Dear Dr. John,
Our whippet is approaching 10 years of age and it appears as if the previous couple of months have been stuffed with all types of accidents and lameness points. It all began nearly a 12 months in the past with an acute episode of rear leg weak spot. It was revealed that he had an acute disc extrusion in his decrease again. He was began on Meloxicam along with his thyroid complement. Both medicines are nonetheless used however we solely use the Meloxicam solely we see points.
In the final three months, we’ve had him seen a number of instances for what appears to be shifting lameness within the two rear legs. We have had the vets have a look at our canine and each rear legs and we had been assured there was no ACL challenge and all the joints gave the impression to be regular, but sometimes the legs appear to make a spherical stepping movement. It additionally appears as if his head is held decrease. We had an MRI finished which confirmed nothing of significance. Should we be involved that something has been missed? — M.M.
Dear M.M.,
Your canine could also be getting a bit clumsier or weaker with advancing age. This occurs to every kind of sufferers and species as they age for lots of causes together with arthritis, weakening of the musculature, and extra. It seems that you’ve got had acceptable evaluations finished all alongside and the addition of the latest MRI most likely ought to offer you a way that nothing critical is current or creating, which ought to decrease your concern about one thing being missed.
If the top appears to hold decrease, it might recommend {that a} cervical challenge is current however, once more, your veterinarians would have discovered one thing. Testing for a correct and full vary of movement by elevating, flexing, and turning the neck may give clues to any challenge within the space. If you identified your concern on the time of exams, I’m certain that was assessed together with the again and all the legs.
You would possibly contemplate discussing long run every day use of an NSAID like Meloxicam or Carprofen after correct bloodwork is completed to evaluate liver operate, and joint dietary supplements as properly. Random use of medicines until prescribed won’t be in your canine’s greatest curiosity.
Dr. John de Jong owns and operates the Boston Mobile Veterinary Clinic.He may be reached at 781-899-9994.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”