Julius k9 rear support

Hi everyone.
This is my fist post to any forum not just staffys. Im in desperate need to talk to someone who understands what we’re going through. Our beautiful boy Zeus is in trouble . His back legs are giving up . Been to the vets and he’s had a steroid injection and he’s got a course of steroid tablets to take. The vet did say in her professional opinion he’s not in any pain and as long as he can keep passing fluid and I’m willing to pay for the medication she will keep treating him. However, he’s totally fed up , he’s always been super active and now life has changed and he’s not happy. I’ve orderd the julius k9 rear support harness so I can take him out a few times a day for a sniff around. So has anyone had any experience with this and could you give me any advice or support please? . I’m sick with worry he’s our world.
Thank you

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Hello and welcome.
So sorry to hear that your boy isn’t doing too well.
I’ve no personal experience but have seen this type of harness in action and it can work well to help the dog have a little mobility.
May I ask what your Zeus has been diagnosed with ?
Is surgery an option ?

Thanks for responding. The vet said it a prolapse effecting the nerves that connect to the spine. I was in a right state at the time and honestly didn’t ask. She said she can’t be exact without an mri scan. Although it’s only Monday since he had the steroid jab and only started the tablets yesterday I really think he’s got worse today. He’s very unsettled and whining a lot this evening.He’s 13 now and I’m beginning to think he’s reaching the end of his time . I would do anything for a glimmer of hope

Maybe your glimmer of hope could be in your mri scan to see what you’re really up against ?
Maybe consult a specialist in referrals to have a second opinion to see if other options than steroids and harness could be applicable to you.

I can only imagine how freaked out you must be by the news.
Take one step at a time and don’t give up on Zeus just yet

Hi and welcome from me and mine.

I'm really sorry to hear what you and Zeus are going through. It's not something I've got any experience with, I'm afraid. Even if we can't offer any practical advice, though, we're always here to listen and support.

I'm sure Ian will be along soon. His girl Flo was operated on last year due to spine problems. She's now back to walking happily. A glimmer of hope...

Hi guys
I’m willing to try anything. I have asked for a cost for the mri scan so I can get my finances in order. Giving up is not an option yet . Just talking to people who understand is comforting.

Hi from me & Katy, sorry to hear about Zeus's problem but never give up hope We are here to help if we can but are also very good listeners

Welcome.

Oh, you poor thing, what a worry!

If you can go for the MRI, it will at least tell you what you're up against. In the meantime, a rear support harness may be useful. Julius do have a very good name for quality.

Hi ya, welcome to the forum from Flo and me

I have first hand experience of spinal issues and can provide some guidance. Without knowing exactly what's going on inside Zues it's hard to give specific advice on treatment, what I can offer is suggested first courses of action.

If it's a spinal issue then your vet can do paw reaction tests followed by back reaction tests, this will show where the area is affected (I would assume this has already been done). If it is spinal then anti inflammatory drugs may help but in the long term specialist referral will be required.

You can ask to be referred to any specialist, including well known ones, who as the name suggests are specialists. With my Flo the first thing was a re-examination and an MRI which showed 2 spinal compressions. The options were discussed and surgery done. That's kind of the easy bit, the hard bit is the rehabilitation. It's true what they say, you get back what you put in and with lots of hard work on our & Flos part she is now walking and running, not perfectly but is thoroughly enjoying life again.

Zues sounds like a fella full of determination so do ask about the referral and please feel free to ask any questions you have. Let us know how you get on.

Hello
Thank you for all your advice and support. The last few days have been the worst days of my life so I’ve not been able to get to do this. I took Zeus to the willows referral centre in Shirley for his mri scan on Friday. The lady sinead was lovely and highly qualified. She gave Zeus a thorough examination and highlighted a couple of spinal problems that she expected to see on the scan. She was very accurate with her diagnosis when we saw the actual scan a few hours later. The devastating news was out of the 2 problems only 1 (the least advanced but potentially painful ) was operable. The other issue which was causing his hind problems couldn’t be done. So with sineads support and advice we brought our boy home so we could care for him and give the steroids one last chance for a miracle. It didn’t come. Due to the bad weather we were having the Julius k9 rear support harness didn’t arrive until Sunday. Again hoping for a miracle I started to get Zeus into it. Although well made with quality material these supports are not designed with the Staffy shape in mind and it just became crumpled mess around his back legs. To cut a long painful story short Zeus deteriorated quite quickly and at 13 years old had lost some of his Staffy fight . So early yesterday we went back to willows for our final act of kindness to him . He went to sleep at 7.05am . We’re totally heartbroken and are struggling to come to terms with what’s just happened to us. The pain is unbearable and I just can’t face the thought of leaving for work today without my boy next to me in the van . I knew this day would come but I never knew how painful the grief is .

I am so sorry to hear this. What a shock, so quick.

Sleep tight, Zeus. Run free forever young.

Oh, I'm so sorry. But you did right by him & he's at peace now, playing at Rainbow Bridge.

RIP Xeus, run free.

So sorry for your loss :'( RIP Zeus x

Oh, so sorry to read this update but respect to you for your courage in making the decision.
Run free Zeus over rainbow bridge

So very sorry to read this Ade. You did what you could for Zeus and I am certain that he would have thanked you with all his Staffy heart. I can only imagine the pain you feel at his sudden passing.

Run free at Rainbow Bridge you handsome lad, RIP Zeus

oh no,so sorry to be reading this
RIP Julius gorgeous boy x

The pain is unbearable guys. I can’t eat I can’t sleep as when i close my eyes as all can see is my boys face at the time he told me he was ready to go . I so desperately want to swap the few bad memories for the millions of good ones . I’d do anything