Boxer leg problems

Question
QUESTION: My 8 year old boxer recently is having trouble with her back legs. she can hardly walk and if she tries to walk on anything slick (tile, wood floor etc.) she'll slip to the ground. she can no longer get up stairs and can hardly squat to use the restroom. we've taken her to the vet 5+ times in the past week. he can not figure out what's wrong either. he put her on steroids and something for pain, but it doesn't show any sign of working. every day she's gotten worse. she has shown signs of this for around 4-5 days. PLEASE PLEASE TRY TO HELP!! WE'RE DESPERATE!!

ANSWER: Hi Morgan,

I've not experienced this personally, but have had this problem discussed on our forum.  

There is a disease called Wobbler Syndrome.  It is primarily seen in Great Danes and Doberman Pinschers but has been seen in other breeds.

http://petsurgery.com/wobblersyndrome.html

I don't know what type of tests your vet has done but this type of problem is often spinal.  It doesn't necessarily have to be Wobblers but can be something similar.  Hip displaysia or arthritis will cause pain and slight immobility in the beginning stages but it's pretty easy to spot.  There's a stiff gate and sometimes a bit of trouble getting up...reminds you of a little old person.  What you're explaining sounds like a spinal problem.

If you've gone to the vet 5x, I would ask for the records and go get a second opinion.  If you really want to stick with your vet, have him check out her spine with a myelogram.  If he's unable to find anything, ask to be referred to a specialist OR go get a second opinion.  If you live near a college or university with a veterinary school, these places often take patients and are a good price option.

Good luck!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: the vet wants us to take her to The University of Tennessee for the myelogram but we live about 4 hours away from UT. He said that the test would cost about $1500 and then, if the found that she did have Wobbler Syndrome, that they would have to do spinal surgery. that would cost probably at least another $2000. and we don't even have a guarantee that it is even that disease. right now she can't stand at all and we have to lift her to get her outside and we have to bring her food and water. when i was petting her this morning, she was shaking and whining and i think she might be in pain. can you give a dog Tylenol/ advil etc?

ANSWER: Hi Morgan,

Unfortunately, and sadly, it seems as though you're going to have to make a difficult decision.  Tylenol/Advil (no by the way) won't help her walk.  Continue with the pain rx she was given, if you're out, ask for a refill.  She may be in pain, she may just be anxious because she doesn't 'understand' what is happening.

If she were my dog, I would have the test.  No, it may not be Wobbler's but it may be another spinal issue.  I know that it's extremely expensive but you may be able to do payments.  You also may want a second opinion from a 'regular' vet before making any more decisions. They shouldn't need to take any xrays or run the same tests that have already been run by your current vet as they should be given access to the information.

In the matter of a week she's gone from fine to not being able to walk.  She is deteriorating rapidly (not that I have to tell you this) which is of great concern.

There is nothing minor that occurs to me that would cause a dog to lose it's mobility in such a short time (or at all...save a broken bone).  I am really close to certain that it would be either spinal or neurological.  

In any case, if her quality of life has diminished, it's decision making time, difficult as it is.  Too often, people keep their dogs for purely selfish reasons.  If you cannot afford this type of veterinary care, no one will think less of you should you choose to humanely euthanise her.  I know it's not something pleasant to think about but the option should be discussed now, w/out more emotion becoming involved, so that if the time comes, the decision was made with a rational mind.

You may want to appeal to rescues in your area.  You can also google low cost veterinary care (for your area) or emergency veterinary grants.  Some things of that nature.  I can't imagine that anyone that provides veterinary care at a lower cost would be willing to perform high tech testing...these types of clinics are usually limited to altering and/or wellness type visits.

I am very sorry for what you're going through.  If I can be of any more help to you, please let me know.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thank you for all of your help. we talked to some people that had the surgery for their dog, and even after the surgery, he couldn't walk. they got one of those doggie wheelchairs and that has worked out great for them so far. we've been doing a lot of research on them and we are going to ask our vet about it soon. i was wondering how you felt about that, or if you knew any one who has a doggie wheelchair, and how the dog reacts to it. Thanks again!

Answer
You're welcome.

A dog will react differently things depending on how they are introduced.  If you decide on a cart, taking it slow and making it a positive experience will go a long way.  Remember...any sort of contraption you hook up to her is going to be strange and the chances of her being frightened are high.  Just let her get used to it first :)  When the time comes, if it does, I can help you with that.

My suggestion right now is to make a list of immediate questions to ask yourselves and to ask your vet.  Write them down and write down the answers.  During times of stress or high emotion, it will help you to see things in print that you got answers to when you were in a better frame of mind.

First step is a diagnosis.  Because it looks and sounds like Wobblers doesn't make it so.  Once she's diagnosed then you'll have options to look at.

Will surgery cure her or only ease her discomfort?  Or will surgery not help at all?

Will medication prolong her life or will it improve the quality of life she has left?

If she has a tumor, will you have it removed or try chemotherapy or nothing at all?

I don't want to come across to you as unsympathetic because I'm not.  I have two that are nine this year.  One will be turning nine this week as a matter of fact.  I have made my own personal decisions with regards to their aging and exactly what I will have treated and how far I'm willing to go.  The decision isn't an easy one but I've made it way before hand.  Does that make sense?