Pirate's latest issue... Update #18

[cyber-sibes]

Getting old stinks, whether you're a human or a canine. At least you've ruled out some really nasty possibilities. Hugs to Pirate!

[cassiesmom]

Pirate girl, you look good and fluffy to me in this picture! Could you tell your mum I think her hair is a gorgeous color.

Hugs to you from me,
elyse

[Louie and me]

Loved your posts in Dog General about Pirates exploits with Sleet. I'm wondering how she is getting on with gabapentin. The mobility symptoms are very similar to Louie's and so far we have ruled out all the usual old age ailments including hypothyroidism. The vet thinks it is neurological and could be degenerative lumbosacral stenosis or a tumor of the spine. Cortisone is the recommended treatment but Louie too is on meloxicam. Acupuncture was also not recommended since this is neurological, so I am looking for alternatives.

[Glacier]

I'm wondering how she is getting on with gabapentin.

She's doing quite well. She takes 100mg once a day. I just toss it in with her kibble and she wolfs it down. Her bowl looks like a pharmacy!

It took a week to see any change. It hasn't been a miracle cure, but there has definately been improvement. She is steadier on her feet and seems more aware of where her back paws are most of the time. She still stumbles occasionally and sometimes drags one of her back legs, but she hasn't fallen right over in at least a week. I haven't seen any negative side effects--no GI upset, ect.

Pirate will never fool anyone into thinking she's a youngster again, but the meds do seem to be keeping her from getting any worse. I hope you find something that will help Louie too.

[Louie and me]

Thanks for the quick reply Glacier - I'm glad it is helping Pirate. I'll see if I can get my vet to prescribe some for Louie. It's certainly worth a try.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Give her a hug from me

[Glacier]

Give her a hug from me

Will do.

I'm waiting for her vet to call today. Pirate has three days worth of gabapentin left. I'd like to keep her on it.

She had a rough day yesterday. I had to help her get up twice. She just couldn't get her back legs under her and didn't have the strength to push herself up. She just looked tired. She seems better again today. She got up this morning with no problems and she seems perkier again.