[Dailydrool] Stumbling

[R Groves]

More than likely her range of motion and sense of coordination are starting
to decline.  Often by this age, there is enough to see on X-Rays of the
spine, to see that some vertebrae are fused.  

The "material" for fusion is often the "goo" that resides on the in-sides of
the vertebrae which cushions the spinal cord from those same bones.  As the
spinal column starts to make contact, it gets inflamed, thus reducing the
effectiveness of the "cords" to take messages to and from the brain.

If this is the case a general "spondylosis" diagnosis may be made, and
supportive doses of Rimadyl or other NSAID or a Steroid will probably be
prescribed.

If you can afford so, X-Rays would help the diagnosis, it would show spurs
along the edges of the bones.  Vetman will probably also do responsiveness
tests (curl paws backward see how well she pulls paw back forward again,
etc)

My last basset, Doc, was diagnosed around 8 or 9 with general "Spondylosis"
... did well on Rimadyl and left me at 14 1/2 (cancer, w/no warning).

-Robert



-----Original Message-----
Subject: [Dailydrool] Stumbling

Recently she has been stumbling a lot on her walks.  Does anyone out there
have experience with this?  She is 13 and a half.  Is it related to her age?