Searching for an answer :(

[chibbe22]

We have a 1.5-year-old Pit Bull (Samson). We noticed he was having problems breathing about 5 or so months ago and after several trips to the Veterinarian & specialists it was decided he had Laryngeal Paralysis. So he had surgery (tie-back procedure) and seemed to be recovering fine, we even noticed a slight noise when he attempted to growl at our other dog which he haven’t heard a bark or noise of any sorts since the surgery. However, over the past few months we have come to realize there has to be something else wrong. He seems to keep having problems with his one ear. We’ve been to the Veterinarian for that as well and were given meds and drops. That also seemed to help but we’ve noticed his walking and such are odd. We started noticing that he couldn’t seem to walk straight..in a straight line it was more side-to-side action. Then we noticed he has never really seemed to walk correctly. He seemed to kind of drag his feet and walk flatfooted, which we’ve been told is a common trait in a bulldog. However, he is dragging so much he constantly trips over his own feet and usually falls. We took a video the other day and after watching it a few times it seems like his back legs don’t bend or maybe they just don't give when he’s stepping like our other 2 dogs do (also Pit Bulls). Today I attempted to take him for a short walk. He would go about 3 or 4 steps start tripping over his feet and by the time he got himself straight from tripping over his feet it was like his back legs either locked up or would just give out and he’d have to lay down – he’d actually fall to the ground. Needless to say every 5 steps this happened. A walk that is usually 5 minutes turned into about 12 mins. He doesn’t seem to be disoriented or anything like that. We also noticed that when he pees, he pees all over his front legs even with his leg lifted. It seems like maybe his back legs are to tall for his body or something. He seems to be eating and drinking fine but we’ve also noticed he won’t stand up much to eat or drink anymore. He’ll walk over to his bowl and lay down and eat which he had never done until a few weeks ago. Obviously we’re getting seriously concerned and can’t seem to get much of an answer from the vets but spending an awful amount of money on specialists and surgery and not once a full resolution. I’ve done.. I couldn’t tell you how many hours of research on my own and nothing seems to be the problem we’re having. So any advice or similar encounters anyone may have had and would share would be appreciated!! Thanks!

[shelagh]

My heart goes out to you as you seem to be on the identical road to mine with Freya. Our journey began on 16th April. At least seven vets have been directly involved with her case. They have gone global with a posting on VIN and Freya is now taking an off label medication which might just prove to be the elusive miracle cure. My head and heart are pounding though as the costs are astronomical. To think that a few months ago I was totally dumbfounded to read of a man who had spent £22000 on his dog. Never in my wildest imaginations did I believe that I would ever follow in his footsteps or potentially surpass him. My husband likened the experience to being transformed from a cautious and rational individual into a compulsive gambler. I wish you well from the bottom of my heart.

[PawsitivePet]

I'm sorry your Samson is having such a hard time.

We'll start simple with saying that an inner ear problem can certainly cause some issues with swaying, etc. I would start by having a culture done on the ear just to be certain that isn't the problem.

Now, as far as the back legs being longer - two things come to mind. First, it is possible that when Samson was a pup he had some growth issues which caused an unnatural quick spurt of the long bone in his rear legs. If this is the case, you can manage the problem, but, it would most definitely be a life long problem. The second thing that comes to mind is poor conformation in general. What happens is the rear legs stay irregularly straight, making them appear longer because the dog does not stand his rear lacks back correctly. Essentially, when you look at a dog standing in proper form, their rear legs are always positioned behind them - in dogs with this conformation issue, they do not - they keep their legs straight beneath their hips. This can be worked with but is a long road and again, likely something to deal with for life. It would involve a multi faceted approach that we can discuss later if you believe this to be the problem.

Another thought - have you had his knees checked? Luxating patellas can cause some serious discomfort. As well, I'd make sure he hasn't torn a ligament.

Anyway, I do hope you find some answers soon.

[chibbe22]

Thank you both for your empathy and information! Is it likely that if he had some sort of brain issue that he would also be losing other functions.. like the walking and swaying type thing? He has no other issues, but the inner ear issue could definitely be an avenue to start with. Especially since he was recently at the Veterinarian for that! So that will be a place to start for sure. As far as the other...it's hard to say all of it seems to make sense and kinda of work together. We'll have to pay more attention to the legs in standing..to see where exactly the placement is lying. So thanks again and we'll keep you posted!!!!