My dogs right rear leg stopped working

Question
So here is the deal.  I will make it short and brief.  We have 7yr old Bernese Mountain/Terrier mix dog.  She is always active, runs plays, jumps runs up stairs and as every dog should chase cats.  5 days ago after playing catch in the house with a ball she stopped using her right rear leg.  We took her to the vet and they did Xrays with negative results.  Keep in mind she had absolutely no problem until this moment.  The leg seems to be numb when we squeeze it.  She has regained some feeling in it but it is almost non-existent.  The leg locks itself out and drags behind her.  She still has every function known to dog, even the barking and licking!  Please help us, we are heartbroken for her but cant afford the suggested MRI.  Could this be a pinched nerve?

Answer
Hi Scott,

Thank you for writing to me.

There are several possibilities.  First, check for Lyme Disease.

If you can't afford an MRI, do an ultrasound which checks the soft tissue or apply for CareCredit, zero interest for a certain number of months which you must pay back or the interest soars but it buys you time..and use that to do the MRI.

You should be working with a neurologist.  Find the nearest vet teaching hospital and take your dog there.  Don't discuss money up front because you can always pay it off later.  Many people run up a bill and slowly pay it off over time.  Vets understand this.

It could be a pinched nerve, something in the spine that is interfering, a stroke, Lyme, a pulled muscle, etc.  That is why you need an expert that will go through the different possibilities.  

Your dog is still young and has years ahead to enjoy life so try to get this resolved as best you can.

Best Regards,
Shelley Davis