A friend needs help - Page 1

Nic has a male german shepherd name Rex. He is a big boy and has some tears of the retinal (SP) (eye)  which kept him from being a full service K9. So he turned in to her personal dog. He is eight now and everything was fine until a few months ago. He has problem getting up and down  Now before every one says hips,  they had them done and they are very nice (Nice coverage and set) So we were talking to day and she was saying that it is getting worse  when he walks he is hitting the top of his back feet every few steps. Her vet has no Ideal what is going on but I even notice him today having a hard time getting up and down. I think I read some where on here about a spine problem that would cause this? But it has been a time ago and for the life of me I can not remember (old age is setting in LOL )

Does anyone know of this condition or has dealt with this? ANY help would be great and Thank you in advance.

EK, NIC and REX

 I know that in humans the toe dragging or hitting the tops of the feet is called a "foot drop", and it is a nerve issue.  Exactly what is going on with this dog I have no idea, but it could be an issue with the nerve itself or with blood flow to the nerves.

Are you saying he actually drags and turns his rear feet over as he steps? If so, the problem is neurological and may be degenerative myelopathy (DM). There have been numerous discussions on this subject on this forum. Check it out. Minimally, he needs to find a different vet because a vet should know that there is either a spinal problem (for example, some disk compression), a cauda equina, or DM. A good neurologist can help make the diagnosis. If DM, nothing really can be done except palliative measures, but other acute conditions might be treatable.

Good luck.

sounds like degenerative myelopathy to me.

molly

Do you mean DM?

http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/neuro/DM_Web/DMofGS.htm

http://www.mzjf.com/course.html

Pam

OFA do a DNA test

http://www.offa.org/dnatesting/index.html

So sad. My 14 month rescue GSD one day started to drag his back right toes. Within days, he lost all control of his back end. 2 weeks and much $$$, and every test possibly done, we had no choice but to pts. and they never gave us a firm answer, why.  I'm with Molly. I'll pray it's something else.

do you know if he may have had an injury while out playing? I know of a dog who had similar symptoms and he had a spinal injury, and inflamation. That vet at first jumped right on the hip theory and it wasted a lot of time for the dog, once she was put on steriods for the inflamation and restricted in her playing she became much better. I would be leaning towards a spinal issue

Good Luck,

Cindy

Spondylosis (bridging of vertebral bone spurs) can cause the same type of problems and issues as the other conditions, but as usual, I agree with Hodie and your friend needs to find another vet and not waste any time....

All are condition that are diagnosable....

I agree whole heartily with Hodie..

YR