Losing control of back legs

[Shauney22]

My GSD is also 8 years old and is losing control of his hind end. X-rays show advanced lumbar arthritis with two of the vertebrae fused. We are using Cartrophen and after only one injection, he has slightly improved. We have high hopes that there will be significant change in the next couple of weeks. Perhaps that is also an alternative for your girl.


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[Shauney22]

What about the the OFA DNA test available to diagnose?


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[Suka]

I did not get the EEG test done to be positive of Cowboy's DM, but it's likely, with the progression of wobbling and knuckling under. Add to that Spondylosis and a severely eroded right hip and it's not looking good. Just got this confirmed today with our xrays.

I feel like my heart is breaking. I keep looking at all of his pictures from puppyhood to now, pictures of him with ribbons and trophies, swimming in the lake, hiking, riding in the truck and back to him lying by my feet, hardly able to get up. This picture in particular makes me sad. He is so small in it, like a blip in the universe. When I look at it, I feel like it's him leaving my life slowly stage right, soon to disappear from the frame...

[Suka]

For those curious, Cowboy's condition is deteriorating quite rapidly. The first video was taking January 9 and the second video February 4. He was able to chase a squirrel in January, though wobbly but as you can see now he has nearly lost use of his rear. I'm kicking snow in this video trying to get him to go back and forth. He is really happy and plays and doesn't seem to be worried about it even if he isn't able to hold himself up. I'm actually glad for the snow. It's just that now people slow down their cars to stare and passersby look concerned and by the end of every walk after all this and struggling to keep him upright, I'm an emotional mess.

January 9
VIDEO0043 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

February 4
VIDEO0047 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[BMWHillbilly]

Awwww. God love him he's trying so hard and having fun! I just put my senior Lab down last week from ongoing digestive issues that were worsening and he also had spondylosis and suspected DM so i know what you are dealing with. If cowboy doesn't have any other major health issues would a cart be something you'd consider? Looks like he is plenty strong on his front end to support and pull himself around. I'd limit walking any great distance with his condition but do just enough to keep him limbered up. He is such a handsome boy! Wishing the best for him!