Expert: Silva Mirovics - 4/4/2008

Question
I have no clue what has happen. I have a 5 year old German Shepard. He looks like he has been hit by a car with the kind of limp he has, but he hasnt. His leg is and has been numb for about 8 months now, i dont know what is wrong. We have took him to four vets and non of them know what is wrong. It doesnt hurt him and he even chews on it so we have to tape up his leg and when im not home i have to put the clear disk thing around his neck so he wont naw on it. Any ideas on whats wrong or how to help it or any relating stories?
He never ever acts like he is in pain because of this but yet he just acts like he quit using it, like his leg is dead weight. Its so weird. I can not think of the slightest reason either.
Thank you for your comment.
=]

Answer
Hi Emily
It is hard for me to advise if the vets have not made any type of diagnosis, but my first thought is that it is a neurological problem -something like Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) which is very similar to Multiple Sclerosis in people.
I would suggest trying acupuncture as this may help.  Otherwise there are herbal tonics that may help to some degree.  Robert McDowell has one called Nerve Regeneration blend (www.herbal-treatments.com - click on "herbs for dogs" then scroll down to fine this remedy.  
Together the herbs in this blend are able to improve nerve impulses, strengthen damaged sheaths, increase energy to nerve plexuses and improve cerebral blood flow.
There is also a cream which may have some added benefit as you massage it in daily.  But the cream alone wont help - you would need to get the Herbal blend as well.  It may be that he needs to be on this for the rest of his life.
Other than that www.holisticanimalmedicines.com have a homeopathic product for DM called: Spinal Cord Heal  (AN149).  
As DM is thought to also relate to autoimmune disease, make sure he is getting good wholesome nutrition (not commercial foods) and that he is getting some form of daily exercise as well.  He may benefit from some added canine supplements to his meals to help keep his immune system in good order.
I hope that you find something useful here.  
Take care and do keep in touch.
Kind regards,
Silva.
www.roxysworld.com.au