Expert: Jana Connell RVT, CVT - 1/28/2011

Question
Hello.

I took my German Shepherd (who had no feelings of his hind leg/s, drags one of his legs, can't get up and down the stairs, trips and falls and does the splits from time to time) to the vet and had x-rays done on him.  The vet called and he sees NOTHING on the x-rays and they checked his blood as well (because he was getting dental work done) and nothing out of the ordinary was found.  

I was hoping they'd find SOMETHING because I didn't want it his hind problems to be due to a spinal injury/disease.  The vet said it is.

I am still in the process of ordering the swab test (OFFA) --- or ask the vet if they do it, too when I come to pick up my dog.  

What should I do next?!  I am at a loss.

Thank you again.

Answer
I would start doing research on how to take care of a dog with this problem Eby. If it is CDRM then there is nothing you can do. Since there is gene testing for it, the parents should have been screened but probably were not.

I know this is a devastating diagnosis for you and your sweet dog. All you can do is prepare for what is to come. There are carts available for dogs that lose their hind end mobility and many owners have used them for their dogs with great success.

There are a lot of dos and don't about caring for a dog with this condition. According to what I have read there is not usually a loss of bladder/bowel function but that may not always be the case.

If your vet doesn't give you any answers go to the German Shepherd sites online and the articles I sent you links to and read, read, read.

There are probably even support groups online for owners of dogs with similar conditions.
I am sorry that it's not good news. I know how upset you are.
Just remember that he doesn't know what's going on, which can be a blessing, but the single most thing is that he is pain free.

Only you can decide what is best to do for him Eby. Only you hold the key to what he tells you. If he was in agony these choices would actually be easier on you, I know this.

So for now, start doing your homework and prepare to take care of him in the best way that you can. Until that time, when the hardest decision has to be made, you are going to do fine.
Wrap his foot that is dragging so that he doesn't make it bleed anymore and look into getting him a cart or building one if you can.

That is about all you can do at this point. My prayers and thoughts are with you both.