[Lucy713]

Help! My westie she's about 65 in dog years was found outside the door at half four shaking and unable to use her bottom
Half of her body and her back legs we've taken her to the vet they gave her steroids and told us to bring her back tomorrow she's still shaking hasn't been to the toilet or eaten moved etc since half four and her tummy is swollen she was fine at to her breathing is really rapid and shallow help!

[joypulv]

Dog years don't really count - she's about 9?
Could she have been hit by a car?
Do you have a vet ER anywhere?
I'd be outside the vet office before they open in the morning.
Can she drink water?

[Lucy713]

About 12 then I think I just remember dog years because the vet told me last time I was there! No she's refusing water and food keeps pushing her head away I had considered that but when my bro took her to the vet the vet didn't think so as there where no broken bones and no signs of bruising cuts etc I've rang the vet up since posting this and I've told them
I'm going to go in first thing before they open

[Alty]

About 12 then I think I just remeber dog years cos the vet told me last time I was there! No she's refusing water and food keeps pushing her head away I had considered that but when my bro took her to the vet the vet didn't think so as there where no broken bones and no signs of bruising cuts etc I've rang the vet up since posting this and I've told them
I'm going to go in first thing before they open

What prompted the vet to give steroids? Did the vet do any tests (an x-ray, blood work)?

There are so many possibilities. I have to say, from what you describe, it doesn't sound hopeful. I really do hope the vet can help, but I fear you might have to brace yourself that this may not end well.

I wish we could help further, but our hands are tied. The vet really is the only one that can even offer a sliver of hope here.

I wish you and your dog the best of luck. Please let us know how it goes.

[Lucy713]

I'm not sure I was at work so my brother took her in the vet said either a slipped disc
Or a tumour but I didn't understand how a tumour could cause such a drastic effect within a few hours the vet did blood work as well so will hopefully get the results back torrow no X-ray but did check her over for any broken bones so worried just checked her and her back legs are ladling the splits she really has no control or feeling thank
You to all of you I shall let you knowing when I see the vet x

[Lucky098]

I'm going to guess that your little dog is suffering from back problems.

Steroids help reduce the inflammation of the compression of the spinal cord. Sometimes this can help fix the issue and the dog will gain back some type of mobility, other times it does not help and the dog continues to be paralyzed.

Back problems can be sudden. They don't need to partake in much vigorous activity.. This is very common in dogs of old age.

Really the only solution if this IS back problems is back surgery. This surgery (depending where you're from) can range from $3000 - $5000 USD.

Also, the only way for a real diagnosis is for MRI. X-rays will help tell the vet if there is any bone changes within the spine.. but x-rays will not tell the vet if there is a buldging disk or a ruptured disk.

Good Luck

[Lucy713]

Thank you all for your help, yes one of the suggestions the vet gave was a slipped disc she's a lot better today breathing is pretty much normal and she's not shaking its just her back legs and her swollen tummy thank you all again for your help I will keep you posted when I get back
From te vets