[Dailydrool] Looking for Suggestions

[Jane Lyons]

Hi

Although I don't post that often, I read the drool every day and I need 
some input from everyone.  Our Robbie, who is almost 12 1/2 has been 
getting steadily weaker the last few weeks.  He could not walk suddenly 
back in Feb 08,was put on prednisone and was back walking in 5 days, 
although has always been weak in the back, especially on the left side, 
since then.  He has been on a low dose of pred ever since, but for 
several weeks, he has gotten steadily weaker and finally could not 
walk.  Now he has become very weak in the front also, barely able to 
pull himself up to a sitting position. We have had him over to our vet 
many times.  She has ruled out Addison's, his bloodwork is good, he is 
still eating well, and pooping and peeing well.  The vet said she 
suspected it was neurological in nature, and that he would need an MRI 
and mylogram to determine where the problem lies.  There are no 
specialists in this state, so I would have to take him to Boston or 
Maine for diagnosis.  I don't really understand why the weakness would 
progress upward toward his neck.  He has full feeling in all four feet, 
and complete bowel and bladder control.  Has anyone run into anything 
like this with their basset?  I would welcome any and all thoughts.  
Robbie is really miserable being stuck in one spot all the time, but I 
don't know if hauling him to a specialist out of state at his age is the 
right thing to do, plus it would be $4000-$6000 in my vet's estimate.  
Thanks anyone.  You may respond on or off list.

Jane Lyons
Slave to Robbie, April, Jackie and Annie ATB