Strange symptoms

B

BaileyMolly

Forums Regular
Hi everyone,
I adopted an older Sheltie 3 years ago. We are really not sure how old he is but the vet guesses 11 or 12. This weekend he started having trouble walking. His backend is wobbly. He also has trouble eating. I have to hand feed him small amounts of oatmeal and hamburger. He also froths at the mouth and makes a mooing sound like a cow when he eats. He was drinking water but has not been drinking today....just laying around. He has also become hoarse and has trouble barking. I took him to our vet today and he took blood for tests. Results should be back tomorrow. Has anyone seen these symptoms before?
Thank you
 
Your pup's symptoms are troubling and I'm sorry to hear about it. I don't know what it could be, although I would certainly have your vet check for Lyme disease and tick-related illnesses. I hope the test results give you some answers and he improves soon. Please let us know what happens.
 
Ann,
Thank you for replying. Blood test results were all good so his doctor was able to put him on Rimadyl for pain and inflammation. His tests came back negative for Lyme's. Our next step is X-rays on Thursday. Just working on keeping him comfortable and being thankful for having another day with him. Thanks for having us in your thoughts.
 
Your a great mom and will find success. I think they like to scare us every once and awhile. I thought maybe a problem with
his heart. My vet a long time ago said, when the dogs drink water in a very violent way that is a flag for alarm. Your boy isn't doing that
either. I had my setter do it to me but he was 15 1/2 yrs, old.

Will be waiting for a great success story and enjoy your boy for many years to come.
 
Thank you for your message. The vet moved Danny's X-ray up to today. He discovered that in several places in his back the cartilage between the discs is missing and has been replaced by bone. He prescribed prednisone this time. I'm hoping that can give him some relief. He was able to drink water from his water bowel which he hasn't done in a few days so happy for that. I appreciate your positive thoughts.
 
Does the vet think this is the cause of the eating problems as well? The prednisone will make him thirsty and hungry so he'll probably be woofing it down soon.
Once he's off the prednisone the vet my put him on an anti-inflammatory longer term. If he does ask about a stomach protectorant - I think that's important if he'll be taking it for a while. My arthritic male gets carafate with his NSAID. Also ask about the milder options, while things like Rimadyl/carprophen or Meloxicam are good for acute episodes there are NSAIDs that are milder on the stomach and better for use longer term. You may also want to try a half dose if you are give it daily.

Good luck. Hopefully it's not too bad and the Prednisone gets him back on track.
 
Many dogs will refuse to eat if the position hurts them. Would a raised bowl help, perhaps?
 
You are right. The prednisone made him very thirsty. He is eating but not a a lot at one time. He had one really good day where I thought he was on his way to recovery and then he was back to having trouble. It's weird because he likes a raised bowl when he drinks his water but not for his food??? I tried a flat plate because he has trouble getting his face down in his bowl but he wants to eat out of his food bowl. Methocarbamol seems to help him get comfortable enough to sleep. He is still hoarse and chokes on his food at times so giving all moist now. Our vet checked his throat and didn't see anything so we are all confused. Thank you for your suggestions. It helps so much knowing that others are working on helping him.
 
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