We think Maddie might have DM Update 3/22
Update 3/22 after vet visit.
Well, through no fault of the vets we know no more now than we did before. Madison has so much going on. She has other neurological symptoms besides the back end. She has some mild tremors around her head, and she has pretty noticeable head twitches when she relaxes. She also doesn't track thrown objects or walking people at all any more, beyond what you would expect from vision loss. She has no concept that things will continue to travel in the direction they were already going and actually loses track of us on walks-- when she is on a leash no less. So we are most likely looking at a combination of things. Whether it's brain issue + arthritis or brain issue + arthritis + DM is impossible to say.
We are starting her on fish oil for its anti-inflammatory effects, and milk thistle for liver support due to her seizure meds. We are also going to try a harness with a handle so we can help her if she gets wobbly on walks.
We are worried about our Madison.
About a year and a half ago, she had some seizures and we started her on seizure meds. Predictably, she was a bit unsteady on her feet when she started them. However, she never completely returned to normal function and I wasn't entirely happy with how she was doing. The seizures were under control, but she didn't move quite the way she used to.
The problem improved to a new baseline, but then last summer she started getting worse. She was a bit reluctant to walk at times and had some trouble with steps. She had a thorough workup at the vet. I was leaning towards something neurological, but the vet seemed to think orthopedic. Maddie's nails were wearing more on the right rear and right front from not picking up her feet correctly and x-rays showed arthritis in her hip and spine. She passed the foot flip test, correctly righting her feet when her toes were turned under.
We started her on Metacam as needed and that helped a bit for awhile, but over winter we noticed some things I don't like. Her back end seems very unstable, far out of proportion to any pain she may have. I have had dogs with bad arthritis before and she does not move like an arthritic dog (she isn't starting stiff and working out of it, or being careful). She will tip over and get right back up with a grin on her face, or confusion, but never pain. She runs diagonally instead of forward, as if she doesn't know where her hind end is.
She started wearing her nails worse once we walked on pavement after the snow melted. I e-mailed her breeder to see if she had any experience with nail caps and got an answer that I was not hoping to hear: Maddie's litter brother is showing early signs of DM.
All the pieces clicked into place. I suppose it COULD be severe arthritis compressing the nerves in her spine yet not giving her much pain. It can happen that way. But the other day I did the foot flip test again and Maddie failed miserably. Bend her back paw under and she makes no effort to right it. She just stands on her knuckles. The right leg is worse than the left; sometimes she will correct the left and sometimes she won't, and the left nails are not wearing.
We have a vet appointment on Saturday. We may learn more than.
The bright side is that she is happy, bright, eager to do things, excited about treats, and still interested in her toys and barking and hopping after other dogs. She is sweet, upbeat, and loves being handled so if it comes to it, she would be a good candidate for a cart.
But she is only 10, and a young 10 at that.
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Jane Christensen on
-
AWWWWWW, great pic!
-
Permalink Reply by Beth on
-
And this is my computer desktop photo at work. The first year she came to live with us.
-
Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on
-
It is never easy to see the signs of age and realize time is limited. I know my past year has made me re evaluate the importance of so many things. I know Maddie has been very well taken care of and loved by you. Hope she continues to be in good spirits.
-
Permalink Reply by Vicky Hay on
-
Oh dear. That sounds so ominous and scary. My Gershep started having symptoms like that at around the age of 9 -- not the whole panoply you describe, though. I also thought she might have DM, which can also affect shepherds. Apparently she didn't, but her arthritis was very severe.
Very sorry to hear you're having to go through this grief.
-
Permalink Reply by susan on
-
Oh gosh.... so sorry to hear this may be happening to your Maddie. I think its one of every corgi owners biggest fears from the time they bring their pup home. It seems like you are very knowledgeable about it. That will certainly help as you navigate your way thru the future. Please keep us posted. /hugs
-
-
Thank you. I have tried to follow the DM research since long before my dogs were old enough to worry about it. Even though it's not extremely common, it helps I think to be forewarned about things to watch for.
-
Permalink Reply by Rebecca Marie O'Bryan on
-
Beth i am so sorry to hear about this, u are in my thoughts at this tough time. if it does come down to her having DM at least shes still bright, alert, and shes happy. even with a cart im sure she will get around just as happy as she is now and play the indoor chuck it with jack :)
-
-
Aw, thanks. And thanks for remembering the things my dogs do for fun!. It makes me a little sad but it is hard to get too upset when she's still grinning all the time.
-
-
your more than welcome. u were always there for me so know i am here for you :) just like the others. i will be sure to check on this and cross my fingers. i am hoping and praying for you
-
Permalink Reply by Jane on
-
So sorry to hear this Beth. I don't know if you ever visit the Cool2bCorgi forum, but there are some ladies on there that have a lot of experience with DM.
- ‹ Previous
- 1
- 2
- 3
- Next ›
Rescue Store
Stay Connected
FDA Recall
Canadian Food Inspection Agency Recall
Groups
We support...
Badge
© 2024 Created by Sam Tsang.
Powered by
