Gavin can't walk anymore :(

Cindy

Cindy

Premium Member
Yesterday started off normal. We went for our stroller walk, where Gavin did his normal amount of walking. We got home, he followed me around as normal. Same thing when I got home, he followed me around for dinner. Then at some point in the evening he started slipping. His bad leg would be hyper-extended and trip him up (so I thought). So I picked him up and set him in his bed to rest. But it didn't get better. He couldn't get up on his own poor guy, and he tried. He couldn't even stand on his own, he'd collapse immediately. I tried using a supportive harness but I was pretty much carrying him completely. Thankfully the wheelchair is wonderful for going to the bathroom. He pottered around like normal in the cart, both rear legs behaving pretty much normally. (So no paralysis).

Last night was rough, as Gavin kept trying to get up so my sleep was a mess as I worried about him. Got up early this morning and watered him (I forgot about that last night). Then out for potty break. So his legs can both move and he feels things (I tried dremeling his toenails and got a normal response when I did that). I can stand him up and he can stay standing. if he moves much, he goes down.

Normally I'd have him at the vets, but with COVID things are so messed up. A friend's wife is a vet at our local specialist, so I know things are still like this. Emergency visit would mean waiting all day and Gavin would see whoever is available. An appointment would be with who ever is available as well. I'd probably get an x-ray and maybe some steroids, and be told to keep him on crate rest.

Gavin is being soo good, but I know he is confused and probably scared. I will leave him in a crate today when I am at work (short day). I will keep standing him and try to see if I can get him stronger. I might try emergency visit to the vet if things don't improve over the weekend.

Any advice from someone who has gone through this?
 
well, he can sit up on his own. he wouldn't even try last night. And he I can see him trying to stand up (poor guy looks so confused). I had him stand with a little bit of assistance, and them Into the crate he goes, I don't want him to overdo it. Short attempts and then rest. Will keep you updated throughout the day if things improve.

this is very scary stuff....last night all I could think about was how I would live without my little old boy.
 
Cindy, I don't have any answers for you other than to keep helping him with the wheels and the harness and see if he improves. I know what you mean about how they get confused when they can't do the things they expect to, it's so hard to watch. I'm so sorry this is happening and will say a prayer that Gavin improves today. :hugs
 
Cindy, I am so sorry to read that Gavin is struggling. And I know what a mess everything is with Covid restrictions...but hopefully if he doesn't improve you can get him into see a vet. I wish I had some suggestions other than what you are already doing but I don't. You are doing everything possible to support him. Poor Gavin, he must be so confused. Many prayers being sent from here.
Trini
 
Just reading this breaks my heart so I can only imagine how you must feel Cindy! I’m wondering if he possibly pulled a muscle and with his mobility issues this would make walking very difficult for him. I think your doing the right thing by crating him...short of anti inflammatory med I doubt the vet would advise differently. It’s good that he’s able to sit up on his own...
Sending healing prayers to Gavin and hugs to you. I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers...
 
I am so sad to read this post, Cindy. You must be beside yourself with worry. I can certainly understand Gavin is very confused and upset also. Thank goodness you have the wheelchair and his stroller.
I did have a very similar experience with Mr. Chance in the later years of his life when his backend would just collapse. I started getting massage therapy every other week and I was shocked at the results. Although he did not have a compromised back leg, it was still heartbreaking to see him collapse on walks.
After his therapy, he would get up and actually shake himself from the tip of his nose to the end of his tail! I swear I was totally in shock to see what a difference it would make. Not sure if this would help. It has something to do with getting more blood flow to those rear legs I guess.
I know seeing vets are awful these days.
Prayers are being sent your and Gavin's way. Please keep us posted. Virtual hugs to you and soft pats to our boy Gavin!
 
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Oh Cindy, this is heartbreaking I know. Gavin has been such a trooper through all his challenges and it must be so hard to see him falter. I really hope it isn't, but twice this has happened to my friend's senior Collies, and it was both times a spinal cancer or tumor. I would get him in as soon as you can, it's just much better knowing than guessing. I hope I'm wrong and it's more a muscular issue or something else you can help with. Many hugs to you both. :hugs
 
Gloria's post gave me an idea, Cindy. I can't recall whether you've ever seen a chiropractor with Gavin. I take Checkers to one who does chiro and acupuncture because at nearly 15, her back end is weak and she gets out of alignment. It's really amazing what it does for her. If you have one you could consult, or someone who does the massage therapy Gloria suggested, it might be worth a try.
 
First off, I truly hope Gavin gets better quickly and that it was "just" (as mentioned above) a sprain or strain.

Secondly, even if you can't get him into the vet is there any way you can talk to his vet (or another in the same office) over the phone and see if they have any ideas of what can be done? I know Oberon's vet (a 24-hour one) will take emergency-type calls and will either let the vet talk to you or pass messages back and forth. We had an issue with Oberon when we were in Portland (we live in Denver) and even from that distance were able to get some advice, with the understanding that if things didn't improve we would take him into a vet where we were.
 
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