Question:
We found our 11 year old, never before ill Akita, semi-conscious in the backyard, looking stunned. He had simply been lounging in the fenced yard. He had peed on himself and was breathing heavily. He recovered several hours later and had a similar episode a week later in the middle of the night. He was awake but standing with his back and front legs splayed in an attempt to keep his balance. He seemed to be undergoing intense muscle contractions in his body. It stopped within half an hour and he seemed fine the next day. The vet suggested seizures and prescribed phenobarb. Blood test results were negative for anything.
Four days later he began showing signs of weakness in his hindquarters, laboring to rise, having trouble turning around. Today, Sunday, his back legs are now collapsing when he is briefly standing. He seemed to alternate between sleeping and wimpering last night. He's drinking, eating and excreting normally. He can walk although he's wobbly. No vet available today and we can't imagine what is going on that is progressing so fast. Would appreciate possible suggestions; vet mentioned brain tumor in an offhanded way...

Answer:
Go to emergency animal hospital where you live.


What made the vet determine is was seizure related.


Also, in light of what is happening I am sure you know NOT to leave your dog alone at all and DO NOT let him climb stairs if at all possible.

Remove any slippery throw rugs or put rubber underneath them...make sure he has traction where he walks, block off stairways etc...

To me, the length of time from last night to today does not sound seizure related, in specific with the whimpering.

Answer:
Is there any way possible that your dog could have left your yard?
I'm assuming blood test would rule out poisoning?
This must be terrible to be watching him like this. :(

Answer:
I was wondering about poison too. In an 11 yr large breed like this, it could be a lot of things, even a tumour, epilepsy or some other neurological disorder, as the vet said.

Was a complete thyroid panel done?

Answer:
Thanks to those who have responded. Poisoning ruled out at initial vet visit. Will inquire about further blood work and will contact either same vet or another one for opinion as soon as possible. It is indeed terrible to see a dog who, at 11 has never had any illness nor sign of impending aging. This must be something that's been silent for a while.

Answer:
Where do you live?

Answer:
Hmmmmmm.....

I'm thinking pinched nerve,or maybe something with the spine???????

Maybe an x-ray should be done also.Or an Ultrasound??????

Answer:
Originally posted by mona_b
Hmmmmmm.....

I'm thinking pinched nerve,or maybe something with the spine???????

Maybe an x-ray should be done also.Or an Ultrasound??????
Mona, you may be onto something.

I recall that we were showing horses down in the states one summer and one of the horses that we were hauling (not ours, belonged to another girl in our barn), suddenly was wobbly and could not lift his head. Turned out that he did have pinched nerves and he was eventually fixed with chiropractic treatment. He did require adjustments from time to time even after his long series of treatment but he was still able to be ridden, shown and to even win!

Could be similar with this poor Akita, which by the way SRD418, are my FAVORITE breed of dog. I have a real soft spot in my heart for them. Wishing your big furball all the best!!

Michelle

Answer:
Check into chiropractic treatment if your vet is scratching his/her head

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