Lameness and Atrophy

[Drake01]

Hi,
Recently ran my 5 year old Akita to the vet as his hind legs went lame.  In the past, he has limped on his right leg, which now we notice has extensive muscle atrophy.  Nothing was found on X-Rays, blood work and urine except for Kidney Disease which he now on food just for that.

Vet says best way is to bring him to a specialist for an MRI to see why there is extensive atrophy on his right leg compared to his left leg.  I am debating on the MRI for him.  I was wondering what would cause strong muscle atrophy on one leg and why when I touch it he is very sensitive between the upper part of his knee.  No arthritis has been found and bones are very good.  

Suggestions? I just need some guidance on how to deal with it?  Will Glucosamine tablets help my big guy?

[Margot49]

Ginger is correct about a limb showing atrophy from lack of use and it could be from the dysplasia.  Has this been gradual or had a sudden onset?
Coukd be some tyoe of nerve damage going on.  
There is a muscle disease that can cause atrophy (DM) but I am sure your Vet would have been suspect of that with exam and history.
The fact you mention that leg seems sensitive indicates something is going on.
Wish I could be of more help but you may have to consider an MRI that might show something going on that an x-Ray won't.  Hard decision, I know.
Hope you can get some answers and please come back and update.

[ginger899]

Glucosamine is sometimes very effective for arthritis, especially in older dogs or after injury etc.
But at 5 years old, and especially as no arthritis was found, it may not be that Glucosamine will help. I don't know.

Has he been checked for Cruciate ligament tear? If this IS cruciate ligament, surgery -as far as I know- is the best option.

Muscle atrophy is often caused by inability to use the leg properly often because of injury or pain etc. If he can't use the leg, the muscles will waste -and quite quickly.

It's essential the cause of this problem is found. An MRI is not cheap by any means but may be a good way to find out what's wrong. No-one can treat it without knowing what it is first.