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Barnyard Buddies:  Neurological issues in dogs  |
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prariehawk
True Blue Farmgirl
2914 Posts
Cindy
2914 Posts |
 Posted - May 06 2012 : 6:06:39 PM
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I took Boxer to the vet today--he's been having weakness in his hind legs. The vet did a thorough examination (used a mallet to check his reflexes, etc) and said he thought it was neurological. He recommended a supplement with glucosamine and chondroitan but it was very pricey. I went to Petco and bought a similar supplement for half the price. I got the liquid form since liquid is more easily assimilated by cells than a chewable tablet. The vet also said that physical therapy would help. Can't afford it, but they had an infra-red massage thing at the pet store. do these things really work? Anyone else have any suggestions? Boxer doesn't seem to be in any pain-he just seems confused as to why he can't jump up like he used to.
Cindy
"Vast floods can't quench love, no matter what love did/ Rivers can't drown love, no matter where love's hid"--Sinead O'Connor
"In many ways, you don't just live in the country, it lives inside you"--Ellen Eilers
Visit my blog at http://www.farmerinthebelle.blogspot.com/ |
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crittergranny
True Blue Farmgirl
1096 Posts
Laura
Lindrith
NM
USA
1096 Posts |
Posted - May 06 2012 : 6:10:19 PM
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I buy an injectable glucosamine to give to my barrel horses and my old horses.
Laura
Horse poor in the boonies.
www.nmbarrelhorses.com |
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StrawHouseRanch
True Blue Farmgirl
1044 Posts
Paula
Holt
Missouri
USA
1044 Posts |
Posted - May 07 2012 : 08:31:33 AM
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I'm confused as to why the vet would suggest supplements for a neurological disorder.
You can perform physical therapy on your pup yourself. TTouch is very effective and easy to learn. You can find some how-to's online (http://www.ttouch.com/howtodoTTouch.shtml), or pick up one of Linda Tellington Jones' books for a lot less than the cost of glucosamine.
Paula
Farmgirl Sister #3090
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, and Today is a Gift.
"Look deep into Nature, and then you will understand everything better."--Albert Einstein
"A meal of bread, cheese and beer constitutes the perfect food." --Queen Elizabeth I
http://www.etsy.com/shop/StrawHouseDesigns |
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Bear5
True Blue Farmgirl
13055 Posts
Louisiana/Texas
USA
13055 Posts |
Posted - May 07 2012 : 08:35:35 AM
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Big hugs to Boxer.
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
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oldbittyhen
True Blue Farmgirl
1511 Posts
tina
quartz hill
ca
USA
1511 Posts |
Posted - May 07 2012 : 1:54:50 PM
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I agree with Paula, joint problems that require G & C, have nothing to do with the brain, I would be looking for a new Vet, and as far as therapy goes, do you have a swimming pool, thats the best...
"Knowlege is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad" |
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queenmushroom
True Blue Farmgirl
985 Posts
Lorena
Centerville
Me
USA
985 Posts |
Posted - May 08 2012 : 2:09:16 PM
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If your dog has a neurological disorder, he would be referred to a vet specializing in pet neurology. Glucosamine and chondriotin is for joint issues. Did the vet do hip xrays and if so, what did they show? If you think your dog has a neurological disorder, you need to get him to a neuro vet or have the vet that you are currently seeing treat him appropriately. He could have anything going on from a hepatic shunt to a brain tumor. A quick trick to determine if your dog is having hind end weakness caused by a neuro problem is to turn his hind end toes under so that it looks like he is walking on his knuckles when he is standing. If he does not immediately stand properly on his pads like he should upon release of your hand, there is a strong chance that there is a neuro problem. I was a vet tech for 7 years, 3 of it spent in an emergency clinic in portland me next door to the animal neuro clinic. Please note that I am not trying to diagnose anything in this post. I am trying to help you make an educated decision as to how to treat your dog. Hope this helps.
Lorie
Patience is worth a bushel of brains...from a chinese fortune cookie |
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prariehawk
True Blue Farmgirl
2914 Posts
Cindy
2914 Posts |
Posted - May 08 2012 : 2:47:08 PM
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Lorena--the vet did the thing with his paws that you mentioned. His paws stayed turned under for a while before they went back to normal.So I'm pretty sure it's neurological. The vet hospital I took him to does offer physical therapy, but I just can't afford it. I know a friend who is trained in Healing Touch and she has done it for animals. So I'm going to ask Boxer if he would be open to that. (I know it helped me). I feed him a good, high-quality grain-free dog food. And he still likes going for walks, just can't walk as far as he used to. Thanks to everyone for your concern and suggestions. Boxer will be fourteen on May 15th. In human years, that's about eighty-eight years old. So he's actually in pretty good health for a dog that age.
Cindy
"Vast floods can't quench love, no matter what love did/ Rivers can't drown love, no matter where love's hid"--Sinead O'Connor
"In many ways, you don't just live in the country, it lives inside you"--Ellen Eilers
Visit my blog at http://www.farmerinthebelle.blogspot.com/ |
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queenmushroom
True Blue Farmgirl
985 Posts
Lorena
Centerville
Me
USA
985 Posts |
Posted - May 09 2012 : 08:00:56 AM
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Ok. Just hope that everything works out for you and your boxer.
Patience is worth a bushel of brains...from a chinese fortune cookie |
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StrawHouseRanch
True Blue Farmgirl
1044 Posts
Paula
Holt
Missouri
USA
1044 Posts |
Posted - May 09 2012 : 09:39:17 AM
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Cindy,
I'll be sending some healing thoughts to Boxer and I'll tell my pups about him so they can do the same.
Hugs!
Paula
Farmgirl Sister #3090
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, and Today is a Gift.
"Look deep into Nature, and then you will understand everything better."--Albert Einstein
"A meal of bread, cheese and beer constitutes the perfect food." --Queen Elizabeth I
http://www.etsy.com/shop/StrawHouseDesigns |
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Barnyard Buddies: Neurological issues in dogs |
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Neurological issues in dogs
