My dog is in pain, unable to walk for no obvious reason

Hi everyone.

I've tried to find answers for my lab and even the vet doesn't know what to do. My lab is 6 and all his life he's had moments of being lame for no reason, walking slow and seeming to be in pain. Recently he was unable to walk, eat, lay down or manage steps. He's had x-rays which ruled out hip dysplacia, spine looks good and so no mechanical issues. Great news... But what is wrong with my dog? He is tall, and slim not over weight. He works once a week on pheasant shoots.

I was wondering if anyone else had any ideas at how I can help him?
Thanks in advance

 

Is the pain happening after he has been working? Maybe he is over doing it on these days?

 

Hi Christina

Thank you for your reply. No, he doesn't seem very sore after work and we only go once a week. Strangely this last episode happened after he had last week off!

 

Maybe ceasing up then? He might be needing more bigger runs during the week to keep his muscles active

 

Possible trapped nerve?

 

Sounds like a second opinion at the vets needed one with special interest in musculoskeletal issues? Would this be possible? Take a video of your dog when well and when he’s struggling perhaps, I often take videos to vets to show them what I see at home. Would that help perhaps? . As with us, I guess a small awkward movement can be just as jarring as a more obvious event. Hope you get an answer soon for your poor boy .

 

Thanks Christina, maybe your right.

 

Thanks Sian for your advice. Good point, I didn't think about getting a second opinion.

 

Thats a idea, maybe an MRI type scan is needed.

 

Hi Lindze,
So sorry your handsome boy is having difficulties.
I would be looking for a second opinion from a clinic at a university veterinary school even if it involved traveling overnight. Look online to see what's near you.
Then I would ask your vet with whom you should make the appointment. Vet schools can be highly specialized - does the vet suggest neurology or a fresh pair of eyes from internal medicine? Or?

Travel and expense might be off-putting but since vet schools are likely to have CT scanners and MRIs you might be better off having suggested testing in one place. If you're really remote ask your vet for local experts or see if he can help you arrange a tele-consult with somebody at the vet school clinic. If you consult in person ask for copies of your vet records and perhaps a one page clinical summary to take with you.

Going forward it's helpful if you can keep a written record of the lameness. Nothing fancy but dates and activities may help in diagnosis.

Let us know how you get on please. Best of luck.

 

Thank you Athena, thats very helpful advice.