Disc Problems, down in rear legs

[tickledblue]

I am still thinking that this dog's problem was caused from his being so full of energy and the door on his house too low. I talked with the vet about it. He agreed that that is probably what caused it. He would have to sag his back down to get in and out. He would enter and exit at full speed and there's no way to know how many times a day. If he got excited he would run in and out constantly. I have owned this dog's dam, sire, grand dam and have had hundreds of dogs closely related. Not one has had back problems. He has been in that same kennel for 7 years running in and out. If he hadn't lost his eye when he was a pup I would have run him. That would have helped at least some. I could have had his eye removed etc.. I didn't. Thanks

[allniter]

You might want to think about collecting him if there is no history of DISC problem in the family

[tickledblue]

I have thought about that but he can't even control his bladder, move his tail or anything. I don't know if it would be possible. I doubt that he could be stimulated to that point if at all. Back in the 70's I built a cart for an Irish Setter that was down like this dog. It worked alright since they kept him in their home. I don't think that would help my dog now. Thanks

[Beagled1]

You might want to think about collecting him if there is no history of DISC problem in the family

I agree with that 110%! Every dog I've had with this problem stemmed from the same bloodline, and had 2 common ancestors in particular. Problems of this type are almost always genetic, unless there was incredably severe trauma, such as falling from a great height. Every Vet I've had has never mentioned genetics yet they have no clue how it could have occurred without injury Most Vets don't know much about inherited problems unless you find a specialist ... However, the OFA does have testing for certain breeds for disc problems. Unfortunately the Beagle is not one of the included breeds yet
Unfortunately, I've just this morning had my 3rd experience with disc disease ... my 3yr old bitch is completely paralyzed in the hind end She's out of a different branch of the same bloodlines that I had the disc trouble with in the past ... ugh. Goes back a few times to the same hound as the others. The Vets don't know what to do for her either. Even my other two were not as badly paralyzed as quickly as she is. Just bred her in March, now have to sell as a pet the nice little bitch pup I kept back from her Stinks.

[tickledblue]

There is no history of disc problems in this bloodline. I am almost positive that I know what caused his problem. The female that chewed her foot was completely unrelated yet she was about his size and was kept in this same kennel with the low door opening. At this time I have 20 above ground kennels, four concrete runs and a 12 acre running pen. I am in the process of building two large pens on the ground to rotate dogs in and out of. There is just nothing that will take the place of dirt as footing for a dog or man. I have knee and back problems that are much worse when I am on concrete. If not for the parasite problems every dog I own would be on dirt. I believe that if this dog had been on dirt he would never have had a problem.

[Windkist]

Is he any better or did you have to let him go? I have a dog not feeling well today. He seems like his back hurts but, he is getting around fine.

Leah

[tickledblue]

He's not any better. I just hate to put him down. I guess I am waiting for a miracle.

[Beagled1]

Sorry to hear your dog is not doing better
I had to have mien put down this morning - the Vet was sure her disc had ruptured and she was suffering terribly. I've had others with disc problems, but never that bad ...
Please keep us posted & know tha tall fingers/paws are crossed here that your dog recovers.
BTW, was searching for any info on spinal problems & this one off the NBC's website seems to have the best info: http://clubs.akc.org/NBC/intervertebral ... isease.htm

[Windkist]

My dog is sore in his back for some reason. Yesterday I thought maybe he had a kidney problem but, the vet today said its his back. He is able to walk around fine but, he is sore. We started him on previcox (anti-inflamitory drug) and hopefully that will help him. I was scared to death as this one is our house pet and with the month we've had I don't think we can loose anything else and stay sane ;-)

Ticked.. is yours showing ANY improvement at all? If you want to try it go down to wal-mart and buy some glucosomine/chondroitin suppliment and try and see if it helps him. Can't hurt at this point but, one of ours has had good luck with it. Have they put him on steroids?

Leah

[george lewis]

MY SIX YEAR OLD STORMY HAD DISC DEGENERATION IN HIS NECK AND WAS IN PAIN THE PREVICOX WORKED LIKE A MIRICAL DRUG ON HIM ABOUT TEN DAYS AND THIRTY DAYS REST FIXED HIM SO FAR.THE VET SAID THIS IS A FAULT IN BEAGLES SPINE.THIS WAS LAST FALL I ALSO PUT HIM ON ARTHAWAY JOINT POWDER ONCE A DAY ON FEED. HE WON ANOTHER FIRST PLACE LAST WEEKEND IN A PROGRESSIVE PACK CHAMPION CLASS HUNT. GEORGE LEWIS

[tickledblue]

My dog is not any better and probably worse. He has had 2 steroid injections and also oral prednisone twice daily. Nothing will help at this point other than a miracle. Thanks

[Beagled1]

Praying for a miracle then

[Spruce Ridge Beagler]

Leah, thats the same way my dog started out. The vet put him on muscle relaxers for two weeks then said to run him as normal. Well I ran him sat & sunday he was down. Later found out the reason his back muscles were so tight is that they were trying to protect the spine.
Good luck to all having these problems, its one of the few downsides of beagling. Dave

[Windkist]

Leah, thats the same way my dog started out. The vet put him on muscle relaxers for two weeks then said to run him as normal. Well I ran him sat & sunday he was down. Later found out the reason his back muscles were so tight is that they were trying to protect the spine.
Good luck to all having these problems, its one of the few downsides of beagling. Dave

My baby is gonna lay on the couch!! LOL He is almost 9 years old and is our house dog so, the only exercise he is getting is if I make him. We have had a bad month loosing my hubby's father and I don't think we can take the loss of this dog.

L

[Moore Beagles]

I had a male a number of years ago that was around 12 years old, when his rear legs got weaker and weaker. He had alot of trouble with steps, etc. Then I noticed that it had gotten worst, and took him to the vet, and found out he had a growth that had gotten large and was pinching some nerves. There was nothing they could do, and after a while I had him put down. I actually waited too long, but he would have good days between the bad ones that would give me hope. I have been watching this post, but really didn't want to bring anything like this up, because it probably isn't it, but very similar. Tumors can be pretty common in beagles.
He was a smart dog that was very laid back, and one of the ones that would blow the horn in my Landcruiser while I was in Dunkin Donuts getting coffee. They trained me to come runnin to the horn.