possible neurological problem in boxer

Question
Hi. I recently went to the vet with my 9 yr. old boxer, Chance. He has been experiencing hind leg issues. He kind of goes spread eagle, like he can't hold up his body. We took ex-rays and his spine is beautiful, joints & hips are great. The vet has suggested a neurological problem. So she has started him on predizone, a steroid, 5 days straight then every other day, pretty much for the rest of his life. But aren't the steroids going to kill him? I don't understand how it can be a neurological problem when he has feeling in the feet. Yes, sometime his toes curl under, but he has feeling?? He doesn't cry in pain, he still jumps around like he's 6 mo. old., he is very active. I don't understand.. should I bring him to a neurologist? or is there nothing they can do for him? Please help with any information you can. Thank you  

Answer
Hey Carol. This sounds like a problem that can go 2 ways. There are 2 reasons that he is having these neurological deficits: either a disc is bulging or he could have a tumor somewhere. I know this is scary. Steroids for the rest of his life is NOT the answer. There is a problem & it needs to be treated correctly. His toes curling under is the most common issue with neurologic issues. This means his brain/spinal cord is unable to send the signal for him to place his feet correctly. The way you can address wether a disc is the problem is to have a myelogram done. This is where a dye is injected into the spinal column & with x-rays it will "light up" where a ruptured/bulging disc is. You CAN NOT see a disc on plain x-rays. Vets will try to say this & it is totally false. This can be fixed with either surgery or conservative treatment. Another poss. would be a tumor either on his spinal cord or in his head. I'm not trying to scare you, but boxers are very prone to cancer. This can be seen with either a myelogram or a CT scan. I would recommend bringing him to a specialist, either orthopedic or neurologist. I just don't approve of treating an otherwise healthy dog with longterm steroids without a diagnosis. Please let me know what happens. Neurology is my forte.=) Good luck!
-Heather