View Full Version : Paralysis - German Sheppard
Hi....I have an 11 year old German Sheppard that is paralyzed from the waist down. She has been this way for a year and half. Extensive testing done....no diagnosis! She's happy and healthy otherswise and we have adapted to her condition. Just wondering if anyone is in the same situation. Has any ideas on care. The real problem right now is bed sores. I've tried 4 different wheelchairs with no success. I carry her everywhere. Any input would be appreciated. I'm finding that most people put dogs like this to sleep. I have no intention of doing so as long as she remains healthy and happy. Thanks!
catcher T
02-09-2006, 07:10 PM
since u said there is no diagnosis,,have u ever thought of a chiropractor,,there are some that adjust animals,,did they say a slipped disc or anything like that? I believe if a animal wants to eat it wants to live.
DiggityDogs
02-09-2006, 08:58 PM
Not that I'm advising you to put your dog to sleep, because I know if it was my dog I'd have a hard time doing it, but what is your definition of this dog being healthy and happy? If he can't really run or play, and is getting bedsores, and you have to carry him around for everything, do you really think he has a full quality of life? Euthanasia would of course be my last option, so I would also do as catcher t suggested, check into chiropractors or alternative medicine vets, sometimes they can work wonders. Good luck with your dog, I hope you're able to find something to help him.
Rio&Nickysmommy
02-10-2006, 02:11 AM
Ive been a human nurse for twenty years I would make sure you excercise those limbs and massage your dog to keep circulation going. Bed sores are and can get very serious. I wish you and your baby all the best. If you let us know what state your in might be able to find a good pet nuerologist for you. I dont know about Chiropracter at this point since it has been so long since your baby has been like this. Is their any movement at all? My heart goes out to you.
Rio&Nickysmommy
I have just started looking into naturopathic treatment as an option. So far I've been told that it might be a parasite that has attacked her nervous system. The concern is that the paralysis has been so long that it's not clear how much permanent damage has been done. As far as how I determine happy and healthy....she eats well and still loves to play. As long as I see the life still in her I will continue caring for her this way. Thanks for your feedback, I appreciate it!
I'm seeking out a chiropractor. I live in Canada and there does not seem to be many here!
Hi...thanks for your response. I massage her daily and exercise her limbs. There is still movement in one of her legs (when I rub her tummy she shakes it a bit!) and her tail. She loves to swim and I can see one of the legs moving quite a bit then too. Unfortunately, we live in Canada and have an outdoor pool so she only gets to swim in the summer! The bed sores are really hard to manage! I move her position constantly and try to treat and wrap the ones she lays on. She pulls off any bandages if she can reach them. Thanks for your support!
Rio&Nickysmommy
02-18-2006, 04:45 AM
Hi I checked here on the internet and if you go to this link http://www.avcadoctors.com/certified_member_doctors/canada.htm they have a listing of Chiropracters for dogs in Canada. Hope it helps. I will pray for you and your Shepard sound slike you have a full time job caring for your baby and I am sure your baby is worth it. Good Luck keep us posted on how she is doing. Puppy prayers being sent to you.
Rio&Nickysmommy
fillyone
02-19-2006, 08:52 PM
Have your vets done the "Flash" test for Degenerative Myelopathy?
http://www.mzjf.com/links.htm
http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/DM-Flash-test.htm
http://www.gsr-sp.com/DM_Article.htm
Sadly DM is quite comman in the GSD
Barb
Dante - 2 year old GSD
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!! You would think that after thousands of dollars and many specialists, SOMEONE would have mentioned this to me!!!!! I went to all the links you provided and the disease describes Dakota's condition exactly! I am going to consider to pursue this and will keep you posted. Thanks again!!!!
Thank you so much for the link. I am going to try and find a chiropractor in my area and atleast get a consultation. Thanks again!
A chiropracter would possibly do damage to a dog with DM. Frankly, I'm surprised none of the vets you sought out would even think of this, it's a pretty common disease in GSD's.
Also a GOOD doggie chiropracter would want to examine any xrays you've had done, and normally DM is not going to show up in an xray.
If I were you, I would be talking first to an orthopedic surgeon and get a definitive diagnosis. There is a wonderful DM website run by "Marj" on the net, I don't have the url in front of me, when I find it I will post it for you. Has lots of info as well as suggestions.
Thank you for the information. I agree with you....I am stunned that DM never came up as a possible diagnosis!!!!! From the research I've done so far, the consensus seems to be that chiropractic treatment isn't very beneficial with DM. I'd love that link when you find it. Thanks again!
fillyone
02-24-2006, 05:07 AM
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!! You would think that after thousands of dollars and many specialists, SOMEONE would have mentioned this to me!!!!! I went to all the links you provided and the disease describes Dakota's condition exactly! I am going to consider to pursue this and will keep you posted. Thanks again!!!!
Sadly it's often missed.
I'm sending you a private message
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