Need advice or a good diagnosis site to check on back problems for Collies?

I had to put my Collie to sleep last week as she started to suffer with her back, first signs were being unable to stand properly on her hind legs, the problem got progressivley worse and in 3 days she could not stand, all she could do was drag herself around on her bum, I could not afford the costs of an MRI scan which our vet said was the only other thing to have had done as she had no feelings in her feet after the vet did a forcep test on her paws. Because of this there was no option but to have her put to sleep.


Does anybody know of any sites that I could look through to find what could have been the cause of this problem? since having her put down I have had a few people tell me that they know of other dog owners who have had similar problems with their dogs but no diagnossis.Need advice or a good diagnosis site to check on back problems for Collies?
Kinda suprise the vet could not give you a idea.. based on my experience as a vet tech,, I am not making a offical diagnosis but, comparing similar cases..Disk diease in dogs.. would be my first thought..





http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content鈥?/a>





yes, this would require a MRI to confirm and surgery to correct/remove the pressure on the disk if medical managment was not working,, both are costly unfortunaly..


also dog can have tumors in the spine,, possible with your dog..also needing diagnosis by MRI ..again possibly needing surgery..


The end result,, the cases that need surgery do not respond to medical treatement.. So rest assured even though you could not afford the MRI to specifically diagnose your dog, and may not know excatly what when wrong with dogs back.. if your dog did not respond to medical treatment the only option would have been MRI to find the excact location of the problem, and surgery to fix it,, both very expensive.. and honestly does not always work.. it is also a very aggressive form of treatment on a older pet,, and a lot to put the dog though..and not the right option for every client..





you did the best you could,, don't feel too upset sometimes all though we would love to spend every penny possible,, there is a big diffrence in not being able to swing $800-$1500 for a MRI and another similar amount for surgery and not being able to afford routien care, vaccinations or even a medical and emergency exam when ones pet is sick.. you where responsibe in having the dog seen, treated,, and making the painfull decision you did..


Amanda





for the others, possible other sources of pain is


FCE


http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content鈥?/a>


Spondylosis http://www.dogstuff.info/spondylosis_def鈥?/a>





there os a host of other problems specific to breed, hips, knees and such.. most can be diagnosied with simple X rays.. blood test all done by a regular vet..





A good percentage are old pet issues, and are treated medically.. supplements, pain meds and keeping the dog fit..


Always helps..Need advice or a good diagnosis site to check on back problems for Collies?
First can i say i am really sorry to hear about your dog.


I had my collie at the vets on friday , he has similar symptoms. He has told me my dog has arthritis in his back legs.


I had a labrador a few years ago he had the same problem , he couldn't stand and i had to have him put to sleep , probably the worst thing i have had to do in my life.


If anyone does know any sites i would be most grateful to hear of them also
You could look up CDRM (Chronic Degenerative Reticulo Myopathy) My last GSD was put down at the age of 7 with this complaint


Another to try would be Specific Lupus Erythamotosis