[bubbalee]

My beautiful 7 year old dog has become very unwell and has basically lost use of all 4 legs. We are still waiting on some test results to come back but so far we have no answers as to what is wrong with him.

CT scans ect show no spinal injury, no ticks ect. He is still eating and drinking normally, with assistance but all he can do is lay down on the mattress.

I was wondering if anyone had any ideas as to how I can help him, he looks so sad and bored. We spend lots of time sitting with him, talking to him, patting him ect but is there anything else I can do?

The vets aren't sure if this is permanent thing, he may fully recover in a couple of weeks, we just don't know

[bubbalee]

Anyone? I'm really trying to make life as enjoyable for him as I can while we hope for a recovery.

[Unatheowl]

I'm not sure he needs so much mental stimulation as such. Perhaps positioning him outside for a time, supervised so that he can enjoy the smells and change of scenery? I would imagine that he may be feeling vulnerable and so would want to be with you. Make sure he can see you. It would also pay to keep a close eye on him as he is unable to help himself out of situations.

I would also be making sure that he is shifted position regularly and be careful to see that he is not lying on his tail/legs bent underneath him etc and restricting blood flow. Be vigilant also about assisting him to the toilet. Lying in poo or wee for a extended time can lead to skin irritation and infections.

[la di dah]

Aside from a nice chewy toy or peanutbutter in a Kong I'm not sure there's much he can do, poor guy. I knew a two-legged (front wheel drive) dog that was okay to do a bit and hunt around for kitchen crumbs and stuff but he could still waddle about looking like a duck/seal thing. And he wanted mostly cuddles/company not games.

This post has been edited by la di dah: 09/12/2012, 08:16 PM

[PurpleNess]

Can you take him for a drive with the windows down, the sounds & smells will relieve his boredom, even Better if you know anyone with a ute ( secure, on a comfy matress, not in heat of day etc).
I did this when my Rotti had both his crutiate ligaments repaired, it helped!

[bubbalee]

Thanks for the replies. I lock him up on the deck and the kids ride their bikes around him lol

[~Karla~]

Most dogs I've nursed who have been partially or fully paralyzed, temporarily or permanently, have wanted company, cuddles and attention more than games. A change of scenery, regular position shifts and the occasional drive (the things previously suggested) have all helped, but it's more about company and the security of having their people with them.

Has the vet shown you how to support him with towels/blankets to get him outside for toilet breaks?

[bubbalee]

No they haven't. We go back Thursday for a review and will ask about it then. Most of the time once I steady him he can stand by himself for about a minute but if he tries to walk he collapses.

[~Karla~]

What kind of dog is he? If he's fairly big/heavy, you will need 2 people to do it but if he's small, you should be able to do it safely yourself. Just ask them and they should be able to show the safe way to do it.

Good luck and I really hope he gets better. It's so horrible when your pet is so sick and nobody knows why.

[FiveAus]

TV? One of my dogs thinks TV is purely for her enjoyment and she sits in the lounge room glued to it of an evening. She wolfs at the ads, grumbles at the people on the shows and thoroughly enjoys the entertainment. Her favourite commercial is the RSPCA one.