Border Collie

Hi guys,

Very sad day for us our beutiful border collie 8 years old, suddenly became paralyised in her back legs.

There was no injury, no warning, she was running around ok. Then sat down and couldn't get up.

Our dogs are very loved and part of the family, she is at the vet in hope that whatever has caused this may not be permanent. Nothing shows up on xray, everything else is fine.

We are at a loss, has anyone else had this sort of thing happened to their dog? Did they come good?

Timing couldnt be worse as I am leaving to go away for a week on Friday.

Thanks

Rod Dyson

Are you sure it's not a tick?

I guess the vet would have picked that up, but look carefully in every fold of skin.

P:confused:

I've nvere heard of that in a reasonably young dog Rod. Hope she's OK. I have one just a couple of years younger (she was in my video) and she's a beautiful dog. Border Collies are the best. Very loving, very smart and great with kids (but mine absolutely hates other dogs except for our kelpie of course).

Hope she's OK. Sorry I can't help.

Sounds like a tick to me too but I'm no vet. Have seen two dogs go down with it, pretty much as you describe, except there is usually a bit of limping and difficulty standing up that occurs before full paralysis. Both recovered but only because the vet was on to it and gave them the antidote.

Hope it turns out OK.

Thank guys I will be talking to the Vet tonight and bring that up I never thought of a tic.

They did blood test that came up negative would it show up in a blood test?

Thanks Gumby, they are fantastic dogs. I live on a golf course and she came out with me every night for a game of golf. All the other golfers loved her too.

Golf may never be the same :(

Quote:

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would it show up in a blood test

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Don't know. Vets are usually pretty good at detecting that it's a tick based on the symptoms and the two times I've been involved in, they knew it was a tick without having to do blood tests. The problem for them is finding it, especially on dogs with thick coats.

I think if it actually was a tick, by the time paralysis sets in they only have a short time to get the drugs into them. Unfortunately it happens very quickly. Let's hope it is something else because if they haven't given the tick serum by now it is probably too late :(

Just been googling ticks. It's the toxins and bacteria they introduce into the blood which cause the problems by the look of things. So in answer to the question, I suppose it would show up in a blood test.

It also said in children, the paralysis starts in the lower body and works it's way up, sounds similar in the dog.

A mate's dog injured its back and became paralysed - this took 6 weeks to heal and it has to be kept calm now so it doesn't do it again.
You'll know where you stand after seeing the vet, re tick, tumour or other injury.

I feel for you and the kids, hope it works out.

Thanks for you responses.

The vet has ruled out ticks and is more inclined to think it is a tumor that is not showing up on xray.

We just have to wait and see I guess.

Thanks for your help.

Rod,
I dunno what is about them, but there's only one breed of dog for me. Toby and Nell (see avatar) are very special to our family, so I do hope there's a happy outcome.

Ian

Yep I have to agree, we own a 2 and a bit year old blue merle. Absolute gentledog. I have never seen such a devoted and loyal dog. His other canine mate is a 15 week old female Australian Sheep dog. She is the oppisite in your face but she loves us and him almost as much as her food. I hope your BC Gets better Rod as they are a beautiful family member.:D

This is our 2nd border, unfortunatly things are not looking good for her.

One good thing is the vet is happy to keep her with him for the week while I'm away as she is not in any pain. I leave tomorrow, so if it is something that will improve over time we will be able to give it a chance.

It is so strange that he cant see anything wrong on all the xrays and nothing else is showing up. She has lost the deep pain sensation in her legs which is not a good sign.

Its nice to see a lot of border lovers here. I really apreciate you kind words.

Your dogs look great Ian.

Thanks

What's her name Rod ?

Our previous dog developed similar symptoms after some boisterous play. Turned out to be a slipped disc. A few weeks of being very quiet and also being carried up the stairs (nearly giving me a slipped disc!) and she was OK, although it did come back to haunt her when she was old.
Hope your dog has something similar and not a tumor or some other nasty.

G'day Rod, we too are a Collie family, going on some experience your Bitch may have "slipped a disc" as has beed suggested by Clinton & Alex, especially if she's a jumper, if not easily identified don't hesitate get the vet to persue every avenue, search the net, ask everyone you can think of.

One 12.5 yr old monster (55cm at shoulders, almost a metre from muzzle to butt, 35 kilos in his prime all muscle, very large for a PB collie), square muzzled liver & white Alpha -Reggie impecable health, bar arthiritis in hind quarters from jumping even.

One 18 week old B&W male -Ike (turner)- already a good guard dog

RIP Bessiebear 10 yr old B&W bitch beautiful temperament to her family, my kids best mate, lost her late last year to status epilipse, absolutely impecable creditentails despite this did not enjoy great health for her whole lifebut did enjoy (not) a very close relationship with her vets, who also cried as she passed away, too many health problems for such a gentle nature.

probably should mention Scarlett - Golden Retriever, beautiful dog, dumb as , but loves everyone of us to pieces, including her 2 mates.

Hope it is nothing bad mate, shouldn't be as they are a pretty stoic breed.