Max needs help - Shih tzu rear leg problem

[ctwindber]

We really need help. Our dog Max can no longer walk or stand due to arthritis in his rear legs. He can still lift himself with his front legs but they too have arthritis and they are weak. I have been researching products which would help us help him stand to go to the bathroom. Max is 95% shih tzu and 100% a member of our family. He has had a rough life. Based on his condition when we brought him home we are sure he was a very neglected little guy until he met us. Max is about 12 years old and over the years he developed a major thyroid condition and began having seizures.

The many medications Max is on have taken a toll on him BUT he still has the same spark in his eyes that he had the day we brought him home. Working with our vet we were able to control most of the seizures. A shih tzu is considered a small dog but due to all his meds Max is 25 plus pounds, ergo the arthritis. Our vet has repeatedly assured us that Max is not in pain but his going to the bathroom has become an ordeal for him and us.

Our question... Will the "Bottoms Up Dog Rear Support Leash" enable us to help Max go to the bathroom? It looks like what we need. We would appreciate any input on the Leash as well as advice. He is a member of our family who happens to need some help and we will do everything we can for him until the time comes when he no longer has that sparkle in his eyes and our vet says it is time.

Thanks,
CT

[CarolC]

We would appreciate any input on the Leash as well as advice.

Hi CT,

I can't really answer about the leash (which is what you are asking). My comments are more in the "advice" category. If he can still support himself pretty well, then the leash may be all the assistance he needs. I like the simplicity of it. Shih tzus are chondrodystrophic dogs like dachshunds, meaning they have long backs with a type of disks between the vertebrae that can cause spinal problems. It sounds like Max has been diagnosed with arthritis and that is not surprising at his age. If he has not been seen since he started having more problems walking, you might want to have him checked again. The vet can easily do a test where he flips the dog's foot and waits to see how long it takes the dog to return his foot to a correct "pads down" position. That way you can determine if there are any neurological problems on top of the arthritis. They can occur suddenly or with age due to calcification of the spine. My mini-dachshund had extensive calcification and it never caused her any problem, I'm just suggesting you might want to check this if the vet didn't already. If there is a neurological problem, you may see some improvement with rest and predinsone. If he's having back problems then they recommend something that will give more support along the length of the belly.

Physical therapy would be great if it is an option. Do you have a canine sports medicine or canine physical therapy clinic where you live? Often they are associated with large veterinary referral hospitals. If he goes to PT, they can either swim him or let him walk slowly on an underwater treadmill. The warm water is good for the joints and the exercise will help his weight. It isn't cheap but if you can afford it I would recommend it. You might call your vet and ask if there is pet PT in your area.



You did not mention any anti-inflammatory medicines he might be on. I do not know if he can take something like that while he is on the thyroid or seizure medication, but the vet will know. My old dog got another 6 months of mobility taking Rimadyl. It is worth a try. He had to quit it eventually because of his stomach, but it kept him going for a long time.

If you have any issue with wetting in the house (for example when he exerts himself getting to his feet) male wraps are wonderful.