Dog that lost use of back legs

[MelanieML]

I have a problem with the answer that you gave the person that wrote this back in October of 2007:


"All the sudden my dog was running around just fine and I think she jumped off the furniture and hurt herself cause she yipped, then started shaking and can not use either of her back legs.  At first she lost use of one back paw, now it's both legs in just a matter of minutes.  She is still laying down and panting really hard and will not use her back legs.

Not sure what to do.  A year ago she hurt her back, and after a few days it cleared up w/ med's from the vet.

She is a mix beagle/and lab, about 12 pounds.  5 years old."


The same exact thing happened to my wheaten terrier on Saturday, exept he was chasing a sqirrel. I took him to an emergency vet where I was told that it appeared to be a slipped disc putting pressure on his mobility nerve and they would try a steroid treatment first, and then our next option would be neurosurgery, but either way, he only had a 50% chance of surviving. It was a horrible experience and when we went to pick him up on Monday morning, we were prepared to have to have him put down. Luckily, we were referred to a neurosugeon when the steriod treatment didn't work. It turned out to be a blood clot that was pushing on his mobility nerve. No surgery was needed. He came home a couple days ago and we know that we have a long process ahead of us before he can walk normally again, but it's worth it. And it's worth the money. I'm glad that I didn't read this forum before taking him in or while he was at the emergency vet because I would have considered putting him down instead. I've never heard of this happening to another dog, but I had to tell you that it happened to our dog and I'm sure others. Also, if it had been a slipped or herniated disc, the chances of a dog recovering are excellent.

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

I am glad that the problem with your dog had a happy ending, but, I must differ with you about your "problem".  

If you had been more perceptive,  you would have noticed that the time that I posted my comment to the question of Oct. 2007, was AFTER that poor dog had already died, and, after that dog had been having status epilepticus (multiple seizures)!  HOW could that have any relationship to what happened to your dog?

Anytime there is sudden paralysis of the limbs of any species it is a medical emergency!  There is no way to determine if the cause of paralysis is due to a partial  or complete herniation, a blood clot, chondromalacia, a tumor in the spine, a migrating foreign body, tick paralysis, or other uncommon cause, without diagnostics, or a therapeutic trial.  And the longer the paralysis continues without treatment the worse the prognosis, since delay causes nerve damage and decreased innervation to the limbs!

So for all readers of this post: Please always seek veterinary medical attention for your pet who has sudden onset of paralysis.  And, the sooner you seek that attention the more positive the outcome, hopefully.

[peekawho]

As a new owner of a Doxie puppy, paralysis and spinal problems will now be on the radar in the future.  I have the utmost respect for Dr. Cheng.  She is wonderful to provide this service to our community.

[Jaybay]

Ditto what peekawho said!

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

A million thanks to my favorite helpers : Peekawho and Jaybay!!!  Thank you both for being there, always!!!!!!!!!!!