Introducing Jude

Hi all

I came across this site when I was researching a health problem my Staffy "Jude" has. So hi to all - we are now your newest members.

If anyone can help or has any suggestions - Jude has just developed an Ataxic Gait (the vet called it Drunken Legs) and it seems to be getting rapidly worse. Jude is 10, nearly 11. He does not seem to be in pain, but his hind legs seem to be giving way and he is losing mobility. The vet suggested it was a neurological disorder, or a spinal issue (a damaged disk or tumour on the spine). She said she could do an MRI but I cant really afford the $2000 for the imaging and required anaesthetisation. She said it can happen to older dogs and since he isnt in pain, we should just make him as comfortable as possible.

Has anyone come across this before? I was told by someone else that this is common in dogs that have musclier forequarters, such as Staffys.

Cheers

Drew and Jude


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Hello and welcome from me and the kids

Hi &

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Hiya and welcome, I am sorry it is not something I have had to deal with but I am sure another member can help

Hi and welcome to the forum from Rocky and me.

Hope you can find the assistance you need

Hi and welcome from us and Suki. I don't have any experience with this issue I'm affraid

Hi and welcome from me, Millie and Bella Lovely pic of Jude.
Sorry I haven't any experience with that but hopefully someone will be along soon that has

hi & welcome to the forum

Hi & welcome to the forum ><
So sorry to hear about Jude's condition, hope you find a solution, sorry I'm no help

Thanks all. We are treating with steroids - hopefully this helps

welcome

Hello and welcome

Hi welcome to the forum. My old labrador has this, to be honest we didn't do anything. He did get worse and worse until he eventually could't stand up by his own strength and thats when we made the decision to take a trip to the vets for the last time. He was never in any pain he was always a happy barky dog so if your vets say he is not in pain just carry on as normal.

I also know a dog that had it and the owners then would walk it with a towel around its belly like a sling. He loved the garden so he would be taken out to the garden, given a bone and a bowl of water and left to it for a while. lived for a good time! But i wasn't comfortable with leaving my dog like that on a farm yard.

Thank you Hayley. It seems that not much can be done in our case. Really sad to see our family member starting to degenerate. We just plan to make life for him as easy as possible. I appreciate your response.

Thanks

Drew

Welcome to the site from Jack, Juno & I Jude looks gorgeous

hia from me and sasha

Hello and welcome from Zac and me

hi from me and neka and echo

Hi and welcome to the forum from Tyson & me.

Hi,
Sorry to hear he's having trouble. Hope the steroids help (they do in people with back issues!)

Welcome! Jude looks lovely!

hi and welcome..
I was very interested in what you wrote as I believe my Jethro may be getting the same thing! We have noticed when we go on our walk at night towards the end his back legs start going exactly like he is drunk, ( infact I even said to Tony that he looks like he has been drinking! ) and he often walks almost side ways for a few steps...He might come good again for a few steps then does it again. The other night he started limping badly on a front leg, for no reason, and then he just sort of fell over side ways.. My husband carried him back home, then he was as good as gold. Our other staffy is booked in at the vets for his booster needles in 2 weeks ( our fav vet is on holidays! ) so I will definitely be asking him about this. Bye the way Jethro will be 13 on the 27th of this month!

Hi & welcome from myself & Sox
I'm a virgin-owner & can't offer much help but I can tell you that lots of others will be able to help you

Hi Vanessa
Thanks for your post. Its a difficult situation but this affliction seems to be one of old age. For Jude it seems to have come on rather quickly and being only 10 (we think, not sure of exact age when we got him), it is difficult to imagine he may have another 3 to 5 years with this problem. The steroids seem to have made no difference. At least he is not in pain and is always his happy self, drunken legs or not!!
Cheers

hi Drewza..the only other thing close to it is wobblers syndrome..they both sound similar....I will let you know how I get on at the vets in a few weeks..

Vanessa.