Rocky's hind legs are weak

[debra6]

I know that one of the meds he is on(phenobarb, potasium bromide, levothyroxine) can cause the back legs to be weak but he can't make it up the porch stairs w/o a lot of effort. Rocky just turned 4 and his back legs have been falling out from under him for about a week. He has GAINED A LOT of weight in the past month but besides that nothing has changed. Any thoughts or ideas? I hate seeing him like this!!

[brumzoo]

I would take hiim to the vet and also put him on a diet. The extra weight will make it harder for him. Please let us know what the vet says if you take him in. Hugs to you and kisses to Rocky! 

[winwinsmom]

Definitely agree with Brumzoo.  Since Winston lost over 18 pounds he has been a lot more active and deals with our stairs a whole lot better!

[debra6]

THey are going to see him Saturday. I am really woriried! I started mixing his food with green beans and giving him cooked brocolli when he is begging for food. I pick up R/D prescription food tomorrow.

[winwinsmom]

Winston is ALWAYS hungry too  .   but he has always been that way.  How much are you feeding him?  And what food do you have him on?

[debra6]

3-4 cups a day of Iams weight control, but after today it will be prescription  R/D food. I use to feed him high quality food like Dr.van pattens sweet potatoes and some dead animal. I am really worried about the falling but i messed with both of his legs and nothing, and he doesn't seem to be in pain except when he lays down and I can't even tell if that's pain or just being fat. He gained a lot when they changed raised his meds and I couldn't afford the prescription dog food there for a little while. I feel horrible like I am the worst mommy ever. He always has something going on!! I just want him to be ok to live a long healthy happy life! I hate feeling lilke he is miserable always. I know I would be if I were him. How do you all keep up with your bullies and their health issues. It is expensive and so draining! I just love him so much it all breaks my heart. I have spent every cent I have to try to give him the best I can, but it just isn't enough!!!

[winwinsmom]

JMHO but 3-4 cups is a lot of food.  I used to feed Winston that much till I figured out the food manufacturers want you to use more food    thereby buying more of their product.  I have totally cut out treats and use the food as treats. 
Yes it is expensive to own a bully  but getting them on a good food is also important, IMO.  It may cost a little more up front but in the long run you will have less issues. 
Don't beat yourself up....you are not the worst mommy ever.  You can tell you are totally concerned about him 
There are also joint supplements out there that may help too.  That is something else you should consider.  But first and foremost you need to get some of the weight off of him.  Maybe you can discuss it with your vet since he's on meds. 
Keep us posted as to how he's doing

[brumzoo]

Great advice, BC!

You are not a bad bullie Mom! If you need to know about supplements, let me know. I can tell you what I give my pack. 

[reeder1718]

Try mixing his food with yogurt. It works great for dozer and very healthy for there bones and coats and skin. Its a good filler too. I take a container and mix it with dry food and they go nuts! 

[ksdstny]

Deb ... I know how u feel! I worry constantly about harlow, there always seems to b something wrong and i have spent enough for a down payment on a house. All i want is for her to b ok. Both of mine needed to lose a bit of weight n i just cut back... A bit on the food and alot on the treats. Harlow lost 4 lbs and steeler has lost 6.  They eat a fish based kibble in the am and raw in the pm. Supplements up the kazoo n to b honest i dont think they help alot.

What i have learned is we MUST live in the moment. Its so hard to do. We love them so much n want them to b healthy n happy n just loved. Beating yourself up certainly isnt the answer. It sounds to me like u are no different then the rest of us.... Doing all u can for your baby!

Harlow is young also only almost 3. I have been reading up on what our options are since i think she also has a less then strong back end. There are alot of choices available. Speak to your vet. All the best!!

[Shell]

I know that one of the meds he is on(phenobarb, potasium bromide, levothyroxine) can cause the back legs to be weak but he can't make it up the porch stairs w/o a lot of effort. Rocky just turned 4 and his back legs have been falling out from under him for about a week. He has GAINED A LOT of weight in the past month but besides that nothing has changed. Any thoughts or ideas? I hate seeing him like this!!

Hi deb, It's been awhile since I've been here but I just saw your post and wanted to reply. I don't know how long he has been on the meds, but I had a dog that was on pheno and potassium bromide and was having the same issues as yours. It will take some time for them to adjust to the meds. The pheno will cause their appetite to increase, my boy wanted to eat everything insight, and the P B makes them drink more water, because of the salt in it, which means you will need to be careful of the salt contents in food that you feed. As for the steps, we got our boy a ramp so as to make it easier for him to get up. Of course he had arthitis in his hips so that made it even worse. Hope this helps, it does get better.

[debra6]

Went to the vet today Rocky weighed in at 86#! She thinks it is the phenobarb causing this issue with the drunkiness(sp), that's how she descrined it and I guess that fits. I am just worried he is going to get hurt falling all the time. She also said that he DEFINATELY needs to be on the R/D prescription food and giving him 2.5 cups is ok but not to go any lower because that the recommended amount for 1/2 his body weight. We'll find out Monday if it is the phenobarb, fingers crossed that it is!!!

[Shell]

The Phenobarbital does cause them to walk around like they are drunk. It's one of the side effects in the beginning. Mine did the same thing. Has your vet checked to see that he is on the right dosage? It may be to high. The pheno will cause them to gain weight even tho your not feeding him anymore then usual. I would just cut back on his food. Is it helping with his seizures?

[Shell]

Was wondering how Rocky is doing?

[Jerr_N_Tiff]

Deb - hey girl, I haven't been on the boards in a while, but I saw your post and wanted to see how Rocky is doing.  Was it the phenobarb?  Brody had an episode where his pheno level got to high and he could barely walk so we had to lower him back down.   One thing you might consider is that there are other meds to use instead of phenobarb.  For us we get the best control from the Sodium Bromide that he's on, I truly don't believe that the pheno does squat but everyone else things that in conjunction to the bromide it's helping.  I've done alot of research on the other meds out there and neurontin is a good option.  The biggest pain in the butt is that you have to give it every 8 hours - it's not a level thing, it's a literal every 8 hours things.  B is doing well, but if he starts seizing again we're going to switch.

Now as far as expense relief - sing it sister!!  Have you done research on getting your meds from Walmart, CVS, or Walgreens?  I love my Vet and like to visit quite often, but I have found that since he orders his meds in a small supply he simply can't compete with the larger drug pharmacies.  Just can't.  I believe buying Brody's valium at CVS vs the vet's save's us 30$ a pop and we switched from Potassium Bromide chewables to Sodium Bromide liquid which is compounded through the Medicine Shoppe and only costs us 40$ for a 3 month supply. Just call each pharmacy and request a quote on his meds - Bromide has to be compounded through a specialty pharmacy, I'm sure you already know that!

I get the whole hungry dog thing.  There are times when we adjust B's meds and he cries and cries for food.  He wakes us at 4am pawing at the bed, or plopping his big head across my face!  There are times I do feel sorry for him and I give in and give him a 1/4 cup of food to help him, but when I give him his regularly scheduled breakfast I deduct that 1/4c. He was up to 62 lbs but is now down to a very svelt 56 lbs and I can tell he feels better!  I wish I had someone to count my calories for me!