I have a question about my almost 13 year old chow.

[PP.Mom (PB)]

My vet. diagnosed him as having kidney trouble over a year ago. He is on KD dog food. For about the last 5 months, he will be walking and just fall. He gets right back up and takes off again. When he is laying down it seems as if his feet doubles up under him. He mostly fall in grass. Is this because of the kidney trouble? I once thought his toenails were too long, but I asked the vet and she does not think this is the problem. He has always been super senstive to having his feet handle or touch. He is even more so now. He cries really loud if the vet cuts his toenails and she does not really want to cut them. Thanks in advance for your help.

[k9Karen]

This doesn't sound like any type of kidney disorder symptom to me. Has he been checked for hip dysplasia or some other disorder of the hips, joints or spine?

[PP.Mom]

No, he not been checked for any of those things. When he goes back to the vet. I want to ask her about those things. She has said he has arthritic, and kidney trouble.

[k9Karen]

13 is a pretty advanced age for a Chow. What you're describing may be simply due to arthritis that has advanced with age, combined with a general weakening of the body, also due to age. It's not uncommon for an older dog, just like an older human to no longer be able to move and get around like they used to. I don't think I noticed the age when I responded to your first post. It is extrememely unlikely that the dog has hip dysplasia if it was not diagnosed when he is younger, but if it's a mild case and you didn't suspect it, it might be a factor. My Mickey began to have trouble similar to what you describe and eventually needed help getting up. Let your vet check him over well, and see what he/she finds. Xrays of the hips and legs might help determine the exact area and cause.

[debbie]

I DO feel this may be part of Yogi's kidney problem. The reason I say that is this, when I was reading up on kidney disease for my adopted senior pom, Sara, it mentioned a *hunched back, stiff legged walk, foot sensitivity*.
Sara has all these symptoms. Sara doesn't like for me to do her nails any longer either.
Have them run another kidney panel and see where he stands PP mom. This way you will at least know whats what.

[ldvet]

Debbie,

Can you please quote your source for this information? I would love to read it. I have never seen these symptoms mentioned as possible symptoms of chronic renal failure.

[debbie(guest)]

here is the one that has a little something at the very bottom about stiff gait etc.
It seems that I saw a different one though that had pictures of a pup too? I'll have to keep looking.


http://www.cah.com/library/caninekidney.html

[ldvet]

Thanks, Debbie. Did you ever find the other source you were looking for? I am just really curious. It seems renal failure is being diagnosed more recently than used to but maybe that is because more clients want blood work done routinely now.

[davet]

just for the record i have seen this arched back and falling syndronen with most any abdominal pain or discomfort...have even seen dogs walking backward when they have a pain flare up...this may not be relative to your dog but i suspect there is some pain involved....if you can, take a video when this happens, if possible, and show it to your vet....he/she might have a better clue...

[PP.Mom]

Thanks everyone, That is a good ideal about taking a video for the vet. She could see exactly what I am taking about.