Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am looking for some help! My 10 year old dalmation has all of a sudden become paralyzed.
It began with what appeared to be early signs of arthritis. I watched her for 5 days have trouble "getting up and going" in the morning but once up she was good. It stlll made me nervous and I took her to the vet. The tests all came back that she was in great health and he choose to give her Rimadyl for the arthritis symptoms.
Two days later she did not get out of bed and when I checked on her she did not attempt to get up. I stood her up and she had paralysis in her left front leg and fell over.
We went to the vet again and the vet said it was nerological and she would need a spinal rod put in her back if she had any chance of recovery. (she did nothing to injure herself)
I took her to another vet for a second opinion and he did not think it was nerological. He believed it may be tick borne paralysis. The tests were all negative!
It has been 2 weeks and she has not gotten out of bed unless I pick her up and carry her outside. Once outside she can walk on her other 3 legs and even pulls me to her favorite spots but she is only good on her legs for about 5 minutes before she lays down.
She eats and drinks and wags her tail at me. She is on Prednisone and Doxycicline.
We have another appointment with the vet on Friday and I will have to decide if this is the end to our amazing journey together.
Does anyone have any ideas????? Please!

I'm so very sorry to hear this about your amazing dog. I have no idea about recommendations, sorry. Glad you got a 2nd opinion. I will keep her and you in my prayers.
staffordmom

I'm sorry to read this post. I really can't offer any advice or recommendations beyond what the testing is telling you. I hope this problems resolves itself quicklyand she is pain free soon.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

Sorry to read about the problems your Dal is having. If it's possible I would have your vet recommend you to a specialist. Your dog may needs attention that maybe your vet can't give. If this isn't possible then your vet will need to run a gamut of tests up to and including x-rays or mri's. It doesn't take much for an injury to the spinal column or for nerve damage to occur that you would not have noticed. Please keep us updated.
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Bob

If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

I will keep you updated and thank you for the support. I always hear people talk about how difficult it is to lose a pet but I never expected to have to make the decision now. I had hoped she would pass away peacefully in her sleep from really old age! We go to the vet tomorrow and hopefully we can do an MRI or xrays.

I understand what you are saying and it would be nice if always worked that way but sometimes our pets have different ideas. Good Luck with the vet visit and let us know what you found out.
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Bob

If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

I had to have my beloved baby put down last night. She was losing circulation in her legs and it appeared she was having problems urinating. It was the hardest thing I have ever done!
I appreciate the support and good wishes and I am very glad to be a part of this community. Thank you

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Let yourself grieve, and eventually you will find that you again think of the happy times with the dog. But give yourself time. That's important.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

Dallsgrl.... I am very sorry for your loss. I know full well the pain and sorrow you are feeling. Your sweet girl will be there waiting for you when it comes time for the next reunion.
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Bob

If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.