Very Sick Boxer with No Diagnosis

Question
We have a 10-year old boxer who is very sick. He is not eating very much (but will eat boiled chicken) and is very lethargic. The most noticeable symptom is in his hind legs... they are very, very weak, seems as though they are "drunk", almost as if he has an equilibrium imbalance. Frequently, his legs give out on him and he stumbles/falls, and we have to carry him up and down the stairs. We have been to the vet countless times and they have yet to come up with a diagnosis. They said his blood work is "beautiful", took abdomen x-rays and said that there may be a problem with his esophagus because they see some soft tissue where soft tissue is not normally present. But, they don't have enough evidence to diagnose him because of this. And when I tell the vet about his hind legs, it seems as though he just disregards what I'm saying, but it's so apparent and I don't understand why they wouldn't focus on that? We have already spent thousands on testings and really can't afford to just keep testing without a focus. Also, this was not a gradual thing... this happened very suddenly. One day he was running full-speed like a little puppy and the next day, nothing. We are so confused and hate seeing him like this -- we even considered euthanasia, but cannot bring ourselves to do that because we don't have a diagnosis. Another thing to note is that the vet did run an Echo & EKG and diagnosed him with boxer cardiomyopathy, which he is currently taking medicine for to reduce the arrhythmias. But, that doesn't seem to be helping at all and doctors say there is definitely something else going on.

PLEASE, someone please help us figure out what is wrong with this dog!!! It is so painful to watch and not knowing the diagnosis is unbearable.

Answer
Hi Elizabeth,

I must admit I always hate getting questions about boxers who are ill as it breaks my heart. From your description the problem with the legs is probably either from being so weak from not eating or Degenerative Myelopathy (DM). It is a neurological problem that boxers in middle and advance age sometimes get. I personally would seek out a neurologist for answers. Most people will euthanize at this point and I know it is a hard decision. If it is Degenerative Myelopathy this in of itself causes no pain to the canine and custom carts are sometimes used to help them walk again.Since he does have the heart problems it is even more of a concern and I honestly can't say more testing would help. Check with your vet and see if they are willing to prescribe herbal supplements,prescription meds and a diet change as this has helped some boxers with DM and your vet can research the literature for this protocal.Thank you for your question.

Angela Donald
Canine Behavior Consultant
Hi-Tower Boxers
http://www.hitowerboxers.com