Confused and Lost about my Doxen

[Meg1007]

My doxen, Max is 11 years old.  He is very spunky and full of attitude.  About 4 weeks ago I woke up and he was not moving.  Normally he wakes up stretches and whines until I get up.  4 weeks ago he had no life in him.  He didn't even lift his head.  I picked him up and he was as stiff as a board.  He eventually moved a couple muscles to pee outside.  He was not interested in his food.  I knew he was not paralyzed.  We took him to the vet and he had a slight temperature and the Vet did not find anything physically worng with him.  He started doing better, we took it easy on him and a lot of rest.  Well a week later the weather was great so we went to eat outside on a rooftop patio.  He could barely make it up the stairs and prior he's awesome at stairs.  Leaving, he couldn't come down the stairs at all.  We took him to the vet the next morning.  They still were unable to find anything worng with him.  They did blood work and xrays.  Everything is okay with his back.  We feel he is in pain, but doesn't say anything.  He's such a gppd patient he does nto move when the doctor touches him.  He was put on an antibiotic with antiinflamatory and pain meds.  He seemed to be doing a little better, but still not spunky Max.  It's been a couple weeks and I feel it's the beginning of the end.  What is the possiblity he has Diabeties, had a stroke, cancer?  What else is there?  We would love to take every test possible, but don't have thousands of dollars or want to torture him.  He's had a swollen lymph node on one side for months.  He had his teeth cleaned in Feb and the Dr said his mouth looks good.  He's very lathargeic and has started drinking more water than usual.  He seems somewhat confused every now and then.  I'm confused on what I should now or next.  How much time should I wait to do more tests, is there something I should be looking out for, have him tested for?  I'm sorry this is so long, just trying to give all the information.
Thank you!

[lindapalm]

I would definately have him checked for Cushings Disease, he has a lot of the symptoms.  I wish you and Max Good Luck, let me know how its going.  Try to keep him confined to rooms with linoleum or tile, maybe a baby gate would help, until you find out whats wrong.  Let him drink all he wants, just offer to take him out A LOT.

[Meg1007]

He is peeing a lot more than normal.  This morning within 2 hours he has peed 5 times, twice in the house as accidents.  He never has accidents.  He's drinking a lot of water lately, more than he ever has.  I'm not sure if he's been tested for Cushings.  

[lindapalm]

Scroll down to AnimalHealth-General on the right side of this page and click on it.  You can Ask A Vet and see what he/she might tell you.

[lindapalm]

Is he peeing more than normal?  You said hes drinking more water than usual, and his legs are weak.  Has he been tested for Cushings disease?  Those are SOME of the symptoms.