I have an approximatley 9-10 year old schnauzer mix and he wieghs approx 8-10 pounds. We've thought he just had arthritis and kept him indoors and kept hims warm and he seemed to do fine. Today he is unable to get up. He just falls over. I've given him aspirin and sm. amt benadryl to help him rest. When he has to do his business we hold him up. This is a sudden down hill turn...what could be wrong? waiting to here from vet.
Please advise.
2006-12-23 11:40:40 · 14 answers · asked by motherbear 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Serious replies only please. I am very upset. He's a good companion to me and my family. Thnks.
2006-12-23 11:47:08 · update #1
He can only move his front left leg. I'm already alarmed. I wish there was an anmimal ER in my area. We would've been there already. Thank you.
2006-12-23 11:52:32 · update #2
Just make sure he is getting plenty of fluids until you can get him to a vet. The problem could be neurologic and the vet will be able to help you handle it. Is he on anything for arthritis from your vet if not that may be the problem. It's really hard to say without seeing him.
I typically don't give this much info in a response however it is going to be a problem for you to find a vet being christmas weekend. Check your dogs temperature..yes you will have to do it rectally use vaseline or KY on the thermometer. Normal temp is 100-102. Check their capillary refill time. Open their mouth push in on the gums and count how long it takes for the color to refill. (this should be under 3 seconds) Check for dehydration. Pull the skin at his shoulder blades. This should bounce back quickly. Check for loss of sensation. Take forceps (tweezers if you don't have forceps lying around) pull the skin in the webbing( in between the toes) on all four feet. You may want to take a shoe string and tie his mouth shut prior to doing this unless you have someone helping you to keep from getting bitten. Pull hard enough to get a response. If you do not get a response on the feet then there is something neurologic going on. That can be anything from a pinched nerve to a tumor considering your dogs age. This could be severe arthritis as well, as I said earlier it is really hard to say without seeing the dog.
When in kidney/liver failure dogs have a very strong odor about them. It is not a urine odor but worse. If you have ever smelled it you don't forget it, unfortunately I can't explain it to someone who has never smelled it.
I don't know how much money you want to or are able to spend but if it is not a problem contact the closest veterinary college. Usually any A&M college has a verterinary department. They will be able to take him in. If you do decide that course of action, be ready to spend at least 1000.
2006-12-23 11:44:17 · answer #1 · answered by dakittenizcozmic 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure about Boston Terriers, but some breeds are prone to hip dysplasia. Sometimes they wait until the last minute to show outward symptoms, even though it's something that they're born with. We had a rottweiler cross who was fine until all of a sudden one day he was limping on his back leg. They did x-rays, and they said it's unusual for a dog so young to have had such a severe case (he was only 2). It's much more common in doggy middle age. I would call the vet. Best case scenario, he pulled a muscle and they can tell you how much baby aspirin to give her while it heals. Good luck!!!
2016-03-14 13:21:42 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A friend of mine was just discussing this very thing about a dog she knew. At first the vet said it could either be a slipped disc or cancer. Now they're thinking it's something different (I'm not sure what), and the outcome doesn't look good.
I'm not saying this to scare you, but you should be prepared for several different culprits, not all of them simple. Usually cancer is a progression. Since your dog just couldn't get up one day, it's more likely to be something like a slipped disc. Try using Yahoo's directory to find an emergency vet in your state. I know you said you don't have one nearby, but calling one in your state might help you to know what to do next. Best wishes!
2006-12-23 11:58:14 · answer #3 · answered by elizabeth_ashley44 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Older dogs sometimes get an inner ear condition called vestibular syndrome that makes them literally very dizzy-- think how you feel when you get off a carnival ride, or if you spin around a lot of times. No one knows why, and there isn't any treatment, but they usually do get better with supportive care. Look at his eyes-- often they will be twitching back and forth, although sometimes it takes a few hours for this symptom to show up. Keep him quiet and comfortable, and be sure he isn't anywhere that he can fall- like off furniture or down stairs. Sometimes they are too nauseous to eat for the first day or two, and sometimes they vomit from the nausea (again, think carnival ride...). There are other possibilities like a brain infection or tumor, but they are pretty rare. Good Luck!!
2006-12-23 11:50:18 · answer #4 · answered by Annie 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Something similar happened to my little dog last year...the vets determined that he had either had a stroke or slipped a disk...they gave him steroids for a couple of days and he pulled through and has complete use of all of his legs now.
But it's absolutely vital that you get him to a vet ASAP. In the meantime, keep him calm and comfortable...he's probably really stressing out so try to not be all freaked out and upset around him because that'll only make him worse. Stay calm, keep him hydrated, and give him lots of cuddles...and to a vet right away!
2006-12-23 12:23:39 · answer #5 · answered by gypzndog 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
My dog suddenly went lame today...?
I have an approximatley 9-10 year old schnauzer mix and he wieghs approx 8-10 pounds. We've thought he just had arthritis and kept him indoors and kept hims warm and he seemed to do fine. Today he is unable to get up. He just falls over. I've given him aspirin and sm. amt benadryl to help...
2015-08-10 18:54:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did he have any seizures? More than likely it is something really serious so I would take him to an emergency vet. But be prepared very expensive. I know from experience. Good luck and try to be prepared for what the vet could tell you. just try to remember all the god times.
2006-12-23 12:04:35 · answer #7 · answered by erin c 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes dogs just need a break. You should think about taking him to the vets if he does not become better. I wish you the Happiest Holidays, and hope your dog gets better before the New Year. Good Luck with him. :)
2006-12-23 13:04:03 · answer #8 · answered by gary k 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Spinal injury
My Daschund did much the same thing. he is very slowly recovering th euse of his back legs but I have to diaper him and bath him like a baby.
WAit and talk to you vet this may be very bad.
2006-12-23 11:46:34 · answer #9 · answered by raredawn 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Maybe it's just arthritis. I suppose he could have had a stroke. Can he move his legs? I hate to alarm you, but you really should take him to an animal emergency clinic.
2006-12-23 11:49:34 · answer #10 · answered by ? 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