Clifford- problem with his legs

[Clifford the big dog]

Clifford- problem with his legs- updated Wednesday 11/14

this video shows how low he is walking on his back legs


First off, I'm sorry I'm hardly ever on this board except when I have a problem. I spend more time on facebook keeping up with people. Facebook fails though when there is more to write and you want more opinions.

For those that I haven't told of Clifford's health problems, a little back ground-

For over a year now Clifford has had some sort of immune system problem. He lost sight to one eye when it started, has had a few more vision issues, had myocitis that almost killed him last March. He is on prednisone of 50mg every other day.
About two weeks ago I noticed Clifford slowing down on his walks and not going as far. As I watched him I noticed him walking low on his back legs. Took him to the vet. He was xrayed and blood work done. Xrays showed nothing, Blood work showed nothing, a slightly low white blood cell count. My vet had thought maybe a thyroid problem weakening his legs, blood work showed the thryroid is fine. My vet thinks it is more of his immune system problems and nothing to be done about it other than getting braces to help support his legs. We are seeing an ortho surgeon with my vet there too on Weds to see what he says. My vet does not think he is a good surgery candidate because of his medical concerns and unfortunately probably not a long projected lifespan.
Has anybody ever had problems like this? Any ideas of different things to check for or do to help Clifford?
Thanks for taking the time to read this.

 

[Angela]

Did he have spinal xrays?

 

[Milliejb]

Oh gosh, I do not like this post at all. I am so sorry you are having difficulty and although I cannot offer any advice, I will always be here for support. Clifford is such a sweet boy

 

[Clifford the big dog]

Did he have spinal xrays?

I think the xrays were just on his legs, I'll have to double check.

 

[Angela]

I would question a spinal problem, my first Newf walked like this when he was older, he was diagnosed with spondylosis.

 

[Murphy]

I am sorry to hear about these problems and though can offer no concrete advise, do send my most positive thought for Clifford. I will always think of him at the first Newfstock dyed red. it was so hilarious. Will be watching this.. hugs.

 

[jane]

The only other question I would have was did your vet check him for Degenerative Myelopathy? The way he is dragging his back paws was how my Brumis was when he began showing first signs of DM. It usually begins middle age, but can probably happen sooner in some.

 

[Clifford the big dog]

Thanks for the concern and replies everyone. Also thanks for giving me more questions to ask at our appt on Weds with my vet and the ortho specialist.
They gave me a copy CD of the Xrays. Below is what I have.

 

[Clifford the big dog]

I had to look up both spondylosis and degenerative myelopathy. He does not appear to have any pain. It does sound a lot like degenerative myelopathy, which unfortunately is hard to diagnose and there is nothing that can be done to stop the further weakening of their legs. I do appreciate the ideas on what could be going on with Clifford.

 

[jane]

When a vet checks a dog for degenerative myelopathy, the first thing they usually do is while the dog is standing they turn the back paw under and see how long it takes the dog to return it to the normal position. If there is a delay, DM is suspected.
My Roger suffered from autoimmune issues and it was like the domino effect. New issues constantly popped up. One of the last things to happen to him was out of no where I noticed when he would place his back paw down he would toe almost as if his brain couldn't tell him to place the paw flat. It was much different than the DM my other boy had. With DM there is no pain involved at all. They just slowly lose their hind quarters.
I hope you get some answers real soon and its nothing too serious. Sending lots of good thoughts for your sweet boy...

 

[Leonard and his bud Snuffles]

No help here, but hope you can get to the bottom of this.

 

[DAWNMERIE]

Just wanted to let you know you guys are in my prayers. Make sure to let Clifford know and pass him a

from me.

 

[BoundlessNewfs]

So sorry to hear he's having new issues. ((HUGS)) and prayers his way!

 

[Clifford the big dog]

We went to see the ortho specialist today. As my vet suspected there is nothing he can do for Clifford. There is no problem with his legs or spine other than a general weakness. He and my vet think it is due to his auto-immune disease and think we should try upping his prednisone to see if that helps.

 

[DAWNMERIE]

How is he in the water? Maybe some hydro and physical therapy might be able to help stregthen him up some?

 

[YorkvilleNewfie]

This post simply breaks my heart. I'm so sorry. That is all.

 

[Erika]

hugs and prayers for Cliifford

 

[Ivoryudx]

I would be very careful upping the Pred just to see if it helps. Keep a close watch for anything out of the norm if you do that. I'm assuming you have had his heart checked by a Cardiologist?

I agree it sounds similar to Spondlyosis or DM. Hugs to Clifford and you!

 

[Angela]

What dose of Prednisone is he on?

 

[Murphy]

We went to see the ortho specialist today. As my vet suspected there is nothing he can do for Clifford. There is no problem with his legs or spine other than a general weakness. He and my vet think it is due to his auto-immune disease and think we should try upping his prednisone to see if that helps.

I suspect you have already checked out degenerative mylopathy.. I had no idea for so long till someone pointed out the symptoms.. ... characterized by gradual weakness in the rear..
Murphy's symptoms made him a poster boy for the disease. I'll continue to send positive thoughts for your Clifford.. :hugs: