Question:
My 10-year-old dog Rudy has suddenly developed a weakness in what would appear to be his rear limbs. He can't jump up for treats, get up on the couch, or walk up the stairs without help. This happened literally overnight. He is part dachshund, and has been treated in the past for disk problems. He is currently on a thyroid supplement because his production of thyroid hormone is low. For the past year, he has had recurrent skin irritation, including itching and sores. He is now getting the sores again, and he chews his one front paw and his tail constantly. His tail has developed a hard, thickened spot near the base from the chewing. He has had ear problems for several months, for which he was receiving medication until recently. His ears never entirely cleared up, although they don't smell quite as bad as they did. He scratches them all the time, and the ear flaps are irritated. He still has thick, brown matter in them, as well as an oozy yellowish substance. He seems to have lost some hearing. Can all this be due to hypothyroidism? What about the weakness? Rudy has bee to the vet repeatedly, but he doesn't sem much better. Thanks for any ideas you can give me.

nellie

Answer:
Your dog has a lot of problems and I have no idea what is causing them. But the paw and tail chewing - what kind of food is he getting?

Answer:
First of all is your dog overweight?
And secondly do you know what overweight for your dog's breed and size would be?
Dachshund's and mixes especially with the elongated back spine are prone to disc problems and a slight-very slight increase in weight can start the problems you describe. I have a dog with the same problems and as long as we control her weight she is fine-let her gain 1-2 pounds and the problems start.
In my humble opinion you should not be making the dog jump for treats. PERIOD.
You mentioned his ears and said he was receiving medication until recently. His ears never entirely cleared up. Ear infections have to be cleared up or treated constantly. Otherwise they will get worse. As for the smell of the ears you are likely dealing with a yeast type infection. Your vet can tell you.
I have a dog with a chronic ear problem and use Vitamen "E" wipes on them every night. She loves it and it keeps the ears clean and soft and smelling much better.
If this dog has been seen by a vet repeatedly and is not much better and you have no more information I would suggest finding a better vet.
Woody

Answer:
Your dog may have arthritis. I would suggest a trip to the vet as soon as you can. He is at the age that this could start. I agree with another poster that his food needs to be looked at for allergies. The vet can give you some meds to help with the arthritis and joint pain, if this is the cause.

Heather

Answer: