Pup needs MRI for possible IVDD

[GoldenOscar]

My 1 1/2 yr old Golden Retriever came up lame opening day of pheasant season 2024. Basically back legs didn't want to work, couldn't jump in the truck and didn't want to walk. There is no favoring of either leg, walks fine but when he runs his back end drops out/ legs collapse.

I took him straight to the vet but they couldn't find anything, I had them run full X=rays on hips and spine and nothing came up so he got rest & meds and that seemed to help. Well just over a week ago just running in the yard chasing a ball the same thing started happening. Back legs collapsing while running and pup couldnt even walk up my stairs. Back to the Vet and they think he may have a slipped disk or bulging disk and now sending me off for MRI's. From what I hear that runs around $4000.

Pup is still not 2 years old yet and I owe him the best treatment I can get, Hope to have 10 more years of hunting together. Has anyone had this happen and if so where did you go for treatment?

Thank you

[ghosthunter]

Sorry to hear.

My only advice is, that I stopped letting my labs jump in and out of trucks years ago. The jumping down is really hard on joints. My first lab went till 10 and I started having joint issues. Meds got her through two more years. My 2nd lab I made the commitment to not allow her to jump in or out of truck. Bought a ramp.

She is 13 now and has slowed some but not much. I watch her weight and in condition year round. 0ff season 35-40 yard balls no stop every day minimum. Plus work on yard work.

Every dog will be different.

I am no hunting dog expert, but  in my opinion,everyone with dogs they love and hunt should give serious thought to allowing or requiring their dog to jump in and out of todays pick ups.

Good luck.

[Mtnwalker]

Our office lady just had IVDD surgery on her Frenchie last week. It was ungodly expensive (like 15k all said and done), she had to go to Seattle to have it done. Good luck and 🤞 for best outcome for you

[Ridgeratt]

Have you checked with wsu  vet clinic?

[Old Dog]

Sounds like exercise induced collapse (EIC), but I don't know if Goldens have a problem with that.     It's a genetic condition that is known to affect Labrador Retrievers. 

https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/products/tests/details/99/?breed=75

[metlhead]

Shop around. Decline useless tests. Many times they are spitballing. Find out total first and require them to honor it. Many other costs will get added on. Some tests are BS if the dog is a full time patient of clinic. They know the animal. My daughter is a vet and tells me that most folks feel lost and accept all advice. Folks that havr knowledge and are persistent get the required care without the huge expenses.

[fishngamereaper]

We dealt with a similar issue with our Golden doodle
Ended up at the neurology dept at Summit in Tacoma . The care we received was great.
After a couple grand they couldn't with absolute confidence identify the issue. Dog was poisoned by lilac root a year or so prior. So they think residual nerve issues. The other possibilities where Coonhound syndrome, tick paralysis and general disc compression.
Dogs first episode lasted two weeks.
Since then he has an episode every 4-6 months that last 5-10 minutes. No use of back legs ..
We manage it with CBD..seems to help....in general the dog has tons of energy, we walk 2-5 miles a day.... and when there's a squirrel he runs about 40mph...