old dog rear leg weakness

[meadow20]

Our very old poodle had vestibular syndrome almost a year ago. It really messed up her balance. Today, when she eats, she sways from side to side and her rear legs slowly sink down. Her bowl is elevated. She won't sit all the way down though and if you put your hand under her belly, she can stand up again. Upon rising this morning, she couldn't stand up all the way with her rear legs and was walking in the semi-down position. But it worked its way out and she was able to walk normally shortly after that. Any thoughts what might be going on? I tried rimadyl, but that didn't make a difference.
She also paces in the evening and sometimes at night for which I'm now giving her a valium so we can both sleep. Don't know if that is related to any of the other.

[Cliff Redford, DVM]

Genrally vestibular disease resolves within 3-4 weeks and does not show problems months later. This sounds like spinal or pelic/hip arthritis. There are other anti-inflammatories that may help so discuss with your vet again about what other options are available to you. Radiographs are quite helpful in letting us determine if there is arthritis (which is painful) or if there is spinal or disk disease that while not always painful, can cause these signs as they result in a weakening of the nerves controlling the back legs. There are many foods and diet supplements out there that can help with aging dogs so ask your veterinarian about those options also.

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

She may need a combination of pain medications which act synergestically to eradicate or lessen her joint pain.  These would include a glucosamine and chondroitin supplement, Omega 3 fatty acids, Rimadyl, Tramadol, Gapapentin and others.

Acupuncture, Chiropractic, physical therapy including aquatic therapy would also help.