Wobblers

[Dobelover66]

Hello fellow Dobe lovers

My 10 year old male dobe, who my vet thought had some arthritic issues, is looking more and more like WObblers. Based on my research, he has every symptom...The meds he is on are not really effective. I have made another appointment, but wanted to see if anyone here has been through this. Tonight, to me, it all seems pretty doom and gloom. It seems he would be too old for the insanely expensive surgery, the dye test is (cant think of the name) seems pretty risky too.
If anybody has been through this, please share .
Any info on the alternative approaches would be great too

Thanks

[jelly8bean]

I have heard of, but never experienced wobblers. When I took my Rottie into rehab after her knee surgery on Friday after Christmas there was a big male dobie with wobblers there. I know that this is a tough decision and one that tears your heart. At 10 years old you have to think of the quality of life issues here, for you and your dog. I would agree that anything that puts your dog under is possibly going to compromise your dog's breathing system more than it is worth. I have to say, I thought about this alot since my rotties knee surgery (CCL) was also very expensive. Because she is just turning 7 I decided to go for it , she has many years left and they can be wonderful one's after the surgery. If she had been 10 yrs old I would not have made the same decision. I would have managed her issues with pain meds, rest and conservative care and tried to make the balance of her life as best as possible. Risk and reward. You love your dog, but make sure your decision is based on the best for your dog's life.

[Rich S]

I haven't any experience but I've done lots of reading on Wobblers. Please keep us posted.

[Dobelover66]

Thanks for the replies. Right now, I am consumed with what "might be". We go to the Doc the end of this week. I will keep you posted. My wife and I talked at great length last night. We both agreed that at 10 y/o, he isnt a great candidate for surgery if it is indeed the worst case scenario. Not to mention we are a multi dog household and after surgery, based on what info i found, Rocky would not be able to have contact with his bro'. I did do alot of research about the acupuncture/beads in the spine...very compelling stuff. Also the neck wraps, diets etc. All in all, out of 3 Dobes this is the first case of "W". Had a bitch with VWD, she was fine until her natural passing at 15 y/o!!

Thanks

[magtie]

keep us posted

[Dobelover66]

UPDATE
Sorry that I haven't been back in awhile. The official diagnosis was a degenerative nuerological condition where messages from the brain were not reaching his back end. Options were a Myelogram test and immediate surgery OR steroids. Based on rocky's age (10+)I opted to treat with the steroids. We were able to have Rocky an extra 7 months...unfortunately the degeneration continued and the increased dosage and time he was on the med's had other side effects. We made the decision and he was put to sleep this AM. His Mom and I miss him terribly and the hole in our hearts is huge. As all of you know, Dobes are special breed...and he was special to us.

Rest in Peace, Big Man
Dad

[RKCM]

Thanks for sharing this with the forum and my heart goes out to your family. It is clear this dobie had a great life with a loving family and for that I'm sure he thanks you. It still is heartbreaking to lose your friend.

[Dobelover66]

http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo238/adkstalker_2008/n1574847369_71935_5165.jpg


Rocky 1999-2009

All of our Dobes are different, and this sums up Rocky's outlook on life

"I knew the rules, but the rules did not know me"

[Sue J]

My thoughts are with you and your wife in your sadness. Rocky did his job...he loved you and was loved in return. Rest in peace Rocky.

[Big Dogs]

My heart goes out to you and it is never an easy decision. Dobermans have that way of stealing part of your heart. We have one that is 11.5 and is in the beginning stages of the same thing so we know our time with him is limited. I always try to remember all of the great years we have had with them and that I would never have traded a moment of it.

[Rich S]

My heart goes out to you. When we had to put our boxer to sleep a couple years ago it was a feeling I can't put into words. Just know that the pain will get better and you will be left with all the good memories.