Walking Issue

I've noticed something weird in the past two weeks with Walter, its only a handful of times. This is hard to describe so bear with me. He'll either get up or be walking and his right front paw will, roll inward? Does that make sense? His paw instead of landing flat on the pad in normal walking position it bends in and causes him to fall, rather hard to the carpet. Kind of like when we "roll" our ankles on accident. First I thought his toe nail were too long and catching on the carpet I trimmed them, but it happened again this time on concrete. His paw desn't seem to be causing pain, he'll let me play with it without a peep or jerk? He does act like his shoulder bothers him on the same leg, he'll let out a growl once in a while? I tried google and couldn't find anything that sounded like it fit what happens.

Try a chiropractor. Won't adjust if nothing is out.

Hmmm... with having just gone to the vet for Wonka's back issues and right-sided weakness, having that on my mind, I'm wondering if Walter has something going on in his shoulder or back? Our vet showed us how to test Wonka's reflexes by tucking his paw backward and placing it down (so his "knuckles" are on the ground) and watching how fast he rights the paw so he's standing properly on the pad. And then the other test was done with lifting and supporting the "good leg" and then gently leaning Wonka toward the bad side - ideally a dog should quickly do a little hop to re-balance themselves. On Wonka's good side it was almost instant, but on the bad side he leaned quite a ways before he hopped to re-adjust his balance.
Maybe you could try the "knuckle" test and see if Walter quickly straightens out his paw?
I hope Walter is okay and nothing serious is going on. I'd probably take him in for the vet to check him out though... just to be safe.

Just tried it on both front paws and it was instant straightening and some dirty looks? It has not happened today. I'm wondering if it had anything to do with the recent weather changes and arthritis? I think visiting the vet is in order if it happens agian

I hope this isn't it...

"In early and up to the mid-mid stage DM, occasionally you will hear the sound of the dog’s nails scraping on the pavement during a walk. This scraping will not be constant; rather, will present periodically. The dog will begin to show some difficulty getting up. If the dog is standing, it may have difficulty balancing, but it can recover on its own. If you turn the dog’s toes under in this stage, the dog may still be able to right its foot, although response time could be lengthened." quote from The Stages of Degenerative Myelopathy in Pets

Luckily, DM normally starts with the back legs and slowly moves forward.

Take care,
Lisa

I'm going to try and get a video of him walking. Probably won't be able to till the weather gets better, we had snow and wind issues today on top of losing power.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 6 Beautiful Pugs

Luckily, DM normally starts with the back legs and slowly moves forward.

Take care,
Lisa

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Thank you, Lisa. So glad it's not DM.