Thrashing Dog

Question
Hi,

I'm preparing for getting married in October, and blending our homes and pets. My fiance has a doberman, which is a very sweet and gentle dog, five years old, named Willow.  Willow was a rescue animal, but after obtaining her, she contracted what was diagnosed as Coon's disease (saliva of a coon had caused partial paralysis.  She can still walk and function normally, but has a hard time sitting unless propped against someone, and when she runs, has a hard time turning and stopping accurately. :?)

However, when she sleeps, she repeatedly has episodes of thrashing, where all four legs are galloping in her sleep. This not only keeps others awake overnight, but scratches whatever she happens to have laid down next to before dozing off.  This happens both day and night, and we were wondering if there is anything you can suggest to treat the symptoms, or help prevent the thrashing all together.

We are at our wits end, and this combined with her inability to control her bladder if left alone for more than several hours has both of us at a loss at what to do about Willow.  We love her very much, but attempts to tie her to various things in a safe area (non-carpeted in case of an accident), have caused Willow to bark continually and do all she can to escape, including chewing up child doorway gates, upsetting anything near her, scratching up any and all closed doors.

Please help!

Thanks,
Milt
Jefferson, MD

Answer
Hi Milt-

I would suggest melatonin (1mg/10LBS available at drug stores) to attempt to calm her and give her a more peaceful sleep, and I would also suggest a crate so that you can escape the chewed up gates and ties.

I have never heard of this ailment so I apologize if I am not more help! Try visiting www.dobermantalk.com as well, it is a wonderful community of all Doberman owners.

Good luck!!