Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
1925491 tn?1322888044

My dog is struggling with walking and can't poop

My 11 year old Sheltie/Min. Pin. cross experienced some problems about 3 weeks ago where he collapsed and had little movement in his back legs for a short time. He had since gotten better and was back to hiself with the exception of being a bit wobbly and a daily regime of codeine (as prescribed by dr). About 2 weeks ago the doctor suggested we switch him to Metacam which is a painkiller and anti-inflammatory for most likely arthritis. A few days later he became very lethargic, wouldnt get up and when he tried to lift himself on his back legs he would cry in pain. He is no longer able to use the stairs and doesnt like to walk on the hardwood. He has lost interest in walks, is very picky with his eating, drinking a lot of water, but he hasnt pooped in 5 days, nor does he seem to try. He's my baby and it pains me to say we planned to give him the weekend to see if things improve.
His stomach does not seem bloated, but he does not seem to be too uncomfortable. Any suggestions?
13 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Use cbd oil.  Alternative medicine does not get any credit. My 13 year old pom× mix has seizures and someone told me about cbd and it stops his seizures immediately. He's since been walking. Eating. It's happier and no seizures
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
codein is a pain killer and causes constipation witch is very uncomfotable ...i would stop the codein and try a non narcodic...and a stool softner ....god bless
Helpful - 0
462827 tn?1333168952
I too am sorry to hear about your Patch....Please, accept my condolences....I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.....I hope time will heal your heart....RIP "Patch" you were/are loved and will be missed!  Karla
Helpful - 0
1916673 tn?1420233270
So sorry to hear about Patch. I was keeping an eye on this thread, hoping that he would pull through, but clearly there was an underlying and more serious cause that may have been difficult to diagnose. You must miss him so much ... but you also know you did everything you could to help him. Patch enjoyed your love and attention for 11 years and not all dogs are so lucky. Thinking about you. Big hugs, Tony
Helpful - 0
1868280 tn?1320165473
I know you miss your dog like I miss Jack. You did your best.

Mark
Helpful - 0
1832268 tn?1326816010
I am so terribly sorry to hear about Patch.
I know how much you will miss him. Our dogs are such a big part of our lives.We love them, and they are family.
Patch was blessed to live his life in the company of someone who loves him.
Someone who only always wanted to do what was best for him.
I know only too well the heartache of losing such a faithful friend and companion.
There are many of us on this forum who have recently experienced the same type of  loss...we understand what you are going through...if you need some support..we are here for you.
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy...
God Bless Patch's Beautiful Spirit and Soul...
Connie
Helpful - 0
1925491 tn?1322888044
Thank you everyone for your input. Patch had quickly come down with bloody diarrhea so I took him to the vet immediately last Wednesday. He was given some medicines to help. But unfortunately it was Patchs time. He passed that night. I miss him very much, but I can't help but know he is so happy running around somewhere without any pain or discomfort.
Helpful - 0
1832268 tn?1326816010
Yes Karla...you are right....my guess is that the codiene that was first prescribed is also what was making him"wobbly"......
My other concern here, is the statement about the increased water consumption....it really seems to be a red flag....that something is not kosher..!
The water comsumption must be due to an underlying illness or the medication.
The vet should be doing something else to find the cause....bloodwork is a must for liver and kidney...lyme disease also.  X-Ray or ultrasound....something besides just giving a pill......It is time for a second opinion.
Connie
Helpful - 0
462827 tn?1333168952
I agree w/Connie.....Yes, pumpkin should help....You can also purchase oat or wheat bran (At the grocery store) and add to his diet.....For his size, it's 1/2 Teas. twice a day...You must add at least 1 Tablespoon water w/it....

My guys & girls get everything that Connie listed.....Oh, they do love Sweet potatoes! Mine like Apples, too!

I'm concerned that your Vet is missing what is wrong with your dog......Morphine is a rather harsh treatment to begin a process with...It's usually reserved for a few days of pain treatment after a harsh surgery or Cancer....NOT as an inflammatory for arthritis.....It also causes severe constipation!

Metacam is at least a better choice, but it is not strong enough to treat what your dog is dealing with.....

