Cannot walk or poop?

by Darlene
(Vacnouver, WA)

My friend has a 3 mth old Weimanarer puppy that as of the other day, her front legs would not hold her up and as of yesterday, she has not pooped. She is eating and being brought outside and she pees but does not poop. And still cannot walk.. She can move her front legs but they will not hold her up.

She was brought to the vet today and the vets are baffled and said to bring her back tomorrow to see how the night goes.

Please help..

Thank you.. Darlene



Hi Darlene
I'm sorry, but as I'm not a qualified veterinarian I really can't make any kind of diagnosis on something so unusual. Especially as the vets who have actually SEEN this puppy are not sure what is going on.

Any opinion that I give would just be a personal guess on my part. As the pups front legs are affected, conditions (such as Wobblers Syndrome or Hip Dysplasia) are unlikely as they usually affect the back legs first.

It could be a neurological problem, a spinal cord issue or even inflammation which is causing nerve problems. The only other possibility I can think of is 'Tick Paralysis'.

Tick Paralysis is caused by a toxin that some ticks excrete into the dogs blood stream. It affects the nervous system and causes weak muscle tone which leads to paralysis. Although this usually also attacks the rear legs first, I think it would be worth checking out the possibility with your vet. If this is what's happening, finding and removing the tick usually fixes the problem, if it's very severe though an anti-toxin can be used.

Apart from these suggestions I'm afraid I'm really in the dark. I hope that the vet can make an accurate diagnosis tomorrow and get treatment started for this puppy. I wish your friend and the puppy the very best of luck.