Our vet has diagnosed Degenerative Myelopathy - http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/DM/basicDM.htm - in our 15 year old dog. Since she sometimes drags her back feet, my vet recommended we get her some socks/shoes to protect her feet. We've tried two products from PetsMart and so far, neither would stay on her feet. Does anyone have any suggestions?
If all else fails, look into "hiney" carts. we have a friend who made his dog a cart for his back-end. worked great, dog lived another 5 years!
My dog did this as well. It was a degenerative nerve condition - he was a 13 year old Rottweiler. We had to put him down. It was one of the saddest days of my life!
I hope you find something for your devoted friend!
Baby socks. A friend of mine had a dog that was injured in an accident and would drag her feet. She tried all kinds of dog products but they did not fit. Then one day while cleaning, she found a bag of baby socks and tried it out. They dowear out fast from the drag but they stayed on for the most part. She did have to sometimes keep putting them on but not too much and pups feet were protected a bit.
When I was little we had a collie mix. Looked like Lassie. She had to be put down due to arthritis in the back legs. I hope you can find the solution you need. It is so hard to see our pets go through this type of thing.
Of course I have ask too - why is she dragging her feet? How long has it been going on for? Often it can be a neurological problem and sometimes further diagnostics or a consult/second opinion from a specialist is required to figure what is going on. If your vet is not willing to give you more options or discuss with you pursuing it further, time to find another vet!
Why is she dragging her feet?
I know of someone who had an older dog who started doing that and it was a thyroid issue. Meds helped and it regained the use of its back legs.
We are going through something very similar with our 11 yr old sweet Bear. It is affecting one leg at a time, however, our vet has warned us that once it is in both legs..we'll have a quality of life decision to make. It really truly stinks how quickly our beautiful four legged family friends age and physically begin to deteriorate. Sadness doesn't even describe the feeling, I am so sorry for you and I pray you guys find a good way to prolong your time with your pet and make her comfortable.
I would try some medical stretch wrap, none adhesive. Like this, http://www.nexcare.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NANexcare/Nexc...
My chiropractor adjusts many dogs. One couldn't jump or walk up stairs anymore and did the same day he was first adjusted!
