Legs giving out... :(

StormiesMom

Super Boxer
Stormie is 11 1/2. She's always been "petite", never had major health issues, and never been overweight. She gets walked and has a lot of running play time... until the last 6 months or so. She has declined in energy rather rapidly and in the last couple of months I've noticed her legs are very weak.

When she stops moving, to sniff, tinkle or eat, her front legs shake, and now she is folding under one of her paws and actually standing on the joint, even trying to walk on it sometimes. I've noticed over the last week that when she walks her back legs seem stiff, almost like they are not going through the normal motion of movement to lift them completely, not bending well at the joints is the only way I can think to describe it. I can hear her dragging her nails on the floor when she walks.

Otherwise she seems happy. I took her for a short walk this morning and she kept stumbling and dragging the top of her foot. We came home and I held her head in my hands and just cried. Her appetite has declined, but she's never been one to eat much, she's a funny girl.

I'm so afraid I'm going to lose her soon, but the worst part is that I'm afraid I'm going to have to make a decision eventually about that. I have always said that she needs to pass away in her sleep someday, I don't want to ever have to decide for her.

Any advice out there? I'm almost afraid to take her to the vet, she hates going.... :/
 

gulfcoastguy

Super Boxer
Most of us have been there before and understand how you feel. It could just be very painful arthritis or it could be exactly what you dread. Either way she is hurting and without treatment it might only get worse.
 

Jan

Reasonable Moderator
Staff member
I am sorry that Stormie is not doing well!
You really need to take her to the vet. They will be able to determine what is wrong and could give you medication to help. A pain reliever, like Metacam could really help. Steroids could could help too. At her age you don't need to worry about long term effects, you just want to make her as comfortable as possible.

No matter how much she hates the vet, you really need to take her. It sounds to me that she is in pain ( the legs shaking). It could be Spondylosis. An Xray of the spine would confirm it. Markus had it, and her symptoms sound similiar. Metacam would really help.

I am sending lots of positive vibes your way! ------->>>>>>
Good luck!
 

Murp.mm

Boxer Insane
I agree with Jan. She really needs to see a vet. It is the only way you will find out what is going on. . Sounds like she is having pain. I know your fear and that is quite normal but it is probably just arthritis in which case the vet can give her some meds for that. Ms. Ali was on Deramaxx for the past few years before her passing. I would give it to her when she needed it and it helped her big time. . At her age whatever she needs for comfort is what I would give her. Good luck with your sweet girlie. I know what you are going through and I feel for you.. Please keep us updated on her condition.
 

Gatorblu

Boxer Insane
I agree she needs to go to the vet. My girl's back leg shakes when she over does it and the only reason we found was severe arthritis. I manage it with pain meds and she gets some supplements. But you need to go to the vet and get her checked out. I know how scary it can be, but more knowledge is always better.
 

bxrbgood

Boxer Insane
Hopefully you've made a vet appointment. Stay by her side, give her lots of reassurance and maybe her fav treat while you're at the vet.
Stormie sounds like our Gingers sister, only 5yrs older. She's given you so much through the years, you need to be strong for her now.
It may sound weird but I hope to be in your situation someday. 11 1/2 is a good long life, you've done well with her.
We lost a very special Boxer girl when she was only 6.
Hope all goes well with Stormie and she gets better, at least more comfortable.
 

Gunther

Super Boxer
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