Dog Community

Update on Sudden Mobility Change

Posted : 5/6/2006 10:14:34 AM

FYI: Rocket went to a second vet tonight. The only vet around that offers holistic approach. He spent 45 minutes with Rock compared with 10 minutes from the other, also took lots of time feeling around and answering all my questions. Yippee for vet number 2. Anyway, it turns out Rock pinched a nerve and irritated the arthritis. Rock is doing better this week; getting a around more and crying less since Saturday. He is on his strict diet now--I'm pretty sure that he gained while I was gaining while pregnant earlier in the year so we will both take it off together too. Thanks to all for your advice. Rocket is 8-10 years, Norweigen Elkhound mix, about 10 pounds over weight but active. He walks 1-2 miles daily and makes it up and down stairs pretty well. Five days ago he reacted excitedly to go for a walk. We got one block away and he stopped and winced a few times. I checked him over but didn't notice anything. We continued for a few blocks and returned (slowly). When home he laid down and didn't get up for the rest of the day. The vet gave him Rimydol and glucosomine...he stayed in bed for 3 full days and got up on the fourth. He is staying in bed again today--the 5th day. The sudden onset makes it seem strange that it is simply arthritis. He was great before that last walk then suddenly not great. Any ideas? Thank you.

ron2

Posted : 5/6/2006 10:20:29 AM

My parents-in-law have a 14 year old Lhasa Apso. She has a weak back and can strain it easily and it takes some time to get over it. You might got to a vet and see if he strained a muscle.

glenmar

Posted : 5/6/2006 10:29:41 AM

I'd be concerned about longterm use of any pain med, and that particular one is pretty hard on their systems.

Yes, I agree, this is likely more than arthritis and I'd certainly want the dog more completely checked out.

Cara Lynch

Posted : 5/6/2006 10:47:10 AM

Thanks. Do you know if your family dog always had a weak back or did it come on in middle-late life?

Cara Lynch

Posted : 5/6/2006 10:50:00 AM

Thanks glenmar. Yes, I'm concerned about the rimadyl. Thinking about an alernative vet this week.

calliecritturs

Posted : 5/6/2006 11:56:25 AM

Hi -- GOOD call on your part to think this is not 'just' arthritis. Could be a lot of things but it's better not to speculate. I have had super good luck referring folks to the Chi Institute 'locator' on their website -- it's a really good place to find a vet well versed in acupuncture and Chinese herbals (as well as a vet who will give your dog an entirely different "type" of exam that may pick up what the traditional vet didn't).

It honestly sounds to me like some sort of walking injury -- when they get older and less hardy (just like us ... *harumph, had too darned much experience with THIS lately*) just stepping wrongly can set up a chain reaction. Twisting and ankle by stepping on a crack in the sidewalk "wrong" can do more than we'd like it to. You can't insulate them from 'life' but seeing that change says you're a good guardian.

I have severe arthritis myself ... and I've had a LOT of dogs with arthritis ... but I think you're right that this isn't *just* arthritis. It may have exacerbated arthritis but 'd bet there's some healing that needs to take place and honestly, acupuncture is your best bet. And there are a LOT of Chinese herbals that can help pain as much as, or more than, typical NSAIDs. I'd also encourage you to investigate massage -- Dr. Fox's books are super. But consider some essential oil blends that can help reduce inflammation a great deal. Email me if you want -- I've got a ton of info I can send you. Good luck and welcome!!

jennie_c_d

Posted : 5/7/2006 1:43:50 AM

I agree with Callie on the accupuncture. It's soooo helpful.

Another thing that really helps is getting all that extra weight, and a little of the non extra, off. I have two dogs. One old Dachshund, and one young Jack Russell. The Doxie has had a limp since I met her. She's lost ten pounds, and her limp is MUCH less pronounced. She's much, much happier. My Jack Russell injured herself last winter, and her vets (she has a few) told me that she'd develop arthritis across her lower back. Between accupuncture, massage, keeping her too thin for my taste, and joint supplements, she has NOT shown signs of arthritis yet.