Reptile & Amphibian Forums

About three weeks ago my doby who is going to be ten this year was walking around when all of a sudden is back legs kinda went out from under him. I thought to myself that was kinda weird. Now three weeks later, its like watching those mad cows on the TV news walking around. He goes one way while his legs go another. It came on so fast. Any ideas? Thanks

Oh wow, how scary! I have a greyhound whose back legs shake if she stands too long and the vet says it is arthitis, but your boys problems doesn't sound like that. I think I'd get in touch with the vet and take him in.

Good luck and let us know what it is!
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Melody/PHFasDog
Email me at PHFasDog

My furkids:
Shadow, Jadzia and Lyta.
Kira waiting the bridge.

Dogs come into our lives, and too quickly go leaving pawprints on our hearts, and we will never be quite the same again.

If I was you I would get your dog straight down to the vets. It could be arthritis which, for the dog, is very painful or the dog could have hurt a muscle or something else in his leg which is causing his legs tog ive way when any weight is put on, either way could be sore.

I would take him to the vet and have him checked out for Wobblers Syndrome. I've heard of other Dobe's having it. It is a heartbreaking crippling disease.
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Lesya & Sophie

Author unknown
Thanks to Pattie Lawler
http://www.behaviour-problems.freeserve.co.uk/2/Poems/dogownerpray.htm

Lesya,

I thought Wobblers Syndrome was in the neck? I might be wrong that's why I didn't suggest it earlier.
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Melody/PHFasDog
Email me at PHFasDog

My furkids:
Shadow, Jadzia and Lyta.
Kira waiting the bridge.

Dogs come into our lives, and too quickly go leaving pawprints on our hearts, and we will never be quite the same again.

Yes, Wobbler's is caused by an instabilty in the cervical spine (neck) but manifests first in the hind end. The dog may or may not have actual pain in the neck. A drunken-like gait is noticed, as well as slipping on slick floors, and a crouching stance in the hind. It is hard to squat to poop, and they often fall down if they turn quickly in a small circle or have to back up quickly. Onset can be quite rapid, with the end result being the dog goes down, and does not get up. Each dog is different. If you suspect this in your dog, get him to a vet right away. How do I know all this stuff? From endless research because my dog was diagnosed in January. We were fortuanate enough to have treatment options at the local vetrinary hospital. If you are not happy with your vet's advice GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!!! We were told to go home an enjoy the time left with our dog, and thanks to me refusing to do that, my girl is jumping around like a puppy again. If you want more info, I have it.

Sparkyfitz@yahoo.com

Could you please give me any information on this. I have a 5 year old Dobie that has just started having some strange problems. The vet's that I have been to tell me that it is arthritis and give him pain medication. After reading this I am wondering if he does not have this. He can not walk across a vinyl floor without looking like Bambi, and his back legs will just give underneath him, he can not turn in confined spaces without yipping. It is absolutly awful watching him go through this. Do chiripractic treatments help? Please any information would be greatly appreciated.

Shay-
Get your dog to a veteranary hospital ASAP- a University based one is the best because they will be interested in helping your dog and will have the latest research available. Your dog is showing the same signs mine did, but I am sorry to say, five years old is young. My girl was 8 when this started, although she had symptoms for many years that I did not recognise because I did not know about it. The good news is, there is help, but it is very expensive. If you can do it, it's well worth it. My dog would be dead long ago if I had not had the surgery done. If you want me to answer specific questions, please ask them.

Lisa & Molly.

Wobblers Syndrome is what I am thinking too, He deffinetly needs to go to the vet. Where did you get your dog from? Byb's who dont test for disease like this don't only cause pain to the dogs they breed who have diseases like this, but to the owner of they dog, who has to deal with it.