back leg

Hi
I have a 12 year old GSD called Paris. I've noticed over the last few months that her right back leg sometimes gives way. Furthermore, i can hear her nails scrape (the same back leg) the pavement when out walking. She is also groaning more when she gets up or down. As I expect, she takes a while to warm up when we are out but then she moves/runs around well. I'm wondering if a trip to the vet is required or if this is simply old age and little can be done. If some supplements for her joints would help, please recommend.

Further info - she's not overweight and has never been significantly unwell.

[Zak]

Hi, welcome to the forum.

I personally would take mine to the vet if I was in your situation.

Why not introduce yourself and maybe post some pics if you get time.

[sami]

I wouldnt worry too much at her age. I have a 13year old (Sami) with the same problem.

It is likely to be CDRM, which is what Sami was diagnosed with, but at their age it shouldnt be a problem. When a younger dog develops it it can progress quickly and basically paralyzes the dog from the back legs forward. With elderly dogs like Paris and Sami it seems to progress slowly.

With Sami it just leaves her weak on her back legs, her back end can fold under her very easily. That said it doesnt bother Sami too much she has adapted well.

Try to keep her mobile with as much gentle excercise as she can manage. Hydrotherapy is said to be very good for it if you have anywhere nearby to take her.

By all means take her to the vet but there is very little a vet can do or say just enjoy her while you can.

[kita]

I think it is worth a visit to the vet, as although it could be CDRM (or DM) it could also be arthritis.

If it is arthritis there are lots of things you can give to alleviate it, natural supplements like cod liver oil, Glucosamine and Green Lipped Mussel tablets can help.

If you place her hind leg to make her stand on her knuckles what does she do? Does she correct it immediately?

Sue

[MARYLOU30]

Hi

Freya, has recently been diagnosed with early onset of CDRM and arthiritis (although has not shown any real signs of CDRM yet). The symptoms which you describe, especially paw scruffing, definitely sound like CDRM. I would recommend that you make an appointment at your Vets.

Freya is now on daily tablets for her arthhiritis (carprodryl) and a steroid injection every 8 weeks for the CDRM (to stop her muscles deterorating and hopefully slow down progression of the disease). She was only diagnosed in June but the medication has already made a difference in her mobility. If it is CDRM, unfotunately there is no cure (it is the equivalent of MS in humans) but fortunately no pain either.

I am also looking into hydrotherapy (around £20.00 per session) but will probably consider this more fully in the winter months when there is less playtime opportunities due to dark mornings/ nights.

Let us know how you get on.

Louise

[zetstaff]

Hello + welcome xxx

My sister's last dog had CDRM, one thing you can do is get something to protect the foot that's scraping, if sores develop they can lead to all kinds of nasty problems + that's one thing you can prevent.

Would love to see some piccies of your princess xxx

[Sheila in SA]

DM. Not much you can do about it as it is a degenerative disease. I have had two Shepherds that developed it at about 11 yrs - one lived to be almost 15 yrs and the other almost 14 yrs. You just have to make sure they keep exercising, but slowly and carefully. I gave mine Green Lipped Mussel Extract and although it didn't cure (it's incurable) they felt better in general health. Good luck with her - just make sure she has a thick comfortable bed too and sometimes she might need a little help to regain her feet.

[Stuart]

Welcome to the forum,... I also think at 12 years of age, that there is not a lot that can be done, other than trying to keep the joints as supple as possible, I would introduce fish into Parish`s diet, along with other things that have already been mentioned

Is it your only dog?,.. as well as my three Shepherds, I also have a 12 year old Bearded Collie who suffers from arthritis, and the best thing in keeping him going strong, is the other dogs