this is causing fur loss and now skin irriation any advice or suggestions would be appreciated
yours hopefully
jillm
growler~GateKeeper
October 8th, 2007, 08:08 PM
how old is Meg?
Did the vet also do a urinanalysis to check for kidney & liver functions?
There is some debate regarding high levels of protein/phosphorus which could cause this, also did Meg get into anything plant or chemical that is toxic? - this would show on a UA
The causes of knuckling can include: (not only found in older dogs but any age)
Arthritis
Intervertebral Disc Disease - discs in the spine
Fibrocartilaginous Embolism
Degenerative Myelopathy - spinal cord disorder
in puppies is can be caused by:
http://www.greatdanelady.com/articles/knuckling_over.htm
uneven growth pattern between the bone and tissue/muscle of the puppy and it is cause by dietary imbalances and/or missing micro-minerals and/or minerals that are not available to the body - difficult to assimilate.
This is not just a concern for giant breed dogs it can also affect smaller breeds too.
There is a product that may be available @ your vets called "Vet Wrap" this can be used as a temporary bandaging to protect the feet while your vet diagnoses the problem.
Hope the vet finds the solution quickly for you :goodvibes:
welcome to the board, we would love to see pictures of your Meg
jillm
October 9th, 2007, 04:22 AM
thanks growler good excellent advice, just helps so much at this time, sooner or later i,ll work out how to put pictures on:shrug: cos she is beautiful
jill m :thumbs up meg is only 3 by the way.
bendyfoot
October 9th, 2007, 10:34 AM
One thing that I would recommend until you can get your pup in for the MRI, is to crate rest. By that I mean living in a crate or in a small room (but ideally a crate) except to poo/pee. Even if the leg functions are coming back, if there is spinal damage or damage to the disks between the bones of the spine, any excess movement can make things worse in the long run. It sounds like a really cruel thing to do, but it really is best, and may help her recovery. Also, you won't have to worry about the skin damage from the knuckling.
May I suggest that you come and visit me and some great people with pets with mobility issues here (http://www.handicappedpet.net/help/)? There are many people in the same boat as you who can offer some great advice.
jillm
October 15th, 2007, 05:07 PM
thanks guys she has now got feeling in one back leg and walking on it very pleased with this i have found a dressing that saves her other paw from trouble so i will look after her day by day
jillm
December 7th, 2007, 09:18 AM
meg has been going to hydro therapy for 1 month now and 2 days ago she started WALKING on all 4 paws, christmas is back on she is lively and lovely we go to the park again. Thought i'd let you know and thanks for all good wishes it WORKED:thumbs up:thumbs up
krdahmer
December 7th, 2007, 11:16 AM
Aw great news... way to go Meg!! :thumbs up:grouphug::dog:
Hope she has a great new year with no more problems!!:pray:
Janie123
December 7th, 2007, 11:43 AM
Check her all over and look for any bites,although it may have healed by now. I was bitten by four hornets while mowing the lawn. I had Boo tied up near me and all of a sudden he just did a nose dive. He couldn't even move. I was terrified and ran him into the house. My husband calmed me down and began checking Boo from head to toe. Sure enough,he found a hornet. He removed it and we rushed Boo to the vet. It took awhile but he did recover. Scared me half to death!:eek::eek::headslap::cry::sad: