My friends Boxer dog suddenly became paralysed in its back leg the other week.
He has been told that this is a common problem in very active dogs like Boxers and Collies and is due to a blockage of the nerve. Has anyone any experience of this problem ? and does anyone know if the problem can heal itself as currently they are having to help carry the dog when she needs out. It is heartbreaking to see such an active dog struggle to stand but the vets say there is no operation that can help. Any views welcome.

Hi

I am so sorry to hear about the Boxer.

You will probably think i am a nutter for what i am about to suggest but has your friend considered acupuncture? As it is dueto a blocked nerve it sounds like it could be worth a go.

Some vets do now practise acupuncture, perhaps your own vet could refer you?
Perhaps someone will post who has personal experience with such a problem.

I wish your friend and the Boxer lots of luck.

not tried acupuncture on a boxer with blocked nerve, but two courses have done wondes for a young hound I had which became paralysed several times as a youngster and since treatment, touching wood frantically, has had no reoccorance. Would have had her destroyed without it as such a fantastic working hound but no quality of life if paralysed.

Wow that's good news Sam, do you know what originally caused the paralysis? Glad the acupuncture courses helped.

spondylytis was suspected but to be honest, as long as there was no more paralysis attacks, then I didn't worry too much about the cause! I now have an 8 year old (which is old for the breed!) hound virtually pain free & still hunting her socks off for me.

Glad she's OK, that's the main thing :)

Recently my cocker spaniel lost the use of first her back legs and this then was spreading to her front legs although these were never fully affected. My vet referred me to an animal hospital neurologist where she was treated. Although the diagnosis gave no positive indications that treatment would be successful it does appear as though we are winning. She has been treated with steroids and another tablet (nerve related?). She is now walking although can not raise herself to standing on her own and requires support while walking. We are looking on the positive side and hope for a full recovery.

Hope this helps, and would suggest you request the dog is referred to a neurologist.

Welcome to the forum Jean. :-) Leigh

Hi, I had a springer spaniel who after a good playing session, (30 years ago) seemed to be paralysed in the back legs, but in no pain as far as I could tell, just a bit confused that her legs wouldn't work. I took her to one vet who advised cage rest for a couple of days, to be honest I think he was a bit stumped. Three days later and no better, I took her to my present vet, who just felt down her spine and clicked something in her back - a bit like an osteopath would, and hey presto, she could walk again. She was a bit stiff for a week or so and then gradually returned to normal. It was many years ago, and I wish I had asked him more about what he had done, but I was shy in those days (!!) and so relieved she was ok I forgot to ask! Horses commonly have back treatments like this from a sort of horse chiropractor, if you could find a vet who practises this (like my vet did) it may be a simple solution. Hope your dog gets better soon.