We've just come back from the vets, having taken Sam, as the last couple of days he's been very anxious and just wanders around as if he is finding it difficult to lie down. He drags his back legs when he walks and wears down his claws so much he makes them bleed. We have bought him some doggie boots and this does help.  He has been prescribed Gabapentin, I think the reason being that its quicker acting than Metacam. I've just looked on Vio vet and Vet medic but they don't appear to stock this medication. Does anyone know where we can get this drug for a reasonable price if he's on it long term?

Vet Dispense is it actually licenced for use for dogs ?

That's a bizarre medication. I'm on that myself, it is a human medication mainly for epilepsy. It's for nuroogcal issues, I have it for bad migraines.

Gabapentin was given to my friends dog who had a leg amputated.

We have a few animals taking gabapentin for neurological problems, when the more usual meds aren't effective.

Thank you for the replies. The vet did mention concerns about messages from the back legs to the brain. I'm just hoping the medication will help him as I don't think there is very much they can do. He is a bit sad and hasn't really got over his sisters death in March. Thank you for the link for vet dispence, I hadn't heard of that.  I'll let you know how he gets on.

This sounds more like DM. What breed is your boy?

Thanks for replying ChinaBlue. Sam is a Golden Retriever. I'd never heard of DM but looked it up and the symptoms scarily sound much like that condition. I don't really think that the pills are doing much but the vet said to leave him on them for another month and see how he is then. Shame he loves his walks but he just wears his back claws down if he doesn't run and we just get blood everywhere until he's rested.

You can DNA test for DM, it's very easy, you don't even need a vet. A couple of years ago I worried my oldie might have it as her back end started to go, but she came back as clear, not affected and not a carrier, so it was just coincidence. Her hip score was 11 so it wasn't that either. Yet it seems common in my breed for old dogs to die of such problems -although usually once in their teens, not younger. Indeed it was what did for her in the end.

I wouldn't set too much store by the DM DNA test. There have been some dogs tested clear that have subsequently died from DM (confirmed by necropsy) (source OFA). There is much debate about the validity of the test.

Ange, let's hope it isn't DM. I have had a dog with DM, and know many, one current one is a boxer that I meet in the park. It's a sad disease for the owner particularly.

Gabapentin can take a couple of months to show an effect so it's still too early to tell if they're really going to help or not.

I thought I would update you on Sam's health. I have good news. The medication didn't seem to be working, so we stopped giving it to him just to see what would happen.  He is now very happy and back to normal so we and the vet think that he must have injured himself and whatever he did has now healed. He will always drag his feet but when he goes for short walks we make him trot as he doesn't scrap his feet along the ground then.  Once again many thanks for all the help and advice given to me, it's so good to know that when you have a problem there is always someone there to help.

Really late to see this update, but I am made up for you xx