My dog has had two disturbing episodes, most recently last night. He was lying on the floor in the living room, attempted to get up, and had completely lost the use of his hind legs. It was pitiful. He tried to get up several times and kept falling back down. I got down onto the floor with him and comforted him and kept him down. After about 5 minutes, he was able to get up and wobble around. He seems fine now. The last time he was like this, he was also vomiting, so I thought he had a seizure then, but he wasn't sick this time. That time was over a year ago. He is about 5 years old and a black tri. Any advice? TIA
I've only ever had mini-aussies, but this happened to a friend's border collie. Turned out to be neurological with their dog, controllable with meds. He hasn't hurt his back lately, jumping down stairs or off furniture ? Stepped in a hole, or twisted funny while running? Is there any pain (does he flinch or cringe or react at all) when you slowly run your hand (gently massage) down his spine? When he was down on the ground, did you notice any movement from his legs .. was it like he was paralyzed and not moving them at all, or were they just not supporting his weight? I'd think one of three things ... a neurological disorder, spinal injury, or hip dysplasia (aussies, tho not BIG dogs, are still prone to bad hips). That's just broad range thinking, but that's where I'd start. A vet visit would probably result in x-rays ... an anti-inflammatory at least.
If you remember my dog Tara. When I lived in Florida she had spun around to come towards me and ended up slipping a disk. Which caused her to lose the use of her hind legs for a little bit. One of the vets I used did acupuncture on her and it seamed to relieve her pain and was able to heal and walked and ran fine ever since. It may sound silly but could your aussie have slipped a disk previously undetected and has relapses from time to time?
Definitly time for a trip to the vet. It could be any number of things, some serious, some not. Good luck with your fur baby!
Agreed! Need to have that checked out with your veternarian PDQ. Dont you wish our pets could talk and tell us what is going on with them? It would make things soooo much easier!
Thanks all! He was perfectly fine this morning, running and playing at 6 am. No ill effects at all. Very strange because he could not move his hind legs at all when it happened. I am going to follow up. He is such a sweetie and I hate to see him so scared like he was on these two occasions. Thanks again for the advice.
