Oh the irony of a stupid dog owner

Oberon

Oberon

Well-Known Member
Joined
28 May 2009
Messages
7,241
Visit site
My old girl (she may be 13) is stiff in the hips these days and will often drag her near hind foot as she doesn't lift her leg high enough sometimes. She has worn the claws short on both hinds.

So, I took the dogs on a walk into town (3.5 miles each way) to go to the chinese shop to buy some chicken feet.

It was mostly on pavement and on the way home I noticed blood on her near hind:(

She's worn the claws down to the quick:( She didn't even notice and kept going:(

I could kick myself. I'm so stupid. I thought twice about taking her so far - but thought we'd rest plenty if she got tired, I didn't consider she'd wear her claw away on the concrete.

At least she liked the chicken feet.......

So I'm a bit stumped - has anyone used booties successfully?
 
Oberon, please don't take this the wrong way, but have you or your vet queried CDRM? It's a neurological condition as opposed to the hips and it often gets mistaken for hip problems, especially in GSDs or GSD crosses as people just assume it is the hips, but CDRM is also present in the breed.
It does not cause pain but does eventually lead to loss of mobility in the hind legs.
It starts presenting as scuffing and dragging of the hind paws and the back paws staying clenched/not flexing correctly.
 
CaveCanem said:
Oberon, please don't take this the wrong way, but have you or your vet queried CDRM? It's a neurological condition as opposed to the hips and it often gets mistaken for hip problems, especially in GSDs or GSD crosses as people just assume it is the hips, but CDRM is also present in the breed.
It does not cause pain but does eventually lead to loss of mobility in the hind legs.
It starts presenting as scuffing and dragging of the hind paws and the back paws staying clenched/not flexing correctly.
Click to expand...

I haven't taken her to the vet yet as it's only just started being noticible. I know it's not 'her time' yet as she is still happy to romp on the beach with Salem and chase balls.

Of course, I'll be taking her to see the vet on Monday (I've bandaged her foot up for the weekend) to be checked over and I'll mention CDRM. I'd never heard of it - thank you very much for the info.
 
No worries. Two of our females had it, it does tend to be overlooked and dismissed as a joint issue - in America you will see the dogs on wheeled carts to support their back ends, whether you agree with that or not!

But it can take years to get 'bad' and it sounds like whether your girl has it or not, she has a good few years in her yet :)
 
Ditto CC, it does sound as if your old girl is showing signs of CDRM. Definitely worth mentioning to your vet, although tbh I would hope he/she would pick up on it themselves when you describe the symptoms. If it is CDRM it doesn't cause pain which is a good thing, you will just have to adjust her exercise accordingly, maybe less of the yomps on concrete.
 
I was going to say exactly the same!!!! But it can happen with lumbar probs too, my terrier was scuffing when he was really tight and sore in that area, I would get it checked sooner rather than later incase your baby is sore.

Don't beat yourself up about taking her so far, you didn't do it on purpose! XX
 
Barney had CDRM and was just the same. We used booties on him, they helped although they did wear out fast.
 
Just back from the vet and you're bang on the money. Vet thinks it neurological as she can't feel any arthritis at all and all the signs point to CDRM. She's started on steroids to see if they help.

I'm really grateful it was mentioned on here, as I felt prepared for what the vet would say and didn't freak out in the surgery. So thank you for that.

At least she isn't in any pain and can enjoy what time she has left.

It's our tenth anniversary next month.
Xaradogwash.jpg
 
Aw bless her, what a sweetie. I would imagine it is the early stages so I really hope she isn't badly affected for a long time. I am sure the vet has given you some tips, but I have always been told to keep up controlled exercise, on lead at a fast walking pace, as well as letting her go off lead at her own pace.
 
Thanks guys

I've already ordered some boots for her back feet.

I've emailed this company for info on sciatic slings
http://www.orthopets.co.uk/toe-up-sciatic-sling.php

and I've put a bid on a walking doggie cart on eBay (I know, but I can't afford £200 on a posh one).

I appreciate that doggie cart may be a contentious issue - but my intention is to carry it until we are on our way home, as this is when she struggles. She is happy enough to romp with Salem on the beach but needs help on the way home (along the pavement).

I considered getting a bike trailer/jogging stroller but she wouldn't be happy to ride along - she'd rather walk and sniff.

When she is no longer capable of romping and walking happily - I know what to do. But these gadgets may help make things easier for her until then:)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top