lameness or loss of balance....

[EasyToEatTiger]

One of our dogs has become very uneven on his legs. He seems to have had noticeable pain on both his front legs and his gait is very odd. I've felt for heat and swelling, but haven't found anyithing. I've checked his pads for splinters, again nothing. I'm wondering if it's something neurological. Our baby was lame on one of his forelegs, and seems better on rest and recouperation. This ddog is 12, had massive problems with balance and concentration as a youngster. He doesn't seem to be in acute pain and has not had signs of arthritis. He's going to the vet next week. I am concerned that his condition could deteriorate over the weekend. Any ideas?

[EasyToEatTiger]

?????? anyone?

[EasyToEatTiger]

I've just spoken to emergency vet nurse who thinks he'll be ok over the weekend. He's got so much worse very quickly. What's OOH? We live in the middle of a field and have been without our own transport now for a week, so going to the vets would have been very complicated and not much of an option. I hope he will be alright. Thank you Beer.

[EasyToEatTiger]

I'm rather dreading taking him to the vet next week. He's still all over the place today, sometimes ok on his legs, sometimes not. He's moving around like a 3-legged table when you can't tell which leg is missing. I am wondering if he is right in any corner.

[RedwingWinter]

I'm sorry he's not well. It's funny that he is sometimes more affected than others. If you have video facility on your phone, maybe you could take a short clip of him to show the vet, just in case he is looking brighter when you get there? I hope he gets on alright at the vet.

[EasyToEatTiger]

I'll bear that in mind Redwing. Thank you. This ddog has been drunk before, when he ate a large bowl of raw dough. HIs current movement slightly reminds me of that, except that then he was actually falling around. I will ask dh if he can take him to the vets tomorrow.

[Follyfoot]

Our elderly springer suddenly became very 'staggery' overnight and held his head slightly lopsided. We thought he had suffered a stroke but it turned out to be vestibular syndrome. He recovered almost completely but can still look a bit drunk from time to time.

Fingers crossed that your boy picks up quickly.

[EasyToEatTiger]

I hope so too. He's still eating and drinking normally and seems ok in himself. It's the lameness and the lack of balance that I'm concerned about.

[EasyToEatTiger]

He's been to the vet and he's been given painkillers for arthritis. the vet found him very very stiff. It looks as though it has come on very fast. Our oldest dog has been slightly arthritic since she was a pup pretty much. We will try him on the injections next week. I know all dogs react differently but our oldie is a changed animal since she had them. Bugger arthritis. He's only 12.

[RedwingWinter]

Sorry to hear it, EasyToEatTiger, but glad it isn't something worse, iyswim. Hopefully it can be managed witht he painkillers. I hope he's feeling a bit brighter soon.

[EasyToEatTiger]

Thank you! Yes it is positive in that we have some understanding of arthritis and there are available treatments. He has always had a peculiar gait, but it is only very recently that he has become lame on any one of his limbs. This particular dog has bonded very much to me, and I think in some ways we rescued each other. He is becoming an OAD