I need a little support... (sorry this is long)

[gljliz]

Hi. My Ginger is 7 and suddenly went blind around Thanksgiving. Along with the blindness has come weakness in her back legs. When she walks, she walks with a squat - never fully extending the back legs. I call her my "frog dog". She tries to get around, but her legs fall out and she gets restless/frustrated. She eats okay, but we have to hold her up so she doesn't fall over.

The vet said Ginger has hypothyroidism and this could cause the back weakness. It's been 3 weeks on the meds and no improvement. We have been to another vet who found that the nerves in Ginger's bottom half don't seem to be firing correctly. She's on a neurological steroid to hopefully bring down any inflammation in the spine and "jump start" the nerves working properly. We are going back for another shot tomorrow, but so far I haven't seen any hint of improvement. With everything happening so quickly, we've thought brain tumor or other issues, but we really can't get her to an MRI or CT Scan.

I think she'd be okay with just the blindness, but I can't stand to see her so out of sorts.

Any information or words of encouragement would be great... Thanks, Liz

 

[RolenKisses]

I don't have any experience with what you've described, but I wanted to send positive healing vibes to Ginger. Rolen sends his kisses.

 

[SherylM]

I don't have any advice regarding the blindness I'm sorry. However having had dealings with DM which effects the back end I can tell you that there are many, many slings and supports that you can get to help her get around. Two examples being the Help Em Up harness and the Hartman Hip Helper, check them out on google.

 

[Murp.mm]

Oh your poor baby. I don't have any advice but I just wanted to send her lots of healing vibes.

 

[joeys mom]

Bless your sweet baby, I will send lots of healing vibes and pray that she starts show some improvement soon! keep us posted on how she is doing.

 

[SweetCody]

I too don't have any experience with either but I have read many posts on here about using slings and that it is really helpful and does give the pup some "independence". Also want to send lots of healing vibes for Ginger and hope that you start to see at least some improvement soon with the meds. I also want to send some calming vibes for Ginger's mom, I know you are so worried, but it sounds like you have been a wonderful mommy so far, and I am sure you will continue to be.

 

[ELubas]

Just want you to know of I am thinkg of you and your girl and hope you get some answers soon. We are sending gentle boxer wiggles to your Ginger

 

[Gruntsmom]

Sending lots of healing and positive vibes to your Ginger, and hoping that she will make progress with her meds. The sling sounds like it would be a great way to support her mobility, and probably make moving her a lot easier for you Please keep us posted.

 

[gljliz]

Thanks for all of the happy vibes. I'm getting worried about my girl: she's had 5 accidents in the house since noon which is not like her at all. My husband and I have noticed that she doesn't even seem interested in us at all - no tail wags when we call to her or kisses when we come near so she can smell our hands.

 

[boxmom]

Sorry to read about your Ginger. Sending prayers and vibes. I hope that you will see some improvement with the new course of treatment.