Belgian Malinois health issues - Page 1

Hello, we are new to the site in hopes to find help/ideas about our dog. We purchased our Malinois from a breeder in Las Vegas who unfortunately when I try to look them up under the AKC, nothing shows up. Our dog is almost 2 years old and has had back leg issues, her legs give up and she has to simply lay down. It seems to be getting worse and worse lately, we have done extended blood work and x-rays with nothing showing. We email the breeder and their answer was give us a replacement dog which we exactly don't want as we don't want another dog with similar issues. We have been looking into DM however she seems a bit on the young side to develop this condition. Any ideas or help will be appreciated. The breeder seems to not want to respond anymore to our concerns.
Thanks,

There is no guarantee that a different dog from the same breeder would suffer from the same health issue. IF it turned out to be a hereditary problem, then of course the odds would increase - but you do not know what is wrong, yet, so you cannot know it is genetic.

That said, of course you do not want to change dogs if you can avoid it, you have this one now and no doubt you have grown fond of her ?

The important thing, surely, is to get to the bottom of this mystery complaint. You are entitled to ask for a second veterinary opinion from a different vet.

Could be something muscular, a tendon or soft tissue problem, that would not necessarily show on X ray or in blood tests. Cruciate ligaments ?

I'd suggest you get a referral to a neurology specialist; what you describe calls to mind myasthenia gravis, though I'm not a veterinarian, just a vet tech who's been around for a long time. Here's some places with information on that condition:

UC Davis Neurology/Neurosurgery page, Myasthenia gravis

Dr. Jean Dodd's Pet Health Resource Blog: Myasthenia gravis in dogs

 

Just a suggestion: We're in North Florida and if we have a serious problem with one of our dogs we will take them to the University of Florida Vet Clinic...Maybe you have a University Vet Clinic around your area...They have some very knowledgeable people at these clinics and might very well be able to give you and your dog some help...
Just like Human doctors...Animal (Dog) doctors (Vets) aren't all equal and have different experiences...For you and your dog's welfare it would be worth your time and effort to seek out another opinion...

~Bob~

P.S. I know you've told the breeder NO to a replacement but you could get another dog from different bloodlines...

Assuming the OP is already attached to the dog, first get an accurate diagnosis, the think about whether they want the dog replaced. The dog's problem may well be something it can recover from if given the correct treatment, and they could all go on with their lives.

Any update on this dog's condition?

sticky 'submit' button...

The vet doesn't think is muscular or joint as it is inconsistent, neuron is months off plus 5 hrs away from home. Will update as soon as we find more info. So far, the breeder disappeared, no answer to emails in regards any potential issues with the other dogs. Breeder is Pura vida Malinois from Las Vegas, has anyone had any interaction or know about this breeder?
Thanks

Could your dog have been bitten by a tick.

I agree...about a tick...I have never had a problem with ticks but I've read that a bite from one can cause many problems including walking/rear end problems...
Please find a good vet to have other tests done...I've also read that some tick problems can be cured with I guess Antibiotics...

~Bob~