Hi everyone

Sorry for delayed post, it's been really busy here and I'm on a bit of an emotional roller coaster.

The Physiotherapist was lovely. She was here for 2 hours in all. She, I and Winny sat in the bedroom whilst she examined her, tried different things, and chatted to me. She has a hunch that the issue is neurological. There is definitely something wrong with that back left leg or hip, contrary to what both vets have said, what that is...she doesn't know. She said that really, the other limbs look like they are affected too, because even though there is a definite problem with tha back leg, her other legs should be pulling her along or working as they should, and they aren't. It could be that she has an issue, maybe a bit like minor Cerebral Palsy, where the muscles in her legs are locked, but it's too early to tell. We have exercises to do, and practice of different things, but we are a long way off. She did say, however, that unlike humans, dogs have an amazing way of rehabilitating, having 4 legs instead of 2, and what would take a human a year to achieve, a dog could achieve in 3 months.

Whilst she was here, an older lady who used to breed came to my door. My husband answered and she asked to see the pups. My husband told her I had a physiotherapist here and he came and got me. I went to the door and she told me on the doorstep to get rid of the pup - I don't even know her!

Later that evening, I figured that if we used a rubber backed mat (rubber side up) she would be able to get more grip, and it seems that this is working well for our standing practice.

There is still a long long way to go - at times I'm not sure if it will work, but I have to give it my best shot, at least then I can say I tried

>I went to the door and she told me on the doorstep to get rid of the pup - I don't even know her!

       Bloody cheek!  All I can say, or I will end up getting barred!

I would be trying my best too.  If all doesn't work out you know that you have given her your best shot.   Everyone here has fingers and paws crossed for her.  :-)

Thank you

I think I am going to phone Willows Veterinary Centre in Solihull tomorrow. I've been there before with my other bitch. I may need to be referred but I'm sure my vet will do that. It's £250 for a consultation, but I really don't care about that in the slightest.

Tonight when my hubby was practicing with her on the mat, he held her bad leg in place. She managed to pull up and walk so very wobbly steps. I know that if something is wrong with that leg or joint, its doubtful anything could be done right now - but at least i'd know.

Yes, the old bat was a wicked old witch! The cheek!

dont forget short legs and heavy body is bound to make it hard for her just keep at it and keep going with the mat she'll get there

That sounds hopeful, with lots of physio and holding that leg, sounds like she is making progress. I'd have said a few rude things to the mad old bat on the doorstep too!

Thanks for the update.

Sounds like you have had good advice re exercise and what different things to try that won't do any harm.

Look forward to hearing about her progress.

I've actually asked to be referred to Willows Veterinary Centre in Solihull. I really need to see a specialist - this whole thing is killing me, I really am devastated. I'm rarely a tearful person, but I seem to spend my days crying or on the brink of it.

It's all very well this 'wait and see' ......but for how long? How long do you wait and see for? My life is in hold, and that's fine, I'm not exactly a social butterfly as I don't have the time - but I need to start playing my role within the family again too at some point, and waiting and seeing has no foreseeable end. As I have said before, my husband is doing school runs, food shopping etc, but he's self employed and he's cutting his working day short for me, that can't carry on forever, he earns the money and I need to do my part. I've also had to start cancelling appointments - kids hospital appointments, my hospital appointments etc (not talking hair and nails!) as I can't be out the house for any length of time, and we all know how long journeying and sitting in waiting rooms can be - I could end up away for 3/4 hours at a time. The boys have also started play fighting really hard with her, and of course, she can't move out of the way. She gets stuck in places too, or ends up on her back, can't get to a food bowl, can't move out of her wee and poop - so leaving the house is out of the question.

I really need to find out what is wrong here and if there is any hope at all or if I am on a crusade to fix something that can't be fixed. I find not knowing the hardest part. Not knowing if its neurological, muscular, skeletal. Not knowing what the future holds for her/us. I'm hoping that the specialists will be ble to shed some more light on this. One good thing is that I took out breeding cover on my bitch with her last KC insurance renewal. This covers the pups for £500 each until they are 12 weeks. I spoke to the KC today and as long as I take out the little girls own insurance cover before that 12 weeks is up, she will continue to be covered for her existing issues, this is fab news.

Some days I'm extremely positive, some days not so much. Today is one of the latter I fear - but tomorrow is a new day :)

>Some days I'm extremely positive, some days not so much

And it is days like this that CD members really rally.   Many of us have needed to come here for support, me included.  Not everyone understands our feelings for our dogs.  You can be sure that the very best moral support is always available here.  Sometimes, we just need each other.  :-)

You have no idea how much I wouldn't have realised that - until now. Its the moral support that keeps me strong, without it, I don't know what i'd do!

the support from here is amazing isnt it :).

Still rooting for you. 

Just a thought, how long have you left her to struggle on her back for when she is stuck?  Just wondering if she has learnt to shout for help and wait?  Also as she is less mobile could you leave her and the boys sort of seperate with mum still able to get to both (thinking a low board across the kitchen) that way you could maybe start to leave them for very short periods knowing she is safe from harm from them.

Fingers and paws crossed here for you and your little girlie. So hope you have a good outcome.

How is Winny doing?