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by Sunsilver on 19 January 2011 - 03:01
I had to have my first GSD euthanized at 9 years due to her losing control of her hind legs. It first showed up as foot dragging in the rear. She was 7 or 8 years old at the time. X-rays revealed it was not DM, but ankylosing spondylitis of the spine (the vertebrae were fused together, and pressing on the nerves.) She also had an infection in the spine, which was difficult to treat due to arthritic changes reducing the blood flow. Once the infection was treated with antibiotics, she did show quite a bit of improvement for several months, but then gradually went downhill again.
So, as Hodie has said, there are numerous neurological problems that can cause the foot dragging, and DM is only one. Tests are needed to pinpoint the problem.
So, as Hodie has said, there are numerous neurological problems that can cause the foot dragging, and DM is only one. Tests are needed to pinpoint the problem.
by Mindhunt on 19 January 2011 - 04:01
I failed to mention in my previous post-- I am so sorry you are having to go through something like this with your companion, it is never easy to see them less than 100%.
Usually the signs can begin around 5 years old, they are so subtle that many vets and owners miss them. My big boy was 2 days shy of his 10th birthday when we had him euthanized. Dr Clemmons and other researchers are finding genetic links to this disease and findings are pointing toward a hereditary component. I still would recommend ruling out everything that you can since DM seems to be the "catch-all" diagnosis and there is no cure. Keep us informed, anything that can be learned is important.
Usually the signs can begin around 5 years old, they are so subtle that many vets and owners miss them. My big boy was 2 days shy of his 10th birthday when we had him euthanized. Dr Clemmons and other researchers are finding genetic links to this disease and findings are pointing toward a hereditary component. I still would recommend ruling out everything that you can since DM seems to be the "catch-all" diagnosis and there is no cure. Keep us informed, anything that can be learned is important.
by Ruger1 on 19 January 2011 - 04:01
Yes, my female started by dragging her back foot ( 8 years old ). I would hear her nail tap the concrete. Also, she loss the ability to wag her tail ( 11 years old ).....She appeared happy and comfortable in spite of her condition. She lived 14 years and was surprisingly active up until the last few months before we put her down....Hoping the best for you....
Deanna...
by starrchar on 19 January 2011 - 05:01
Melba, Thank you so much for the suggestion about Soft Claws. I just ordered them. Shelby's nails are very close to the quick and I was very concerned that if they got much shorter they would start to bleed. I'm not crazy about the boots, so hopefully the soft claws will be a good solution. Thanks again.
Char
Char
by beetree on 19 January 2011 - 16:01
I spent three thousand dollars on tests and found no answers for the onset of paralysis in a 14 month old rescue GSD. I was hoping is was a compressed disc! He was so miserable we had to let him go, it was one of the worst times in my life. Best wishes your dog does not have DM. Here he is, notice the towel next to him, at this point we needed it to use as a sling so he could move about. We'd bring him out to hang with us, to keep up his spirits. But in the end it was not how he wanted to be. Things progressed rapidly for him, weeks really, we let him go just before Christmas four years ago.
Silas, RIP
Silas, RIP
by nonacona60 on 19 January 2011 - 16:01
So Sorry about Silas Bee. Its really sad these things happen...Remember, "No good deed goes unnoticed"....Your rewards will be many....
by melba on 19 January 2011 - 16:01
You're welcome Char. So sorry you are having to go through this and I know exactly how you feel. We're pretty certain that this past Christmas was Bonnie's last.
by beetree on 19 January 2011 - 16:01
Thanks Nona, that was very nice of you. I know I've mentioned him here before, a few times. This subject always gets me choked up.
(Thanks for noticing my new avatar on another thread, too. I really like this snowy portrait of Mojo.
)
(Thanks for noticing my new avatar on another thread, too. I really like this snowy portrait of Mojo.
)by starrchar on 19 January 2011 - 18:01
My sincere condolences to those on this tread who have lost a dog to to DM, as well any other neurological illness/disorder. It is so heartbreaking when the mind and heart are young, but the body fails.
by Asja on 20 January 2011 - 03:01
My ten year old German Shepherd had similar symptoms, and an orthopedic vet diagnosed him with DM. However, a month or so after that diagnosis, he collapsed and could not walk. Long story short, he was infected with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, a tick-borne infection. He was on doxycycline for three months; it took a month before he could walk again, and six months before he was almost normal.
My point it that it could be other things. Tick diseases cause joint problems too. I was so mad at the vet who spent a whole ten minutes looking at my ten year old dog, and then he decided he had DM. It took a vet neurologist to figure out he was infected with RMSF.
My point it that it could be other things. Tick diseases cause joint problems too. I was so mad at the vet who spent a whole ten minutes looking at my ten year old dog, and then he decided he had DM. It took a vet neurologist to figure out he was infected with RMSF.
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