Big Paws Only Dog Forums

So, we had an appointment on Monday at the neurologist, but my wife accidentally sent us to the wrong vet so we could not make our appointment.  The vet has a 2 week waiting list, but this may be a good thing because Murphy hasn't yelped in about a week so my wife's memory lapse might have saved us $150.  I told her that we should watch Murphy and if he starts having the problem then we reschedule.

Thanks for all of the advice.  I'm crossing my fingers that the dog "grew out of it" or something since I can't imagine not spending a lot of money trying to figure out what the problem is.  I hope it's just a growing issue, but only time will tell.

I have an appointment for June 11th for a neurological exam, but I like the idea about the physical therapist too.  I'm in Denver, CO and have not contacted a breeder yet.  I'll let you know after this initial exam and if we need additional follow-up/MRI.  I really don't want to pay for an MRI (obviously) but try convincing the wife.  I hope the initial exam/consult by the specialist will be enough. 

I would go to see an orthopedic specialist and get a specialist opinion before leaping for the MRI expense.  Regular vets are not equipped to diagnose potentially orthopedic problems and it is worth getting this opinion first.

Berners frequently have back and neck problems - while severe disc issues are not common, vertebra compression is and worth ruling out.  It sounds like he could have anything from a C4 to a C6 out of alignment, or as the vet suggested and I agree is more likely, there is also nerve involvement (given the signals to the front leg).

If you were to consult a physical therapist, they would explain where the nerve endings are located and how something out of alignment in the neck can compress, and readily send nerve signals down the front leg and appear to be a leg issue.

Berners are heavy boned dogs so if they are big jumpers, or hard wrestlers with other dogs, they readily get themselves out of alignment in their neck and back. Also, if a dog runs head first, then turns his head to brace himself and hits something with his neck and shoulder - this is easily done as well and a common action for a Berner.

Hopefully that is all this is and some visits to a physical therpist can get him re-aligned and back in order.

Find a Board certified orthopedic specialist and start there.  Hopefully they can refer you to good physical therapists in your area if that is appropriate.  Where are you located?  Have you spoken to your breeder?

I thought I would give an update.  The vet thought it might be kennel cough, so told us to palapate his throat to see if he gagged..which he did not.  It's been about 3 days and he has stopped the dry heaving/gagging but occasionally will clear his throat (especially in the morning)like a smoker with flem.  I think maybe he had a cold or something, but it is almost 100% better so I am happy.  Thanks for all the advice. 

Our <10 month old Bernese has been having occasional dry heaves/gagging for a few days.  He usually gags 3-4 times and then swallows like he's throwing up in his mouth.  He has thrown up on the carpet a few times but it's always about 1-2 ounces of clear liquid with no smell (water/saliva).  His eating, drinking, playing are all normal so I have no clue.  The only thing that is consistant is that he seems to always do it after running up the stairs.  Anyone?

What about the monthly kennel cough (bordetella)?  That's required by all kennels around here before they will take the dogs.

I would totally be up for a dog play session--my wife and i live in castle rock.  We have murphy and another lab mix, Kona.  We take them fairly regularly to a few dog parks in the area.

Hi Julie-

I never thought about boredom as causing him to scratch.  But, I doubt that's it as we have another dog and they play outside all day while we are at work.  I'm happy to report that he has not scratched at all since coming home from the vet two days ago.  Yes, the doctor did say to give him 50mg of benadryl twice a day but I haven't yet since he hasn't been scratching.  The prescriptions the doctor gave us are cefpodoxime tablets (kills bacteria like staph) and the drops for the wound are dimethylsulfox ide.  I think he'll be ok and we'll probably bath him in anti-itch shampoo in the future just to be safe.  Like i said, i really think it was the snow and then the sun that triggered it.  Oh, and I have begun to give him the fish oil caps..he'll eat anything.

I agree about the cold..it's crazy.  We live in Castle Rock, have a nice fenced yard, and built an insulated dog house, but I don't think our dogs use it.  My wife and I decided it's too cold for them outside today so we are going to try our first attempt at letting him have free reign of the house while we are gone.  We've been really lucky because he hasn't chewed anything in the house and think he'll probably just sleep most of the day anyway.  He hasn't given us any reason to not trust him, so all we can do is see what happens I guess. 

What's your philosophy on dogs and staying out in the cold weather? 

Thanks for all the suggestions!  I really excited about the bell idea.  Murphy is doing better and only has an accident every few days, but still just sits by the door so I'm constantly opening it in case he has to go.  I don't really want him barking at me, so the bell makes sense.

Oh, and we recently started puppy classes so that should hopefully help.