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Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Non IMHA question for Johnny
| Johnny: I was wondering if you know of any diseases that Cocker Spaniels are prone to that affect the use of their rear legs. Sheba (GSD/Cocker Spaniel mix) has been having trouble with her rear legs for more than a year now. Given her symptoms and the fact she's part GSD, we (Mike and I and both her vets) feel it is most likely degenerative myelopathy and not a disc problem. She doesn't seem to be in any pain and she exhibits the classic DM symptoms (knuckling, crossover of feet, inability to maintain her balance, etc.). But, my aunt commented to my mom a while back that both their cockapoos lost the use of their legs toward the end of their lives. Granted, they were both overweight and could very well have had a slipped disc/disc issues but... Do you know of any disease/genetic disorder specific to Cockers that cause rear leg problems? Thanks for any insight/ideas! Rita, Mike and Sheba |
| Rita IA |
| Oh gosh Rita...I'm so sorry you're having this problem with Sheba. As far as predisposed problems for cockers the only thing I can think of would be a luxated patellar but this really doesn't sound like the case here since you mention there's no pain...plus with the other symptoms you described! DM was one of the first things I thought of also when you described the symptoms! If it isn't nerve related then it could likely be somehting neurological. Have you guys considered perhaps Wobblers Syndrome (spondylolithesis)?? A lot of the symptoms you mentioned are the same for this disorder and I'm pretty sure it's common in GSD's! Have you had any testing done for it? X-rays or myelograms?? I'm pretty sure the leading expert for DM is Dr. Clemmons at University of Florida. The only reason I know this is casue when I was researching cancer diets for Tessy I came across quite a bit of info from this Dr with regards to cancer diets....and I remember seeing a site about him and there's actually a test that can be done but you have to send blood there at University of Florida. It's a DNA type test. Where are you located? Have you considered acupuncture or chiropractics as an alternative approach? Could possibly get answers by doing this. Changing diet would also be a good idea...remove anything processed. There's more to diets for DM dogs but I just can't recall what it is. Glucosamine and chondroitin would be another great addition as a daily supplement as well as knox nutrijoint (geletin). The first two would aid in hydrating or cushining the betweenness of the bones while the knox stuff will actually help build cartilidge.....it can't hurt to give and may actually help some but you wouldn't notice results for upwards to a month or more with the later. I wish I could be of more help to you. Maybe Patrice of someone else might have some other ideas. Please do give Sheba some hugs and scritches for me. Johnny & Tessy |
| Johnny |
| Hi Rita, I am sorry to hear that Sheba is having problems with her hind legs. MY IMHA dog Benson had both disc disease and DM. In addition to everything that Johnny recommended, the University of Missouri does the DNA test for DM. Simply google University of Missouri degenerative myelopathy test and the site will come up. I understand that free testing has ended but the cost of the test is relatively low ($50) and the test is comparatively noninvasive (either a cheek swab or a blood test). An X-ray is worthwhile to check if they can see any suspected disc problems. The myelogram, CT, and MRI are more comprehensive diagnostically but require anesthesia and are invasive. There is some risk to them as well. If these tests show nothing, then the vets say DM. In addition to a holistic vet (acupuncture is very good for disc disease too), is there a physiotherapy vet near you? Physio (including hydrotherapy) is great for DM dogs, and can slow the progression of the disease. Good luck and keep us posted. I hope that Sheba will be comfortable and mobile for a good long time. Be well, Aden |
| Aden Jerusalem |
| Johnny and Aden: Thank you for your responses - they have been very helpful. I hadn't considered Wobblers but after doing some research last night I'm still convinced we're dealing with DM. Sheba hasn't had any x-rays on her hips or spine since November 2008. Given her age and IMHA my husband hasn't been in favor of anesthesia for her. Can't say as I disagree and her primary vet understands our concerns. As for the more comprehensive tests - we would most likely have to travel to Ames (ISU's VTH) for those and an hour in the car is extremely difficult for Sheba these days. (Ditto on the physio/hydro therapy.) Plus, I'm convinced her IMHA was brought on by stress and I'm worried a road trip followed by such exhaustive tests could lead to a relapse. I'm not sure securing a more definite diagnosis would be worth the potential problems that could arise. I have been to Dr. Clemmons website and studied his recommendations. I have also been to the University of Missouri's website. I am considering having the DNA test done. Sheba will have blood drawn this month to check her PCV so I may have some extra drawn and sent off then for testing. Part of me would like to know but part of me thinks - the outcome isn't going to change (eventual paralysis) so let's just live life to its fullest now. As her TCM vet says - it's all about the quality of life at this point not the quantity. As for treatment now - Sheba has acupuncture/chiropractic treatments every two weeks and they seem to help some. Mostly in helping her energy flow. She also takes a Chinese herb supplement, Deramaxx, Proin (for incontinence), DLPA, Dasuquin and fish oil. I think we spend as much (if not more) now on meds, acupuncture, etc. as we did when we were treating her for IMHA. (But she is definitely worth every penny!!) I will have to see about adding in some Knox nutrijoint. Again - thanks for the ideas, suggestions, encouragement. We appreciate it! Rita, Mike and Sheba |
| Rita IA |
| Was she showing signs of pain in the past or are the pain meds a precautionary measure? I agree that getting the DNA test done would be a good start to figuring this out! Good to hear the acu/chiro treatments are helping some! :) Give her hugs for me. Johnny & Tessy |
| Johnny |
| Johnny: Sheba has been diagnosed with arthritis and spondylosis and so the Deramaxx was prescribed to help with the pain she was exhibiting. The acupuncture also helped with the pain. Now she doesn't seem to feel much pain in her rear legs but I haven't stopped the Deramaxx just in case. It's frustrating that she has to deal with this now after having IMHA but she doesn't seem too put out at this point despite not being able to always get up on her own and frequently falling down when trying to do any business. She's content so I guess for now we are too. Rita, Mike and Sheba |
| Rita IA |
This thread was discussed between 07/03/2011 and 09/03/2011
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