DM
12-yr-old-Alie's having DM (degenerative myelopathy), can hardly lift up her left back leg well. She sill walks and sometimes looks normal but it's getting worse as I see. Thinking of buying a stroller, just take her outside to do her business. She's not that active like other corgis so she might not like WHEELCHAIR. I appreciate if anyone could suggest me anything or share anything w me.... She's been in my life for 12 yrs.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by susan on
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So sorry to hear. Have you had her evaluated by a vet to confirm it is DM? I have no experience with it, but it seems like many corgis adapt well to the wheels. Best of luck.
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Permalink Reply by Stephanie on
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When we have gone to various local dog events, I have seen a number of dogs in little doggie wheelchairs. All seem to be very happy and have adapted to their extra wheels to help them get around. Most of them go about life with enthusiasm and don't even seem to notice that they have the extra assist once they are used to it. We live near the University of Illinois vet med college and they have an excellent care center there and a lot of experience with fitting dogs with the "wheels". There are also a number of people in our neighborhood with older dogs that are having difficulty getting around and they have adapted well to going for walks in a stroller, being placed on the ground to "do their business" and then back in the stroller for a nice walk around the neighborhood. I hope you can find a good vet to help you with what will work for her.
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Permalink Reply by Beth on
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I am sorry you are facing this. We are dealing with something similar with our Maddie. Some points to consider:
It is impossible without necropsy to be sure of DM. IVDD can mimic DM: many dogs present without pain and I read on a reputable site that about half of all dogs or more who are diagnosed with DM actually have IVDD. If it is IVDD, an anti-inflammatory can help. Anti-inflammatory meds can also help even if it is DM because a lot of strain is put on the other joints because of the wonky movements that result from DM. So maybe try adding fish oil and an NSAID.
Exercise, exercise, exercise. As long as she can walk, keep her moving. Pavement is your enemy. We were doing ok with nail caps, but now Maddie is wearing sores on her feet. So we put a little sock on her to cross roads and carry her when we need to, and then try to get her at least a half mile walking in the grass every day.
I also found balance exercises help. Pick up each paw in turn. If the hind end is very week you may need to lightly support her under her belly as you pick up the strong paws. When you get to her weak leg, she may not give the joint and let it flex as you lift it, since she can't really feel it. Try massaging her foot as you gently lift the leg and see if you can get her to flex the joint. You can then lift the right hind and left front at the same time, and then left hind and right front, so she is standing on diagonal legs. As she loses feeling in the worst hind leg, you may no longer be able to lift the good hind leg but still lift the bad one and opposing front. Try to do this at least 2x per day.
When she is lying on her side, very gently move her bad hind leg through most of its range of motion. Don't take the joint to the extreme since she can't feel it to let you know if you are straining it.
Examine her nails and paws EVERY day for wear. Things can change in just one day.
Good luck.
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Permalink Reply by megumi nakamura on
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The vet said "it's IVDD" from X-Ray so told me to take her to neurologist. He didn't explain to me well so I started researching it. IVDD: usually with pain which Alie doesn't seem to have. suddenly paralyze, which it was gradually and it's been 8mos... DM: no pain, gradually worsen, which exactly her situation. She's already had a dental surgery (2 molar extractions) 5yrs ago, and 2 surgeries (bladder stones removal) in past 2 yrs and she's 12 yrs old. I don't know if I should let her go thru another big operation even tho no pain. And I feel so bad to say this but it's gonna cost me. ($6~7K). Punch me, someone! I am so failing as an owner/parent....
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There are support/fundraiser type of groups that will help people pay for things such as this required surgery. I am not sure of the names, but would imagine that there are others on this forum who could pass along some website names. I think one is GoFundMe or something like that. There is another Corgi site where forum posters often help with this type of expense. I will ask my son if he can tell me so I can share that information with you. Hope everything works out for you.
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OMG, really?? I never thought about such support. Thx for a generous comment! I'll research myself too!
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I think one is CorgiNation. Maybe Corgination.com or something like that. I think the person who heads up that group often tries to help out people who are having difficulty with medical expenses for their pets, etc.
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Permalink Reply by Holly on
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Regardless of what happens you are a good and responsible pet owner or you wouldn't be seeking solutions. I think it is great for some people to take extreme measures. For others, letting nature "take its course" is a better answer. I think nothing less of them. All of the people where I live are very, low income, but each pet owner loves their animal very much. One of my neighbors had to watch her 18-year-old cat die at home, but she did not want to make him deal with the stress of a trip to the vet and her to deal with the cost of delaying the inevitable. Another, a dog with cancer, had several surgeries and strong medicines but it also died. I don't judge either. Hard choices. Surgery for spinal issues is different I'm sure, but if you cannot get financial help and the prognosis is unclear I believe you cannot be judged for any care choices you make. I wish you all the best.
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Thanks Stephanie. It is easy for me to say with a five-year-old dog. Personally though I do have degenerative disc disease which causes me muscle weakness and the shaking Alie is experiencing. Certain positions make it much worse and more visible, but in my case, and probably all cases, I can assure you, the shaking, is NOT painful. There are some painful moments when the muscles go into spasms and I cannot speak easily or eat so that may be a clue to when it is really bad for a dog. In any case the dog does not see pain as we do so she may be better off than it appears. I truly admire people that can stick to decisions to withhold treatment when necessary. Best wishes to all of you! I hope you find a happy solution.
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Oh, my goodness. I am getting up in my years now, and my back certainly is not what it used to be as when one gets older, the spine begins to collapse somewhat. However, I have not had much pain throughout the period this has been ongoing and I am grateful for that. I do have fibromyalgia as well, which causes lots of overall body aches and pains, but one sometimes learns to tolerate things like that which are thrown at us. I hope that on the whole you are pain-free and wish you the best.
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Thank u very very much for generous words... I keep trying to do my best for her.
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