Question:
This morning at 4am, Quin (3yrs) needed to go to the toilet, so I let him out, he ran back inside after a minute or two, falling over, rear legs were bowed and not really working, and acting as if he was intoxicated.
I got the vet to come out who said he thought Quin had a slipped disc.
On talking further I mentioned that he had been off his food, hence the vet took Quins temperature (37). Suddenly Quin jumped up and ran outside to "poop" and was totally normal when he came back.

Could he have been constipated or a blockage and the thermometer dislodged it (stools were examined but nothing abnormal)? He has "pooped" again today, but not a very large quantity.
He is eating, but seems very quiet. Could it be the onset of Bloat - I am worried about that, but it doesn't explain the falling over, can falling over happen when constipated?
If you could help I would be greatful.
Thanks
Pam

Answer:
What kind of dog is Quin?

It sounds like a back problem, but by no means am I a professional. The only reason it sounds familiar is my dog does that every now and again, but it's associated with the disc disease in his back. Now that the vet knows about it, I'd keep an eye on him, limit his use of stairs and jumping up on furniture. It could turn out to be nothing, but being cautious never hurt anyone!!

Keep us posted!!!

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Joint problems can also look like constipation. It's really hard to say.

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I would watch him very closely. If he's pooping normally with no constipation I would take him in for an xray.

Answer:
Thanks guys, your thoughts and experiences are much appreciated. Today, Quin (3 yr old black lab - mental as anything!) is back to his old self again, he's actually eating his breakfast at the moment!
I did talk to the vet when he came up the other morning about x-rays, and he said they would be a waste of time as Quin is so young, and most dogs show some degree of disc-deterioration. BUT i tend to err on the side of Caution, especially when it comes to my baby-boy, and will ring and book him in on Monday for x-rays.
Its very scary to see your pets like that, and I appreciated your support!
Thanks

Answer:
Originally Posted by Mocha's mum
What kind of dog is Quin?

I just realized how dumb I am.... Jeez!! Maybe I should pay more attention to what's going on around me......

Anyway, I think it's good that you're getting the x-rays - even if you can use them as a baseline in the future. And, you'll be sure about any back / joint problems.

Keep us posted, and good luck!!

Answer:
Just out of curiousity how are Quin's ears? Did the vet check for an inner ear infection ? Off his food and a lack of stability are fairly common signs of same. As this is a family show I'll try to keep this "clean" ~ on occasion "blasting to outer space" can clear a bit of a path in the ear. If it returns soon, I might have his temp and ears checked.

Answer:
The thought about loss of hearing, or needing a good clean out did cross my mind when I was doing my 5 times a night check on him last night!( it was a fairly short spell of loss of mobility, lasting in total about an hour... during that time he did come right, thankfully my vet used is an ex-boyfriend and was kind enough to get out of bed and drive 20 mins to my place to see for himself the state Quin was in!
Glad to say, my boy has bounced back, and has eaten two good meals of his Hills Science Diet, and is now looking at the cat food. He has also had two good bowel movements, which has pleased me...I was worried about a blockage!... (as I type this i can hear him) he is eating his left over breakfast!!!!... my Lab is back!!!!

I have been taking him down to our local river, and he has been destroying the driftwood that has turned up. I was hoping that his loss of appetite has someting to do with a gastro infection. Maybe from the river , from swallowing some wood... making mental note not to take him back there! BUT also making mental note to get his ears checked, maybe he has some infection. Will do that when he is x-rayed.

I was hoping that his loss of mobility in the rear legs had something to do with constipation, but I feel now, that with the advise and knowledge of some caring people on this site, that I have to admit that my precious boy probably has some spinal disc problems.(although I dont think he has ever had an accident which might cause the problem).
... Im listening to him as I type this, and he is cleaning his bowl AGAIN!. I prey that my happiness is not short lived!
Thank you for your thoughts on his ears, I will get him checked.
kindest regards
Pam

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