my 8year old male almost lame

A

augiedog40

Forums Novice
Hello,
I'm not sure what exactly to say except my 8 year old male Sheltie "Dusty" can hardly walk and needs help to stand the couple of times a day my wife and I take him out. He will whine and scream as we go to pick him up...but once up he limps terribly holding up his back right leg and switches on and off with left leg as well...so far he does go to the bathroom while out....but he is stiff as a board.
Before doing any of the movements we need to wait an hour after giving him Tramadol for pain and his antibiotic. We don't know what's wrong and neither does our vet.
Dusty was so very active....now he just cries out when trying to move.make I cry while praying for a return from whatever is wrong. X-Rays didn't show anything. So what's next ? Please help with any knowledge you may have. Thank You, Bruce,Karol and Dusty
 
So very sorry to hear about what's going on with your Dusty. I am sure it is very painful for all of you to endure.

If I were you, I would consider taking him to a specialist, an orthopetic vet. He or she might have some other suggestions for you.

I will keep you, your wife and Dusty in my prayers. Please give Dusty a hug from me.

Do continue to update us on how he is doing when you can. Thank you.

ps Our Mally has been picking up little burrs between the pads of his feet, this time of year. After every time Mally goes out I check for them and remove any.
If your Dusty picked up burrs, it would not help his situation. Just wanted to add this to the post.
 
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I'm very sorry to hear about Dusty's problem. Has your vet tested him for Lyme disease? It frequently manifests in lameness and the kind of pain you're describing, that gets progressively worse. It's how one of my Shelties who has had it started. We xrayed and tested his leg and back for weeks before realizing he might have Lyme. It's a simple test and cured with several weeks of doxycyline.

I hope you find that answer soon to Dusty's pain. Give him a pat for us.
 
Has the whole spine be examined (not just the hips or legs)? Could it be radiating down from a bit higher up than was examined? -- An ortho vet might be good to examine other locations. The fact that it is affecting both sides with alternating limping is a big clue.

Test for Lyme as Ann said.
 
I am so sorry to read that your Dusty is experiencing such intense pain. Was this a sudden onset of pain and lameness or was the onset gradual?

I assume your vet x-rayed knees, hips and spine including the neck?
However, X-rays don't always show damage to soft tissue structures like the tendons, ligaments, meniscus in the knee. So there could be significant injury to the ACL or other soft tissue that might be id'd by an MRI even though your vet couldn't dx it from the x-rays. Do you have access to either a vet specialty facility or a vet college that has the equipment to do an MRI?

I also agree with Ann that if you have Lyme in your area it is really important to rule this out as the possible cause of Dusty's lameness and pain. This is just a blood test and is not very expensive.

The level of pain your are describing indicates something really wrong and hopefully you can get a solid dx soon and get Dusty the needed treatment so life will have quality for him again.

Trini
 
Hi Bruce, Karol and Dusty, welcome to Sheltie Nation. I am so sorry "our" first meeting had to be under these circumstances. I'm sorry I don't any advice for Dustys pains, I just wanted to offer some support and tell you and Karol you will all be in my thoughts and prayers. Sending wishes that a dx is found quick so Dusty can once again become healthy. As stated, please keep us posted on Dusty's progress. :fl
 
I second what everyone else has said. Test for lyme and if that comes back negative go to an orthopaedic vet. As mentioned there are some things that just don't show up readily on x-rays such as ligament issues and arthritis in the elbow. An Ortho vet can look for more subtle things to diagnose. I see an ortho vet for both my dogs and honestly, when my female was showing lameness I just went straight to the ortho vet for an immediate diagnosis. Usually ortho vets require a referral from your current vet and will work with your vet. So have a chat with your vet about who they recommend.
 
Thank You All VERY much

I am calling Dusty's vet this morning 8/25. Will ask for blood screen for Lyme disease. Then a referral to ortho vet. Another thing that makes this so difficult is that I (Bruce) just had rods and screws put into my lumbar spine....fused from S1 through L2-3. I'm not supposed to pick up anything heavier than a gallon of milk....I have cheated and pick-up Dusty who is about 20 pounds. But I don't care about me so much as I do him....I know why I hurt...all I can do is cry, pray, talk to you all and try to get the tests done. I will let you guys know anything when I know more...Thank You Again, Bruce, Karol and Dusty
 
I do hope you resolve Dusty's issue soon. PLEASE take care of yourself also!
Try not to lift him as the last thing you both need is for you to end up back in hospital!!!!

Prayers coming your way from me and the boys. One of my boys was really lame once and my primary vet thought it was a torn ACL. Went to a specialist and the result was a severely sprained muscle! I hope and pray your prognosis is something that can be easily treated. We know how concerned you both are.

Blessing being sent your way!:fl:hugs
 
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