HELP! My 7 y/o girl can't use her back legs

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Pink Dog

I'm not far from LSU but unfortunately the specialist did not recommend them because they don't have specialized neurosurgery (the kind that Cali would need)...I specifically asked about LSU. He recommended Miss. State. Also, I even suggested to "show up" at MSU as in an emergency situation to my vet but he advised against it b/c it would take longer to see specialist and they would put her in a cage. We have until today at 4pm CST to hear if we get the appt tomorrow. Pray that we do!!!

I hope you do get the appointment!

[Ellie May]

If they feel she is bad enough off, the neuro would see her early. I would just go to the vet school of your vets choice as an emergency today. Depending on what it is, continued deterioration even for just another day could seriously affect ability to recover.

It sounded very neuro to me. I'd be concerned that the vet didn't catch that a long time ago.

I'm sorry.

[linz06]

I would talk to a neurologist as soon as possible, just call and see if you can talk to someone on the phone. I didn't act quickly enough with my dog's neuro problems and she is now paraplegic and uses a cart to get around. I totally regret not acting sooner! Time is so important, and the sooner you can see a specialist, the better off your baby will be. Please, in the meantime, make sure she is not moving. She will just be aggravating it and that is probably why she is getting worse. Keeping her still is the best thing you can do for her right now.

[lynzy420]

My close friend "Petey" the dog, presented exactly the same symptoms you are describing. While I know it could be any of a number of things, I just can't help but wonder if this has been discussed by your vet at all?

It was called "CARTILAGENOUS EMBOLISM", while it looks serious (to the point I seriously believed he would have to be put down) with steroids and antibiotics, he is now almost fully recovered, it has been about 6 months.

Please discuss this with your vet.

[lynzy420]

Fibrocartilaginous Embolism

Heres some good information about it (sorry I didn't get the exact name above) but here is a link. Also, Petey is a 9lb. Yorkie

[lynzy420]

Originally Posted by lynzy420

Fibrocartilaginous Embolism

Heres some good information about it (sorry I didn't get the exact name above) but here is a link. Also, Petey is a 9lb. Yorkie

I just talked to my friend and she said that this is not the best info about it and that it is difficult to find good info on line.

We were talking about when it happened and how. Petey is a very active little guy, he was running around playing, went for a walk and came in jumped up on the couch (very low). It was a Friday afternoon and her vet closed early and of course was not in that weekend. On Sunday she was beside herself and thought it was his knees. I went over to her house and was astounded, this poor little guy could barely stand, his hind legs kept collapsing, she looked at me and was crying "he's getting worse" I told her she had to go to the emergency vet right away. She did, they did not diagnose it accurately. Back to her vet on Monday and it was diagnosed by them. They said its more common in larger dogs etc., but is not as uncommon in Yorkies as people think, because of their longer bodies.

They were very good and gave steroids etc., Petey's mom had to buy a side rail for the bed so he didn't try to jump down, which he couldn't. I honestly think it seemed worse each day because it was so hard for him to adapt as he wanted to go ...but his body didn't etc. It was pathetic, and the pathetic lasted for a very long time, and eventually you saw improvement a wee bit at a time...

I have no idea if your baby has this, I'm just offering it up as info. It wouldn't hurt to ask the vet??

I feel so bad for you and your husband, I know what you are going through and I truly hope this is resolved soon. Please keep us posted.

p.s. let me reiterate to you that Petey is fantastic today and only those of us who know about the condition can see it, I would honestly say he is 85% cured..

[Pink Dog]

Hi All!
Thank you so much for all of the info/posts. We got our appointment and are headed to Mississippi at 5am. I will be so relieved once we know what this is....I just want to know what kind of decision to make with her & get her some relief.

I will check out that cartilagenous embolism, as well, just to be informed. I'll mention it to the vet. Thanks for that.

Having said all that, Cali had an episode a few hours ago...started panting, her stiff back legs were jumping (spasm-like) and her temperature was up. I laid her on my bed and blow-dried her on COOL to offer her some relief and that's when it happened.......she FINALLY peed! I was happy and sad at the same time. It was almost like she was having autonomic dysreflexia...a reaction that humans have when they have spinal cord injuries and have a full bladder or bowel. That's my next fear...her last bowel movement was Saturday evening. She hasn't had a lot to eat but she certainly should have pooped by now. Sorry so long winded.

All of you are a Godsend! Thank you!

[lynzy420]

Originally Posted by Pink Dog

Hi All!
Thank you so much for all of the info/posts. We got our appointment and are headed to Mississippi at 5am. I will be so relieved once we know what this is....I just want to know what kind of decision to make with her & get her some relief.

I will check out that cartilagenous embolism, as well, just to be informed. I'll mention it to the vet. Thanks for that.

Having said all that, Cali had an episode a few hours ago...started panting, her stiff back legs were jumping (spasm-like) and her temperature was up. I laid her on my bed and blow-dried her on COOL to offer her some relief and that's when it happened.......she FINALLY peed! I was happy and sad at the same time. It was almost like she was having autonomic dysreflexia...a reaction that humans have when they have spinal cord injuries and have a full bladder or bowel. That's my next fear...her last bowel movement was Saturday evening. She hasn't had a lot to eat but she certainly should have pooped by now. Sorry so long winded.

All of you are a Godsend! Thank you!

Ohhhh, this poor baby, I feel so helpless so I can only imagine your agony as well...Iwill be thinking of your Prissy and you, please keep us posted I am only going to think positive thoughts, as should you! I'm so glad your getting there tomorrow..

[Pink Dog]

Originally Posted by lynzy420

Ohhhh, this poor baby, I feel so helpless so I can only imagine your agony as well...Iwill be thinking of your Prissy and you, please keep us posted I am only going to think positive thoughts, as should you! I'm so glad your getting there tomorrow..

Thank you so much! She's actually been better since she peed....just laying in the stroller (Yes, I have a stroller and thank God I do) looking up at me so sweet-like. ~POSITIVE THOUGHTS~

[ladyjane]

Prayers for Cali....have a safe trip!

[enchilila]

I will keep your baby in my prayer for a full recovery. Let us know what the specialist says.

[Bitsy]

Just said a prayer for Cali. Wishing you well today. Please keep us updated.

[linz06]

Thinking of you today! I'm sending my prayers. Please let us know when you find out what's going on!

[sugarmamma]

Praying for Cali!

[BonBon]

Sending prayers for you and Cali today. I hope you can get some answers finally.

Hugs,
Bonny