Neurological Problems

[katie_trapdoor]

I have a one and a half old Australian Sheppard cross. She was a rescue dog from the states.(we live in Ontario) We have had her for approx. 6 months now. She was always very healthy. About 2 weeks ago she started to limp (her back leg). It was not a bad limp and we did not think too much about it. Two days after the limping started it got worse so we took her to the Veterinarian. They x-rayed the leg and found nothing wrong. They tried a couple more tests (i.e. reflex test) and suggested that we visit a neurologist.

We went to the neurologist two days later. The limp was a lot worse (to the point where she could not walk well at all). The dr. noticed that her front leg was having problems as well. They thought that this could be a number of things -- potentially lymphoma or an autoimmune disease. They also mentioned that it could be some sort of US born virus -- although they did not really know. They conducted a number of tests (blood, urine, spinal tap, etc.) and gave us two sets of pills (one for the virus and one for the cancer). She has been on these for 4 days and has not gotten any better (although she has not gotten worse). She is in no pain (just frustration because she cannot really walk).

Does anyone have any idea what the problem could be (just suggestions) so that I can look into them. Someone mentioned lymes disease and we are now testing for that. Any help or comments would be appreciated.

[PawsitivePet]

If you have one in your area, I would recommend going to a canine chiropractor to make sure her spine, all the way to her SI joints, are properly aligned. Just make sure the chiropractor is also a licensed Veterinarian to make sure you are going to a good, qualified practitioner.

[smp76]

I live in Oregon and have a 9 year old Vizsla --we are going through what sounds like the same thing. It started with her back right leg and 2 weeks later started involving her front left leg, and now she is barely able to walk. This has been going on for about 5 weeks now. We've seen an orthopedic surgeon (2 actually), a neurologist and tomorrow we see a cardiologist. So far no one knows what's wrong. She exhibits neurological symptoms but it also looks like it could be sore legs. She does seem to be uncomfortable but we dont know what kind of pain/discomfort. At first the Veterinarian thought he might have torn her ACL or Meniscus.

We have done blood work, urine analysis, electrolites, spinal tap, MRI, chest x-rays, back and leg/shoulder x-rays, multiple neurological exams by more than one Veterinarian and now our last hope is a cardiologist.

Also worth mentioning-- the reason for the cardiologist is several vets think there's a possibility of blood clots from an underlying issue.

If anyone else has experienced this or knows of something, please speak up! If we cant find answers with the cardiologist we will likely have to put our sweet girl down soon.

Thanks.

[spiritarrow]

Hey all, do you notice any of her toes getting caught up under the pads when wanting to walk leading to her/his problem walking. This is a sure sign of neurological problems which can also lead to other problems. All of which, in my nonprofessional opinion, can be lessened through therapy; electric magnetic pool therapy with a qualified therapist.I've seen this work miracles with many dogs that couldnt otherwise, in the beginning walk.

You may want to see if there are any type of therapys provided in your area. Homeopathic vets may be another choice of resources to make contact with. Chiropractic work is ok, but to evasive in my opinion

[katie_trapdoor]

Hi SMP76,

Is your dog on any medication? Did you find anything that has helped?
Our Veterinarian did a spinal tap, and said he found protein in the fluid. He sent it off to get tested, but when the sample arrived at the lab, it was broken. He hasn't said we should do another one yet. He is waiting I guess to see if the meds start working. (she is on prednisone).

[smp76]

my dog also had increased protein in her spinal fluid, but they are considering it to be inconclusive. she has been on deramaxx and tramadol for weeks but neither made a difference. we are going to continue the tramadol for pain. today they prescribed prednisone and an antibiotic. we are holding out hope that they work!

today the cardiologist ruled out heart problems and blood clots-- said her heart function is normal and healthy. several of the vets have thrown around the idea of inflammatory disease (mylosis i think?), but they just dont know. her symptoms dont add up to any particular disease or condition. the antibiotic is just in case she's got an infection of some sort. all other lab work (blood, electrolites and urine) is normal.

this has been an extremely frustrating and emotional experience. our last hope is the medication we got today. they dont know what else to do. i'll keep you posted. feel free to ask me more questions, or if you find out something please let me know!

sara

[katie_trapdoor]

Hi Sara,

I'm sorry to hear about your dog. At least they ruled out any cardiology problems.

Our Veterinarian is going on the assumption that it is either lymphoma, or an autoimmune disease. He ran the tests for toxoplasmosis, neospora, lymes disease, and all have come back negative.

My dog has been on prednisone for 5 days yet, and have not seen any improvment (but it hasn't gotten any worse yet). The Veterinarian says to keep her on this through the weekend, and we are going in to see again on Tuesday.

I will keep you posted about her progress, and if we find anything else out.

I've private messaged you my email address.

Email me and we can talk through email instead of through the forum.

Thanks,

Katie.