Help!! Back legs don't work!!

[lumberjack916]

I have a border collie, about 10 years, and his back legs have slowly began to not work. We went to vet and they gave him some type of steroids and he got better. But hes been off them for a couple weeks now, and today he just couldn't even get up. He doesn't seem to be in pain, but his legs are just not working. The legs are wobbley and go out from under whenever he trys to stand. When we help him get up, it looks like his legs are just there, moving with the rest of his body, kind of like he can't feel them. I don't want to put him down. Does anyone know what it could be and/or how to help him?Any information would be great. Thank you.
Aaron

[Zoes_mama]

I thought hip dysplasia at first, though I don't know much about it. But you said he doesn't seem to be in pain. Did the vet tell you what was the problem? I would either take him back to the vet and ask for other options, or try another vet...
Here's a link about hip dysplasia, just in case - http://www.bordercollie.org/hd.html

[MrsRottie]

It sounds very much to me like the steroids were fairly long acting and have now worn off.

Have you asked your vet if he can have some more?

I agree that you need to find out what the problem is, and the prognosis, then you can decide what to do for the best.

I have seen wheeled carts for dogs that are paralysed in the back end, although I don't know anything more...

I can only suggest that you get back to your vets and start asking some questions. I feel for you, it must be a very distressing time for you to see your boy like this.

Good Luck and please let us know how you get on!

[Borzoi mad]

HI i AM NO EXPERT BUT SOUNDS TO ME LIKE HE COULD HAVE SLIPPED A DISC. THIS HAPPENED TO ONE OF MY DACHSHOUNDS. I WOULD NOT KEEP HIM ON STEROIDS BOT WOULD FIND A CHIROPRACTOR AND A HYDROTHERAPY POOL AS WHEN THEY ARE IN WATER THEY ARE WEIGHTLESS AND THOUGH IT MAY TAKE A FEW SESSIONS AS I KNOW FROM MY EXPERIENCE IT DOES WORK OUT EVENTUALLY. MY BOY WAS OFF HIS LEGS FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS TILL HE GOT SOME MOVEMENT IN THE POOL ANDF THEN ABOUT ANOTHER THREE TILL HE COULD GET BACK UP ON THEM. THAT WAS THREE YEARS AGO AND HE IS NOW 11 AND IS STILL WITH US AND WALKING ALBEIT WITH A SIDEWAYS GAIT. HOPE THIS IS OF HELP TO YOU. THOUGH THE TIME SCALE FOR YOUR BOY COULD BE DIFFERENT.

[lassie]

HI I WOULD NOT KEEP HIM ON STEROIDS BOT WOULD FIND A CHIROPRACTOR AND A HYDROTHERAPY POOL
totally agree i know of an excellent Chirpractor in Surrey and a hyprotherapy pool in Kent if anyone needs it.;)

[Borzoi mad]

Hi Lumberjack Was just wondering how your boy is now.