Ask the Veterinarian/14 Yr old Corgi

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Expert: - 3/17/2011


Question
My 14 year old corgi has been progressively losing control of her back legs. She is not in any pain. Also, she has a tumor on her rear end, and the last time she was at the vet he said to leave it be since it wasn't bothering her. It has definitely grown. The other thing is, I know that Corgis blow a lot of hair, but she has been losing clumps for several weeks now. My main concern is her loss of control of her legs...I know she is old, but was wondering what the future looks like?

Answer
Hi Andee,
it doesn't look very bright for a long bodied dog to be losing control of her hind legs. This usually points to a spinal issue, either a stenosis of the spine (a narrowing of the cord) or a lack of nerve conduction to the back legs via the spine.

The tumor may be large, but if it's not bleeding, raw or weeping there is no point in dealing with it in light of the leg issue.

They don't feel pain, just numbness. The real problem begins when they either can't get up, can use their legs to go to the bathroom, or are completely paralyzed in the hind end.

There are dozens of web sites online with groups that can help you with a dog that has spinal issues. There are canine carts if you think she would be able to use one. There are many things that can be tried medically before you give up. So get your vet on board and explore the ideas.

But in the end, 14 is pretty old for a Corgi. You are fortunate to have had her so long. I would say that you must start preparing your self and your family for a hard decision coming up ahead if none of the above solutions work for her.

One day at a time is all you can do right now.  

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

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PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

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I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

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Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

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Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

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Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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