Sudden paralysis in rear legs

[NKlein]

Hello, all,

This has been a very, very bad year for Byron. In February, Byron started to go blind in one eye--despite every attempt to save his vision including injections in his eye, a retinal re-attachment and finally laser surgery, his vision was never recovered.

Then on Friday Byron's rear legs became suddenly paralyzed. I'd noticed him seeming a little "stiff" earlier in the week and took him to the vet because I feared he had Lymes Disease. We did a full panel of bloodwork on Wednesday and it came back on Thursday as completely normal. Then Friday he couldn't stand up at all.

We rushed Byron to a canine neurologist and he had an MRI done yesterday--the neurologist thought there was possibly a tumor resting on his spinal cord, however the MRI revealed nothing. We had a spinal tap done as well, however those results won't come back until Wednesday.

I'm praying that this is a treatable condition. Perhaps he just has some inflamation in his spinal cord fluid. There is still a possibility of him having a tumor inside of his spinal cord, which we would treat with chemo. Right now I'm trying to keep it together so that I can keep him comfortable and keep his spirits up as much as possible.

He soiled himself this morning (combination of rear paralysis + oral steroids, which causes frequent urination) and was really ashamed about it. It broke my heart. I gave a bath as best I could, which seemed to help lift his spirits a little.

Byron has been through so much this year. I can't tell you how much it hurts me to see him in any pain. I don't know how to describe it to people who don't "get" it. Byron means so much to me, he's like a soul mate to me. When I see him I feel like my heart swells up with joy, and when he is in pain I don't know how to describe the ache I feel. It overwhelms me and I feel so helpless that I want to break down. I've always been a dog lover, I grew up with dogs, but Byron is so much more than my dog. He's truly a best friend.

Anyway, the only real reason for my post was to find out if anybody has had experience with similar symptoms: sudden paralysis, perfectly normal bloodwork and no visual indication of a tumor. I know the spinal tap will (hopefully) reveal more, but Wednesday feels SO far away. Thanks for listening.

 

[jane]

I'm so sorry to hear about Byron. Sending good thoughts that you get an answer and it's treatable...

 

[Elizabeth]

I'm so sorry you are going through this.. You may want to look at fibrocartilagenous embolism as a possible cause, or a stroke. I'm not sure if an MRI would detect these conditions or not. I do know that strokes in people often don't show up until a later date... Can he feel his rear legs?

E

 

[Peter Maniate]

About 20 years ago sudden rear end paralysis afflicted a nine year old male Newf of mine. It was diagnosed by our general practice vet as meningitis. Unfortunately we were not able to save our boy but a younger Newf might be more treatable.

The worst part was the loss of dignity that he felt when he soiled himself. We were nursing him in the porch and overnight he rolled himself out through the screen door and down the steps to the driveway so that he didn't poop inside. Unfortunately we found him in the morning laying in his excretement on the driveway and the expression on his face will haunt me forever.

Our vet told my wife that "dogs don't have dignity" and she exploded, telling the young vet off in no uncertain terms - some things are obviously not taught in vet school.

 

[Peter Maniate]

It's a long shot but temporary rear end paralysis has been known to be caused by tea tree oil. Should you have used such on your boy and he had a reaction, then this won't last more than a week.

Sending prayers and healing thoughts your way.

 

[Bella and Gabe]

Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry to hear this. I can only begin to imagine how your heart is feeling right now. Reading your post brought me to tears. Please know prayers are lifted for Byron. Please keep us posted as to the rest of the test results and to how Byron is doing.

And Peter's response completely caused me to weep! Bless your wife for telling the vet off.

 

[Bella and Gabe]

It's a long shot but temporary rear end paralysis has been known to be caused by tea tree oil. Should you have used such on your boy and he had a reaction, then this won't last more than a week.

Sending prayers and healing thoughts your way.

Peter, what products would we use that might contain tea tree oil? I just want to be aware from now on.

 

[Leonard and his bud Snuffles]

Oh my!! So sorry to read this. My friend with the Basset Hounds had her I think 9 year old female at the time had a pretty quick sudden paralysis. They rushed her to a clinic in the Chicago area and they did operate on some of the lower disc. I am happy to say it took a good 6 months, but she is walking and wagging her tail again.

From what I am going through with Snuffles right now, the vet told me some things to watch for. My impression is time is very critical to the recovery. So I hope if it is a disk problem, you get to a surgeon QUICK!

Sending all the healing energy I can!

 

[Cascadians]

Prayers for Byron and Nicole, that the condition be reversed and healed, and the vet able to quickly ascertain the cause. And prayers that Byron be comforted and know only your love, and that he can relax even though he can't walk at the moment.

Are there dog diapers that can help? For humanimal eldercare there's all types of products.

 

[Lori]

I am so sorry to hear about Byron. We understand how you feel about your boy, he is your heart dog, the one that becomes a part of you. We are all praying for you and sending healing thoughts.

 

[KodysGrandma]

We all feel for Bryan and for you. Not knowing what is wrong in one of the hardest things. Prayers that this can be fixed.

 

[BaileyBear]

So sorry Byron is having problems. Sending hugs to you both and healing thoughts. Hope it's something easily treated.

 

[NewfLove]

I'm so sorry you are going through this. We all understand the intense pain you feel when your pup is hurting - and when he's embarrassed. I hope you get answers on Wednesday and that there is a favorable prognosis.

 

[nowhavethreebears]

No experience, just prayers that Byron's issue can be resolved.

 

[Peter Maniate]

Peter, what products would we use that might contain tea tree oil? I just want to be aware from now on.

Professionally formulated product for dogs contain 2% or less tea tree oil and seem to be quite safe. The problem arises when someone tries to treat hot spots or other skin problems with pure or highly concentrated tea tree oil products.

When I tried a skin product containing 10% tea tree oil that I bought at a local health store I reacted so badly and my immune system went into overdrive. It took two weeks on steroids to stop the overreaction by my immune system. Now, just like for my dogs, I stick to 2% or less. Tea tree oil is great but over concentration can be a problem - it is a very powerful antiseptic.

 

[Liisa]

I send my prayers as well. I hope you get news that it is a treatable condition. For what it's worth, if you are referred to an oncology clinic, the New England Veterinary Oncology Group in Waltham, MA where we took Khabo for his oral tumor was really top notch. I can't say enough about the facility, the doctors and the care and concern they have for your animal. Should you end up needing to go there, I can't recommend it enough.

 

[cedarvalleynewfoundlands]

So sorry to hear about this. The other thing that can cause these types of symptoms is erlichia. Erlichia is a tick borne illness. Since he was tested for lyme, I am guessing you live in an area that has tiocks? Do you know if he was also tested for erlichia? The meds used to treat erlichia is doxycycline, and I believe they also use steroidsto reduce swelling. You may want to ask your vet about starting him on doxycycline ASAP. It cant hurt, and sometimes erlichia doesnt show up in the first test (not sure why), but immeidate treatment is crucial for the best prognosis.

 

[NessaM]

Got all my fingers crossed for Byron, that this is something that will pass, and pass quickly!

 

[new_2_newf]

fingers cross here as well. try not to get too upset with the accidents. try and be upbeat about them if you can be, just like a kid who has wet their pants. I find if you take a 'oh, that is no big deal, we will just clean you up and get on with our day' attitude, it is a little less embarrassing for both child and dog.

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

Linda, so sorry to hear about Byron. I know you said he tested negative for Lyme, but have your vet also test him for other tick borne diseases. He can be negative for Lyme and positive for other tick borne illnesses. They can have similar symptoms but can be more serious. I hope you get some answers to help him. Sending good thoughts.