Hi, we have Bailee a chocolate lab who is 1 1/2. Two weeks ago, we noticed Bailee started have a sway in her walk. He back legs appear to give out every now and then. We took her to the vet, our thoughts were that she has hip dysphasia. The vet doesn’t think so. He argued she was to young and didn’t appear to be in any pain. We tried a steroid shot which doesn’t appear to have helped. She didn’t have any type of injury before this and we just don’t know what to do. Has anyone had any history of this with their dog? I’ve attempted to attached a video. Thanks in advance.
It is very difficult to assess a dog via a short video clip, and I hasten to add I am not a vet. There does seem to be something going on. In my limited experience it looks a bit neurological..maybe a trapped nerve due to a black injury. I do think, however, that your vet should have picked this up. Your vet may be thinking along the same lines as he administered a steroid injection. I would go back to the practice in a day or two, but ask to see a vet who specialises more in orthopaedics/neurology. Or change vets.
Thank you for your reply. We wondered if it could be neorogic as well. We are from a small small town and we have one vet who I’m not sure even has an X-ray machine! It just happened so fast and she seems to be getting worse by the day. It breaks my heart. We will likely need to seek help from a vet in a larger town. Thanks again
Did you show this video to your vet? If not, show it when you go back. Right, just seen your reply. Certainly try another vet and show this video if she just sits still at the vets, or gets too excited for them to see clearly. You're right, those movements are not normal. Good luck with getting an answer and something to help her.
I’m thinking we are going to try another vet Monday. I will bring my videos. She didn’t even want to get up this morning and just fell when she did. Heartbreaking. Thank you for your reply
I have done a great deal of research the past couple of days. I had a thought, Bailee received her rabies and kennel cough vaccine the day before we started noticing signs of weakness. I’m finding in my research there may be a correlation between the rabies vaccines and rear end paralysis. Has anyone heard of this!?!
Bailee had an X-ray is was fine, she had blood work which was all clear. Our vet is working with the University to figure something out. She appears to get worse by the day, falling often and not being able to control her bowels. She is on anti inflammatories and vitamins. He does agree this could all be caused by the rabies vaccination give 24 hours prior.
Very sorry to hear about your dog Melissa you must be so worried. I hope your vet and their colleagues are able to help Bailee.
We had to let Bailee go The vet says this is more than likely a bad reaction to the rabies vaccine. Just so everyone is aware this all started 24 hours after she had the vaccine. It started with her having loose hips, a wobbly walk. A couple days later her hind limbs were getting worse and giving out. She was happy as could be. As the days went by, her hind limbs became weaker and weaker. The last day we had with her, about a month after receiving the shot, she was falling then pulling herself around with her two front legs. We had to give up at this point. Just letting everyone know our experience. Bailee was only 1 1/2.
Oh @Melissa Kerns, I'm so so sorry to hear this. How heartbreaking for you and having to watch your beloved Bailee go through this, I can only imagine how devastating this must have been. I'm thinking of you and your family.
Oh @Melissa Kerns how simply dreadful for you, how shocking, you must be utterly devastated, my heart goes out to you, it really does. I'm so sorry.
So sorry you've had to let her go. I can only imagine how devastated you are feeling. Thinking of you.
I'm so sorry to hear this. Bailee has such lovely waggy tail in the video. When you're feeling a bit better, perhaps you could check that your vet has reported what happened to the manufacturer and regulator. Not sure where you live but this is the US FDA animal adverse reaction reporting information: https://www.fda.gov/animalveterinary/safetyhealth/reportaproblem/ucm055305.htm You or your vet can report the problem. It could be horrible luck or a bad batch so it's important to report to prevent additional harm to other dogs.
