Muscle Atrophy

I don't think so...It's not his ACL or knee as far as anyone can tell. None of the vets (including an orthopedist) though it was. The best they could come up with was a possible pinched nerve (only diagnosable with an MRI). He really does use his leg like a crutch, so I would assume that wouldn't change with a brace. And $500-$1000 is a lot to spend on something you don't really think would help :( I did look at them when I thought it was his ACL, but now I don't think it would be a help at all.
 
Deska's currently 12.6 kg - 27.8lbs. My vet said usual dosage is about 5-10mg per kg (Deska was 10.6kg when he first started) twice daily. So I guess the 100mg three times daily was the max. A friend's 28kg (60lb) lab is doing well on 100mg twice daily.

Yea I've got a couple of expensive braces that the vet physio or ortho vet suggested importing - they were a waste. The only 'brace' I use is the little neoprene elbow warmers I home made.

Btw - with my leg deficit the rehab physio had me on wobble boards and step ups.
 
Gavin HATES swimming :( he refused to walk on the underwater treadmill at rehab. The ocean is his bathtub..period!
He will do hill walks with me, and I have lots of different balance thingies (BOSU, discs, and even fitpaws pods which he hates) so we do those and lots of tripod stands. Step ups would be nice, but Gavin has always jumped up any kind of step :( I do know he has more difficulty jumping even small distances now. i have done step overs (hose laying in the backyard).

He has been on Gabapentin now for 3 days, and he seems perkier. Hard to tell if it is due to the drug or him being less mad at me for leaving for weeks, but I will go to the vet and get more after I run out if I notice a difference.
 
Gavin was on twice daily 100mg doses of Gabapentin for a week. definitely less stiff than when I got back. Read it has to be tapered and not quit cold turkey, so once daily doses now. Yesterday went to beach after AM dose, no PM dose. He used the ramp to come up to the bed and sleep with me last night, but is defintely stiffer today. Probably combination of less gabapentin and extra extra activity from the beach. He will be on once daily doses while I am away (he stays at doggie daycare) and I will evaluate when I get back. Will probably try CBD oil once Gabapentin runs out (taking CBD oil affects multiple drugs via their metabolism in the liver, including gabapentin, so taking together is not a simple thing)
 
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I am feeling very discouraged. I have tried so many things and there is no improvement. Gavin is on CBD oil (seems to have similar affects as gabapentin on his mood and stiffness).
I bought a vibrating platform to try and do PT at home. We are still walking and walking up hills slowly (no trotting or momentum allowed). I am at my wits end and feel so defeated. Nothing works on building up his muscle or getting him to use that leg enough to make a difference.
 
I really feel for you and Gavin. When Mr. Chance had muscle atrophy the message helped his stiffness but I could never get the muscle strength back. You are doing all the right things! I know how exasperating it can be. I know I have said it before and I will say it again, Gavin is so blessed to have such a committed and caring owner.

Virtual hugs to you both.
 
Wish I had good advice, but all I can offer is sympathy, Cindy. :( Have you tried tramadol for any pain/discomfort? It's so hard to see them gimpy, I know. You've done so many things to try and help him, but it may be just keeping him comfortable and as mobile as you can will be the best that can be done. :hugs
 
I am sorry it must be so frustrating. I know when we go for walks and I stand there waiting for Deska as he slowly plods along it to catch up makes me so sad. And I hate having to take a stroller with me when I walk. But then I realised I don't want to walk without him so I'll just have to put up with the slow pace. Last year my vet said maybe it's time to stop the walks and just let Deska potter. So maybe it's time for Gavin to potter rather than go on walks. The only other thing I can suggest is let him potter on soft surfaces - Deska is so much better on ground and grass rather than paths.
 
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