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

[yorkietalkjilly]

Just checking in on Cali & then read your last post. Hopefully you have found out what was going on with her from vet by now & it is just a simple bug she picked up or something. I so hope to hear soon she is doing better.

[Pink Dog]

UPDATE: She's eating OK but has a finicky appetite. That's just not normal for being on a steriod but it could be the other meds ruining her appetite. Speaking of...the good news on weaning all these meds. Tomorrow she gets Dilantin just once a day over the next week. Then we'll be doing every other day for 2 weeks, then done...YEA!!! She only has 2 days of tramadol left...YEA!!! Then she'll just be getting: Valium Q8 hrs, Prednisolone twice daily, Famotidine once daily. When we go back for our 4 week check, they are going to wean the Prednisolone and the famotidine goes with it.

We are going to our regular vet next Monday 4/30/12 so he can draw liver enzymes. Also, we bring her Wednesday to meet with a PT and I'm going to ask about getting a scan on her. There is just no reason for her to be so skinny at this point. I worry about a tumor or something...wow, what our minds do to us. Don't worry KJC, I've been in close contact with my vet and he thinks her problem is the meds.

We've had to resort to using American Cheese to stuff the pills since she has an aversion now to: Peanut butter, Duck pill pockets, Beef pill pockets. We are running out of options, LOL! She has discovered we are putting pills in them and she flat out refuses them. She's such a smart little puppy.

[My lil friend]

I did meds with one of my dogs for about 4 years. We wore out peanutbutter,any flavor pill pocket and american cheese. I resorted to chic sticks,shredded chicken wrapped around the pills,even hotdog. However he was a big dog and his tummy could tolerate foods that my little dogs cannt. Just some other ideas,you would need to check the ingredient list and fat content before using them.

[hiddenlady]

my prayers are with you and your baby. Good luck

[Pink Dog]

UPDATE: OMG-OMG I'm so excited! For the first time in 2 months Cali tried to scratch using her back legs!!!!! How we take those small things for granted yet it brought me such joy today! She has been completely unable to scratch at all, anywhere. I try to do it for her but I know she misses it. Well today, sitting on her pad on the floor she was cleaning her feet (she can't clean her privates though)....anyway, she actually made the motion of repetitive scratching with her back legs. I jumped up and scratched her neck and head for her. She loved it!!!

Another note: she actually took some beef pill pockets earlier. I didn't put pills in them, just gave them as a treat and she ate about 4 little balls. It helps that Mia gobbles them down right in front of Cali.

Anyway, just wanted to share the good news!

[Brewfilek]

SOOOOOOOO awesome to hear!!!

that's really positive progress!!!!

Thanks for the update. i'm think of you guys all the time, so happy that you have something postive to hold onto.


she is such a fighter!

[lynzy420]

Originally Posted by Pink Dog

UPDATE: She's eating OK but has a finicky appetite. That's just not normal for being on a steriod but it could be the other meds ruining her appetite. Speaking of...the good news on weaning all these meds. Tomorrow she gets Dilantin just once a day over the next week. Then we'll be doing every other day for 2 weeks, then done...YEA!!! She only has 2 days of tramadol left...YEA!!! Then she'll just be getting: Valium Q8 hrs, Prednisolone twice daily, Famotidine once daily. When we go back for our 4 week check, they are going to wean the Prednisolone and the famotidine goes with it.

We are going to our regular vet next Monday 4/30/12 so he can draw liver enzymes. Also, we bring her Wednesday to meet with a PT and I'm going to ask about getting a scan on her. There is just no reason for her to be so skinny at this point. I worry about a tumor or something...wow, what our minds do to us. Don't worry KJC, I've been in close contact with my vet and he thinks her problem is the meds.

We've had to resort to using American Cheese to stuff the pills since she has an aversion now to: Peanut butter, Duck pill pockets, Beef pill pockets. We are running out of options, LOL! She has discovered we are putting pills in them and she flat out refuses them. She's such a smart little puppy.

Give Cali a lynzy420 kiss, I think of her everyday...I so hope she gets better soon, you are great caretakers and I totally get the pillpocket thing! omg too funny! Miss Mini is on to this as well!

I have found an oldie but goodie thats been working though, a big gop of NUTRACAL - which probably would even be good for her at this point??
Also, I saw Nutracal for adult dogs the other day as well...I don't know if its something Cali could try.

