Help please with auto immune poly arthritis

[Fazzie]

Hi
I have a 2 year old blue merle border collie called Zak. He has been diagnosed with the above condition since May this year, and we have now managed to stop his steriods all together.
We have been to hell and back to get here and there was a few times we thought we might lose him which was so heartbreaking as he is just everything to me!
I was just wondering if anyone else has any experience with the condition as my vet keeps telling that he isnt out of the woods yet etc etc and that he will most probably relapse but it will be weeks or month or years so im living in fear most of the time!! constantly watching him and waking up through the night to check him, even refusing to go on our honeymoon unless he came with us!!. I have also noticed that because we arent allowed to walk him much his back legs now shake after running about, is this ok?
Thanks in advance

Sam

 

[MurphysMinder]

My GSD bitch suffered this , we believe as a reaction to vaccination. It sounds as if you lad is far worse than she was, she had a week of intense pain, but responded well to steroids. She had occasional painful episodes during the following year and developed spondylosis of the spine shortly afterwards but this was helped by hydrotherapy, and is now managed by cartrophen injections. She was 7 years old when she first became ill and is now 10, and whilst she cannot walk too far she seems very happy. I hope your boy continues to improve, I do know what you mean about living in fear, but in my girls case it is so far so good.

 

[Fazzie]

thanks for your reply im glad your girl is doing well now. Zak goes to Hydrotherapy as well!! called Hydrodogs, but he contracted kennel cough so its taken a few weeks for him to recover. I believe he got the auto immune from vaccinations as well, so does my vet so he hasnt had any vaccinations since.
Im just doing gentle excerise with him round the block everyday but he is getting stronger so fingers and paws crossed!!
take care xxx