14 Yr old Corgi

Question
My 14 year old corgi has been progressively losing control of her back legs. She is not in any pain. Also, she has a tumor on her rear end, and the last time she was at the vet he said to leave it be since it wasn't bothering her. It has definitely grown. The other thing is, I know that Corgis blow a lot of hair, but she has been losing clumps for several weeks now. My main concern is her loss of control of her legs...I know she is old, but was wondering what the future looks like?

Answer
Hi Andee,
it doesn't look very bright for a long bodied dog to be losing control of her hind legs. This usually points to a spinal issue, either a stenosis of the spine (a narrowing of the cord) or a lack of nerve conduction to the back legs via the spine.

The tumor may be large, but if it's not bleeding, raw or weeping there is no point in dealing with it in light of the leg issue.

They don't feel pain, just numbness. The real problem begins when they either can't get up, can use their legs to go to the bathroom, or are completely paralyzed in the hind end.

There are dozens of web sites online with groups that can help you with a dog that has spinal issues. There are canine carts if you think she would be able to use one. There are many things that can be tried medically before you give up. So get your vet on board and explore the ideas.

But in the end, 14 is pretty old for a Corgi. You are fortunate to have had her so long. I would say that you must start preparing your self and your family for a hard decision coming up ahead if none of the above solutions work for her.

One day at a time is all you can do right now.