Hindlimb Weakness

Re: Hindlimb Weakness

Ruta — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 11:18:09 GMT

Hello,

I think X-ray should be taken to role out hip dysplasia. I also would consider about cauda equina syndrome. Is the dog able to urinate? Is he able to move his tale? What about anus reflection?

It is just my thoughts. I hope it will helps.

Good luck.

Ruta

Re: Hindlimb Weakness

Tiago Cardoso — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 01:03:07 GMT

Hi Catherine,

I wouldn't worry about the raised hypercalcaemia/hyperphosphataemia as this seems to be fairly common in growing large breed dogs. What are the myotatic and withdrawal reflexes like? ability to fully empty bladder?, have you checked the hips and cruciates (you never know)? is the muscle atrophy more localised over the gluteal muscles or does it extend down the thighs? is the gait normal or ataxic?

Anyway, I'd probably test for neospora/toxoplasma, myastenia gravis and do a muscle biopsy before I referred him. X-rays of chest, spine and hind legs might also be worth considering.

Good luck,

Tiago

Re: Hindlimb Weakness

Utlendigur — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 23:55:46 GMT

Lost a large amount of weight - if he is eating his normal amount (and no vomiting/diarrhoea or reasons on bloods) it would sound like muscle atrophy - lower motor neurone problem/junctionopathy/possible myopathy? If it's only spine and HL it could imply a local lesion but it sounds like there is more generalised muscle weakness. May be worth a chest xray to check for megoesophagus. Also could do ACTH stim for Addisons, CK to rule out myopathy, T4/cTSH too perhaps, and acteylcholine receptor antibody titre. It sounds like something fairly unusual so you may have to refer for hope of a diagnosis (nerve conduction/biopsies etc) - doesn't sound too good really

BSAVA neurology manual mentions a progressive polyneuropathy in rotties, also leukoencephalomyelopathy, subarachnoid cyst and polyneuropathy laryngeal paralysis complex - in fact quite a long list of breed associated problems compared to the other breeds (no surprise there)

Re: Hindlimb Weakness

sasho gjorgjievski — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 23:04:50 GMT

maybe there is a lack of vitamin E and selenium

Re: Hindlimb Weakness

Michael Woodhouse — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 22:09:23 GMT

Raised calcium need to r/o neoplasia first.