Please keep us posted! Team Cali....go Cali go!

[AllDogBoots]

Glad to hear the wonderful update! What a rocky road you have been on. Keep it up with the positive updates

[lynzy420]

Originally Posted by Pink Dog

UPDATE: OMG-OMG I'm so excited! For the first time in 2 months Cali tried to scratch using her back legs!!!!! How we take those small things for granted yet it brought me such joy today! She has been completely unable to scratch at all, anywhere. I try to do it for her but I know she misses it. Well today, sitting on her pad on the floor she was cleaning her feet (she can't clean her privates though)....anyway, she actually made the motion of repetitive scratching with her back legs. I jumped up and scratched her neck and head for her. She loved it!!!

Another note: she actually took some beef pill pockets earlier. I didn't put pills in them, just gave them as a treat and she ate about 4 little balls. It helps that Mia gobbles them down right in front of Cali.

Anyway, just wanted to share the good news!

OH MY GOD!!! YAY!!!!! GO CALI, GO CALI! I somehow missed this before I posted! This is wonderful news thank you so much for sharing!!!

AWESOME....AND (its ok if she can't clean the privates, eh hem...just more pure kisses!!!!)))

((((((PINKDOG)))))))))

[fourstubbs]

Originally Posted by Pink Dog

UPDATE: OMG-OMG I'm so excited! For the first time in 2 months Cali tried to scratch using her back legs!!!!! How we take those small things for granted yet it brought me such joy today! She has been completely unable to scratch at all, anywhere. I try to do it for her but I know she misses it. Well today, sitting on her pad on the floor she was cleaning her feet (she can't clean her privates though)....anyway, she actually made the motion of repetitive scratching with her back legs. I jumped up and scratched her neck and head for her. She loved it!!!

Another note: she actually took some beef pill pockets earlier. I didn't put pills in them, just gave them as a treat and she ate about 4 little balls. It helps that Mia gobbles them down right in front of Cali.

Anyway, just wanted to share the good news!

I needed to hear this good news!! I am very happy for you!!!!!!!!

[Susan78]

This is wonderful Cali is scratching herself. You and Cali deserve the best. I hope she starts putting on some weight. I always remember when my past beloved Keally was on meds she lost weight. My vet suggested giving her noodles which helped her gain weight.Maybe you could try that for her. Anyways my prayers are with you and hope Cali really keeps doing great. Susan

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by Pink Dog

UPDATE: OMG-OMG I'm so excited! For the first time in 2 months Cali tried to scratch using her back legs!!!!! How we take those small things for granted yet it brought me such joy today! She has been completely unable to scratch at all, anywhere. I try to do it for her but I know she misses it. Well today, sitting on her pad on the floor she was cleaning her feet (she can't clean her privates though)....anyway, she actually made the motion of repetitive scratching with her back legs. I jumped up and scratched her neck and head for her. She loved it!!!

Another note: she actually took some beef pill pockets earlier. I didn't put pills in them, just gave them as a treat and she ate about 4 little balls. It helps that Mia gobbles them down right in front of Cali.

Anyway, just wanted to share the good news!

I am so happy for you and Cali!!! It must have been a beautiful sight for you to see. Keep the great news coming!

[Pink Dog]

On our way to PT right now. I will let everyone know an update when I get back.

[yorkienani]

I love reading the good news about precious Cali!!! She is such a strong lil' girl. I'm so glad she got a good report from MSU. I hope things go great at the PT appt. today. We're keeping Miss Cali and family in our thoughts and prayers!!! We are scheduled to take Dessa back there in 2 weeks for a check up. That place is AMAZING and has been such a Blessing!!! The people there are wonderful!!! I am still so thankful for this site. I don't know what I would have done without it. Sending Hugs and Kisses to Cali!!!

[Pink Dog]

UPDATE: PT officially begins on Monday. I'm very excited about the place where we are bringing Cali. They will likely start her on water therapy just to build strength in her legs. We are going to take things slow with her. Next I'd like to get her to a chiropractor. She is taking her meds better now that I've added cheese to our repetoire. I just rotate the different treats. She still feels so bony to me so I'm going to have our regular vet recommend some hi-cal food. She has an appt Saturday with regular vet for blood draws to check liver.

Here is the place where we are taking her for PT (LOVE IT) and they are all from MSU! Click PLAY: Hospital Video - South Paws Veterinary Surgical Specialists