wobblers syndrome?

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wobblers syndrome?

Posted : 5/29/2006 4:52:58 PM

hi, well im here to ask about my sisters dog.. 4 nights ago she lost all use in her legs, front and rear. took her into the emergency vet, and she was given aggressive cortisone treatment, along with painkillers. she had another round of cortisone the next day at the vet. she has gotten feeling back in her front arms, but still nothing in the rear. The vet said nothing is broken, and after xray, its either a slip disc or wobblers syndrome, common in dobermans. Has anyone here had to deal with either, as far as how long rehabilitation will take, or if she can even be rehabilitated. We dont want her to suffer, and if she will never gain feeling in her rear then we will put her down, as she wont be able to do the things dogs do. any help would be great!!

dyan

Posted : 5/29/2006 10:16:14 PM

LUCKILY, I don't know a think about Wobblers...but I do want to share this link with you and tell you how sorry I am for your sister and her dog. I hope it works out to be the lesser of the two evils!
[linkhttp://www.greatdanelady.com/articles/wobblers_syndrome_by_dr_wittles.htm]http://www.greatdanelady.com/articles/wobblers_syndrome_by_dr_wittles.htm[/link]

calliecritturs

Posted : 5/30/2006 7:28:31 AM

I tried to post this yesterday and my own provider was fading in and out.

Wobbler's usually has symptoms before they 'crash' that are pretty unmistakeable -- for example, the dog will walk on the TOPS of its feet (literally with the feet doubled over) and it's noticable and people usually seek vet help just because of that.

I would surely get some more specific help -- if it's a disk problem there is surgery usually. Some rehab yes, but dealable.

You might have your sister call your state's best vet school -- often they can be FAR less expensive and more comprehensive at the same time. It can be surely worth the trip even if it is a drive.

And I'll be honest -- there is more to "quality of life" than "doing what dogs do". I've had several handicapped dogs and even if they aren't able to walk normally that doesn't mean they can't have a great quality of life and enjoy themselves. IF this dog has an irreparable spine injury (and I would think it important that it regained the use of the front feet -- that would give me hope for the rear, particularly if there is deep pain response - which is a vet test - might recover mobility) there are other options.

It would also be a big deal if the dog were able to stay continent -- walking is NOT everything.

If it is Wobbler's it does progress -- but that usually takes a while. It all depends on whether there has been progression that your family has missed. It doesn't happen suddenly like that usually.