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I have an 11 year old rat terrier who is having trouble. Three times in the last few months we've been out and he will see something to chase, bolt, hit the end of the leash, and then yelp in pain. The first time one of his front legs was lame, took him to the vet, they did x-rays, didn't see anything, gave him some prednisone (i think) and prescribed no activity for a couple of weeks. That was a few months back and he was fine. 2nd time was 3 weeks ago and his back legs totally gave out he could barely stand. Took him to the vet same deal, 2-3 weeks no activity etc. The vet says it is disc problems and the swelling is affecting the nerves and causing him to have less control of his legs. Anyway, 3rd time today, his back left leg went lame for a few minutes but he was able to hobble home. The vet is probably going to tell me to go see a specialist which is fine but I thought i would ask here and see if anyone had any other ideas of what it could be or if the vet is probably right. I just want to be able to ask about any other possible problems he could have that maybe they haven't thought about. Thanks.

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Age: 11; Male; Breed: Rat Terrier

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Since you are seeing rear leg lameness, a couple of things come to mind. The most common source of pain is patella luxation or a torn cranial cruciate.

Patella luxation, in layman's terms, means wiggly kneecaps. The kneecap slides out of place and the dog will flex the leg to put it back in. You might see him lengthen the leg and stretch it at times.

The cranial cruciate is comparable to the ACL in humans. It's a ligament in the leg and it can be pretty painful when it's torn. The vet can replace it but it's costly and not always effective.

Since he has had disc problems in the past, this is the most likely cause. I would certainly follow up with the specialist and get an MRI and/or x-rays.

Until you can, be sure and switch him over to a harness instead of a collar and try to limit his activity.

Let me know if you still have questions. I would be happy to discuss this more.

Reply to Tammy Falkner's Post: I appreciate the help (not been on this "side" of the site before) and I will accept your answer but had two other questions/notes. From what you've said and what's happened it sounds like the disc problem is the most likely so assuming i go to the specialist, X-rays haven't shown anything - will an MRI or some other test show anything and is this problem "curable" or will it just be recurring? Also, you mentioned switching to a harness, i just got him one last week and have used it some though he doesn't seem to care for it. The one I have for him tends to slide around a bit on him no matter how tight I cinch it is this inevitable or is there a type that works really well that you could recommend.

If it's sliding around, it's probably too big. It should fit but not be too tight. It should not slide around because this will cause chafing.

Disc and back problems are often curable with therapy (physical therapy, water therapy, massage, accupuncture) and there are surgical alternatives as well.

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