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i have an eight year old pug...his back leg over the past


Sent to Pet Experts October 22, 2005 12:35 p.m.

i have an eight year old pug...his back leg over the past year has begun to weaken and drag..the problem seems to have gotten worse in the past two weeks...he gets out of his bed on the floor and and drags his back quarters on the floor till he gets up on his back legs..he has always been somewhat lethargic and somewhat depressed... one other issue..he has lost alot teeth early and does have heavy brown tarter..if i were to take him to angel memorial hospital what vet specialist would be most appropriate..thanks, todd hyde
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Status: Closed   Value: $10   
Answer
October 22, 2005 1:00 p.m. (24 minutes and 51 seconds later)
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Your pug may have a spinal problem that is causing compression of his spinal cord which can cause hindlimb weakness. That could include a disc protrusion or tumor pressing on the cord. There could also be a systemic illness causing the weakness, lethargy and general depression. If you don't get a referral to a particular specialist from your regular vet, you could probably start with a general medical work-up and exam to rule out any systemic illness that may be causing weakness, and then refer to an internist if indicated. With the general exam, the vet will also evaluate his neurological and muscle function to determine if there are any neurological deficits, and then can refer to a neurologist if indicated. You are fortunate to be able to go to Angel Memorial, where you have access to the whole range of specialists your dog may need.

Edited by harmonyvet on October 22 2005 at 1:02pm


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