Hello all,

New here and looking for some advice:

I have a 10-year old male Springer, who has always enjoyed good health. He is a working dog (sometimes) and has a good pedigree. Both parents had good hip scores and were FTCh.

About a month ago we thought our dog had slipped on the hard floor and twisted his hip, as he went very lame and couldn't walk without tripping over his back leg (only one). His paw was curled up and his tail tucked under, he looked like a shopping trolley with his back end overtaking his head when he walked.

The vet believed it to be a muscle strain and gave the dog some anti-inflammatories. Problem went away, dog was sprightly (he always bloody is) and all was well.

Three or four days ago it appeared to have come back, although this time the dog seems a bit wonky all down one side. He is still happy enough, but when he sits his head is on one side and he seems 'low' on his right side. He is also a bit subdued but not in any physical discomfort when you touch or prod him.

I'm going to take him back to the vet but I'm worried that it's potentially a spinal or nervous problem and he's an older dog. I did wonder if it was a minor strioke?

He eats well, is up to date with jabs and vitamins and eats Chudley's classic. He hasn't worked for a good few weeks and is not overweight.

Anyone experienced something similar? I am gearing myself up for something nasty and cry-inducing, so any reassurance would be gratefully received. Equally, I would also like to know the likely outcome.

No real advice I'm afraid, just hope your vet can get to the bottom of what's happened, and hopefully treat him easily enough. You always have the option of asking to be referred, or self referring, for another opinion, if you feel your vets knowledge in this area isn't as comprehensive as you'd like, just one option to bear in mind. I've done it with one of my dogs when I felt the vet I was registered with wasn't doing as much as I wanted for an injury, some vets are honest enough to tell you they would like to refer to someone with more knowledge.

Good luck, let's hope it's nothing serious

One of my old springers suffered from vestibular syndrome. It looked like a stroke but is something completely different. It affected her down one side, when she walked she looked drunk, and also her head was tilted to one side. With medication and a bit of time she made a full recovery. I would be off to the vets immediately. If it is something like that then the sooner he starts on medication the better. Fingers crossed it is nothing serious.

Personally I would recommend a MacTimoney chiropractor. You will initially need a vet referral.

My collies, who I work in obedience competitions, see one about every 4 months as a precautionary measure but I immediately call my chiropractor out when they put paws down rabbit holes, slip over, etc. or any other injuries.

They are experts in spinal problems or injuries and are not expensive at about £25.00 per treatment.

Have a look at their website.

HTH

Having done some reading it may be a mild form of vestibular syndrome - but I'm less worried than I was. He's fine walking around, eyes and appetite good and plenty of wagging. So much so I was considering taking him shooting tomorrow...

Will monitor him over the weekend and then likely trip to the vet on Monday (if not earlier).