I think my dogs back legs are going- will the vet see him?

[ChandlerIsTheBestFriend]

10 year old golden retriever. walked daily, on and off lead, 20-40 minutes a day. Our town is a bit hilly and we have steps up to front door and up to back garden.

I’ve noticed this last couple of weeks he struggles to get up from lying down on the hard floor. Wasn’t sure if it’s lack of grip as the floor is slippy compared to the rug. also a couple of times he will be standing and just seems to “drop” down a bit. As if he’s going to topple over but catches himself. Then tonight when taking him out to the loo he seemed to be lower on his back left side. He’s always been a bit of a plodder so doesn’t ever get up to much speed indoors but when out on his walk he gallops along. Doesn’t seem to be in any pain.

Does this sound like arthritis or something else? Is the vet likely to see him during lockdown?

Yes, vets are still operating in lockdown, just not for things that can 100% wait, like neutering. Give them a ring this morning.

Yes ring them

Yes I would ring your vets

Yes, this needs seeing. Sounds neurological but could be something that can be treated like a herniated disc.

Try this simple test: gently pick up his back leg a put it back down with the toes facing backwards. Dogs with neuro problems will leave the back leg in this really awkward position, all other dogs will correct this immediately.

Yes the vet will see him- either as an appointment or a video call.
If it’s at the surgery they’ll take a history from you in the carpark and then take him inside to examine him and bring him out when they’re done.

Thanks everyone, I’ve been booked a video call for this afternoon.

@Booboostwo I tried the leg test and he pulled his foot straight back to normal.

That’s good news, I think. Hopefully it’s something that can be easily treated.

Had video appointment. Booked in for X-ray tomorrow. Vet said he has “splaying”? when he walks. He did mention a few conditions but I can’t remember the names. I’m so worried now.

I appreciate it’s very difficult at the moment but get him to a specialist orthopedic vet as soon as you can.

It's good that you have an appointment for tomorrow, hope all goes well

Vet just called, X-ray has to be postponed as doing his bloods and kidney function they have discovered he has stage 2 kidney failure. He has to stay in on fluids for 48 hours then see how he is for X-ray in two day. Will probably have to give him a GA rather than sedation due to kidney issue.

Bless him. That must be upsetting OP. Loads of vibes headings his way!

We had to do a midnight visit to our vet a couple of weeks ago when our dog had pariphimosis .
Hope he is ok OP.

Oh puppy! I had to google what that was. Hopefully no lasting effects for your dog?

Vet has been on again, Ddogs heart rate has remained high since he arrived so they are going to do an ECG.

He's fine now.
Sending lots of good vibes your way!

Thank you.

He’s in the best place, although must be worrying for you 💐.

Fingers crossed for him.

Thank you. Vet called this evening. They did the ecg but are going to do it again tomorrow as he says the results they’re getting don’t make sense. Mentioned atrial Fibulation? But needs to see the ecg tomorrow. Anyway he is settled now. Hope he sleeps all night. He won’t know where he is if he wakes in the dark!

So sorry to hear this ChandlerInTheBestFriend. I'm mum to my second goldie. My first had problems with his back legs; it's a common problem with the breed I believe. Hope you've had better news this morning. I'm also a member of a Facebook group - Golden Retrievers UK - lots of breed specific advice and support on there if you want to give it a go.

Thank you pass I’m not on FB but I’ll keep that in mind.

Ecg done again and same results as yesterday so they are going to do a heart scan and see if anything is enlarged and go from there.

He is in good form today apparently and ate this morning. The house is so quiet and echoey without him. It’s horrible.

Are you anywhere Liverpool? They have an excellent cardiology department. They kept my dog alive for 7 years (from 8yo to 15yo) when the local vets gave her a few weeks to live. For larger breeds heart surgery is also an option.

I’m in NI booboostwo

So glad you had all those years with your dog!! That’s amazing!

Hi everyone. I’m picking him up this afternoon. He will have medication for his kidneys and he has to go to be seen by a cardiologist to confirm or otherwise whether he has atrial fibrillation so the vet is booking that for me.

I’m writing a list of questions now because I won’t remember when I go to collect him. So far I have.

What food he is to have now- renal?
Is he allowed his dentastix.
Any other treats he is allowed.
What exercise he can have
What check ups he will need.

Can anyone think of anything else I need to ask?

Check with your vet, but friends with a dog with kidney failure had excellent results with a supplement called Pronefra.