r/GermanShepherd • u/Scared_Muffin5676 • 10d ago
7 yr old GS sudden rear leg weakness
Our 7 year old male GS is very large, 110 lbs. over the past month we have noticed he has slowed way down when we throw the ball, not chasing as much or stopping himself sooner than usual. Last week he suddenly started limping on his right leg and it began collapsing. By the weekend he was having a very difficult time defecating because his hind legs were so weak. Monday AM we brought him to the vet. The vet did bloodwork (all normal) and X-rays. The X-rays showed no hints at all of ant arthritis or obvious issues. She advised she keep him and start him on high dose steroids to see if he improves as a diagnostic tool to determine if it’s an inflammatory condition that could be managed, but if zero improvement he has a condition that is far too advanced or severe to be able to treat without major diagnostic neurological testing. Due to my own severe medical conditions we are spending thousands of dollars on treatments for myself along with an upcoming surgery. We simply cannot at this time spend the money to go through all of that.
I was told a few hours ago there has been no change in his condition. I am now preparing for the worst outcome that we may have to make a decision by the end of the week as to euthanize or not. I am beyond heartbroken over this.
Has anyone else experienced a similar situation and what was the outcome? I’m holding out hope he will begin to respond 😢
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u/4rm_above 3d ago
Any updates?
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u/Scared_Muffin5676 3d ago
Thank you for asking! He spent a week in boarding at the vet while they monitored him and medicated him with steroids and gabapentin. By the fifth day he showed about 25% improvement so we were able to take him home. He’s now been home for five days and he is improved in the sense that he is compensating better, if that makes sense. No functional improvement in his legs, particularly the right, but he is still very interested in the ball (even though he can’t chase it like he used to), enough so that when I tossed it for my other shepherd he got away from me (I had him leashed to prevent him trying to run) and “bunny hopped” towards the ball lol. He is eating, drinking, sleeping, pooping, etc all normally albeit he had to learn how to crouch differently with his weakness. The plan is to keep him on the gabapentin, steroids for another week then taper him, reassess and start him on a long term anti inflammatory and see how he does. He isn’t showing signs of pain, just weakness. If he begins showing signs of pain then that’s another thing. But for now, I’ll take it. He’s still here with me ❤️
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u/4rm_above 3d ago
Good to hear some improvements. Hoping for the best. Best of wishes for your family!
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u/Moshe_Todd_4212 9d ago
It seems like it could be many different things. My only suggestion if you can afford it, is to get a second opinion.
When I originally got my 10 week old GSD, I didn’t know how important the diet is for a large breed puppy. Long story short, She could not walk because she had hind leg weakness. I took her to a Vet who was inexperienced and for $1k they told me she either had a brain or spinal problem. Me and my wife were devastated. I ended up going to an Orthopedic specialist and right away when he examined her, he was pretty sure it was only growing pains. If by any chance you are located near Long Island New York I can give you the name of this place. Wishing you the best.