dog cant move

Question
We have a female pug, 10 years old.  She has some artheritius in her spine and back legs.  She has had increased diffaculty in moving her back legs over the past two years but had full movement in her front legs.  If we helped her by holding up the rear she could still move quite well with her front legs. Four days ago she just totally could't use her front legs.  If we try to stand her, her front paws just curl under and she goes down. It is almost like she doesn't have any feeling in them. We took her to our vet within hours of noticeing this problem. He took x-rays, did blood work, and tried to use a cath to empty her bladder, which he thought looked to large/full for her size.  Two doctors could't get it in so they used needles to empty it.  He told us her kidneys, liver and bladder all look fine.  He had no idea what the problem was.  He gave us Metacam to give her once a day.  This little girl has done absolutly nothing but lay on ther side for the entire week.  She does know who we are and is still drinking and eating.     She sometimes seems to whimper when she is sleeping. Do you have any ideas on this or any suggestions for us.  We love this little girl so much and want to help her in any way we can.

Answer
I would suspect a herniated disc, GME or degenerative neuropathy.   I would try high doses of steroids (the Metacam is a NON-steroidal) as well as a course of anitibiotics; however, she may be permanently paralyzed at this point.  Other option is to take her to a veterinary neurologist or the nearest Veterinary School Hospital.