[duenorth]

Sorry - this is a bit long but I'm hoping these symptoms or behaviour might sound familiar to someone.

Some background info:

Jaeger, who is my SchH dog, has been having some hind end problems since last fall. He's been seen by two ortho specialists, and a third has looked at his knee and hip X-rays and couldn't find anything suspicious. We initially thought he had an ACL injury but his joints are stable. His hips are cleared through OVC. He was put on glucosamine and rested all winter, and since he wasn't showing any signs of favoring his leg, I've been slowly bringing him back into condition with longer walks, but no ball throwing or jumping. To watch him bounce around, you would never suspect that he has anything wrong with him.

We did a little heeling in the park the other day and after a couple of minutes, he seemed not quite himself. He was in a sit, then got up and acted as if something had bit him. His hind legs were shaking and unsteady, his body language was submissive and he wasn't putting his full weight on one of the legs - all similar to last fall minus the "bite or shock" reaction. Of course, he was fine by the time we got home.

Over the past two days, I've been doing the "DM" test where you flip the dog's back feet so they're standing on their toes. (I've had a DM dog in the past.) Jaeger will hold one foot in that position for a couple of seconds and hold the other foot that way for an extended length of time (more than 5 seconds) before flipping his foot back into place.

What I don't know is whether the dogs will automatically flip their foot into the normal position (like a reflex action) or is there any chance that he's holding his foot in this position because he thinks it's an OB exercise? (I know that sounds really strange.)

Has anyone had experience with pinched nerves, herniated discs or spinal issues that sound similar? I'm not even going to think about DM. I'm waiting to hear from my vet to book further testing but just looking for feedback in the meantime.

Thanks!

 

[WiscTiger]

Why don't you just do the "Flash" DM blood test. That way you won't be guessing.

 

[duenorth]

Originally Posted By: Wisc.TigerWhy don't you just do the "Flash" DM blood test. That way you won't be guessing.

Is that test new? I don't think it was suggested by the vet when I had my foster with DM four years ago. It's definitely something I'll suggest to my vet. Thanks!

Hopefully that's not the problem since Jaeger would be considered too young for DM. I was thinking that the foot flip test might also indicate other spinal issues.

 

[Amaruq]

How old is Jaeger? There are two basic forms of DM. One that hits older dogs and another that seems to be showing up earlier and earlier, IMO. I did the flip the foot test with Phoenix and had the same results AND the same thoughts- he thought it was an OB exercise and didnt immediately correct his foot. Had my friend test him at her house and the same result. He tested positive for DM.

The flash test is fairly new, however, it is not the ultimate diagnosis some people seem to think it is. It basically is a DNA test to see of the dog is a carrier of the marker for DM. Some dogs have been diagnosed with DM and had a negative flash test. Others have had a positive flash test and never showed signs (from what I read which is about a year ago when Phoenix was "diagnosed"). Unfortunately, the only way to determine with 100% accuracy that a dog has DM is a necropsy- which of course is too little too late.

 

[arycrest]

If he continues having the problem, I'd take him to a good neurologist. Ringer was having problems with his rear including having a difficulty putting his foot right when it was under toed. His Jack Flash test was negative. They finally found he has disc problems in both his neck and back. It took two MRI's to diagnose the problem which were expensive.

[removed by Admin. Wisc.Tiger]

This is the link to Dr. Clemmons, U of FL, website that has the details about the test, including how to submit the blood sample, the cost, and the test results.
http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/dm_flash_test_web/index.html

Good luck!!!

 

[duenorth]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who could have thought the reaction was related to obedience.

Jaeger will be 4 in a few weeks. My foster had the type of DM that affects older dogs, though there's no way to know when he first became affected. I didn't realize there was a type of DM hitting younger dogs. That's pretty scary.

I took a look at the flash test info and that was my impression as well - it may show that a dog is predisposed but it won't tell me definitively that DM could be Jaeger's problem. My gut instinct says spinal issue but we'll have to book more extensive testing.

 

[duenorth]

Originally Posted By: ArycrestIf he continues having the problem, I'd take him to a good neurologist. Ringer was having problems with his rear including having a difficulty putting his foot right when it was under toed. His Jack Flash test was negative. They finally found he has disc problems in both his neck and back. It took two MRI's to diagnose the problem which were expensive.

Thanks for the suggestion!! This is exactly why I wanted to post Jaeger's symptoms on the board, and hopefully bring as many ideas to my vet as possible. I hate waiting and wondering!!

I won't be surprised if an MRI is one of the next steps we have to take.

 

[arycrest]

Originally Posted By: duenorth
Thanks for the suggestion!! This is exactly why I wanted to post Jaeger's symptoms on the board, and hopefully bring as many ideas to my vet as possible. I hate waiting and wondering!!
...

This is why I love this forum so much, there's a wealth of information here. I swear Kelly would be dead now without the folks here. I never heard of SIBO or the SIBO test, no one knew what was causing his hemorrhagic diarrhea. He had a lot of tests, all negative. When I joined this forum I read about SIBO and asked my vet to do the test and BINGO, the mystery was solved.

 

[duenorth]

I agree. It's so much better to feel informed, or at least have a few ideas to suggest. Since the doctors have no idea what's going on with Jaeger so far, these ideas give me a couple of places to start.

 

[bearlasmom]

Originally Posted By: Arycrest

Originally Posted By: duenorth
Thanks for the suggestion!! This is exactly why I wanted to post Jaeger's symptoms on the board, and hopefully bring as many ideas to my vet as possible. I hate waiting and wondering!!
...

This is why I love this forum so much, there's a wealth of information here. I swear Kelly would be dead now without the folks here. I never heard of SIBO or the SIBO test, no one knew what was causing his hemorrhagic diarrhea. He had a lot of tests, all negative. When I joined this forum I read about SIBO and asked my vet to do the test and BINGO, the mystery was solved.

i feel the same way about bearla. i dont know where we would be without you all. this has got to be the best forum and most informative around