If your dog has lost feeling in his rear feet, then it's definitely is a Spine Issue (Disk Herniation)  and should have been treated as such from day one......The symptoms are classic and recognizable......

Steroids are the first line of defense with pain medication.... NOT Metacam, but something just for pain (Like Tramadol)....Plus, muscle relaxers are used along with the others if needed....

Strict cage rest is a must! Leash walks just to go potty and that's it.....Carried out to potty & carry back in...You do not want the disk to rupture or you will be looking at a paralyzed pet....NO jumping, walking, playing, etc....Nothing!

This must go on for 4-6 weeks to let the disk retract and not be pushing on the spinal cord.....

Do you trust this Vet? I personally think you need a second opinion and quick......The treatment I described above is common practice Nationwide.....All Vets should recognize your dogs symptoms and begin this treatment......

I'm also concerned that your Vet really doesn't know what ailment he/she is treating, yet would prescribe Morphine right off the bat...That scares me! At minimum, an xray of the spine should have been taken when your dog showed signs of paralysis....

Something is just not quite right here & you need to give it some thought...Can you go somewhere else?

OK, I guess I'm done......I'm sorry your in this dilemma.....I'll be thinking about you both...Please, come back and let me know what happens...Good luck, Karla

Helpful - 0
1832268 tn?1326816010

Call your vet...it won't cost anything...tell your vet that you think your dog needs a laxative...ask if it would be Ok to give your dog Metamucil.....Mineral oil...or  Milk of Magnesia.  
You should ask your vet first, you need to make sure that these will not interact with any of his medications.  Your vet can tell you the correct dosage to use.
Now..
If he is eating, besides the pumpkin, you can also give him broccoli, peas and carrots,apples or sweet potato....my dogs have always loved broccoli and carrots..(Steamed or boiled)..they gobble them up like candy...!  They also think Sweet Potatos are yummy...!  These foods are high in fiber and won't interact with anything..!  
I would also look into  the possiblility of the Metacam causing some of his current symptoms.....You did say, he was pretty much acting like himself until the switch to Metacam.
During any of your visits to the vet, was bloodwork done...to assess liver or kidney function...?  
Best wishes to you both...I hope you will find the answer to his problem, and he will be feeling better soon.
Connie
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Vets charge for everything
1925491 tn?1322888044
He has not really had any tests done no, and the vet has not suggested any either. They believe it's neurological because he has very little feeling in his toes. We have been to the vet about 6 times in the last month and it is getting so expensive, I love him so much but it is hard. I want to help him, but I don't know how. I was going to buy some canned pumpkin today to see if it might help him poop, otherwise I'm lost for ideas. I know walking is supposed to help get things moving but he doesn't want to go anywhere. Poor guy, it's so hard to understand what he's feeling.
Thank you for your help.
Helpful - 0
462827 tn?1333168952
P.S. Maybe he can't poop...Possibly a tumor in the anal area is causing all of this.....Did your Vet examine him rectally? Just another thought.....
Helpful - 0
462827 tn?1333168952
Hello & welcome....This Sounds like a Herniated Disk....Google: IVDD (Intervertebral Disk Disease) & see what you think......Treatment Protocol is common: Steroids & pain meds....Plus, strict cage rest for weeks....to let the disk go back down....

Did your Vet xray his spine to look for a protruding disk (Disc) or tumor? That's where I go with this one.....Were there any tests done?

If you haven't had a blood panel done lately, you should.......There are a few diseases that may be a contributing factor such as Kidney Disease, Liver disease or Tick born Disease to name a few.....These will show up on the blood test.....Drinking alot of water can be your first sign.....

The not eating is due to pain......I'm hoping others will come by with some ideas.......Take care and please come back with reports.....Karla


Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Dogs Community

Top Dogs Answerers
675347 tn?1365460645
United Kingdom
974371 tn?1424653129
Central Valley, CA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Members of our Pet Communities share their Halloween pet photos.
Like to travel but hate to leave your pooch at home? Dr. Carol Osborne talks tips on how (and where!) to take a trip with your pampered pet
Ooh and aah your way through these too-cute photos of MedHelp members' best friends
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.