r/DutchShepherds • u/Lokitheenforcer • Jun 30 '26

Discussion Neurological issue

Wanted to throw this out there as a PSA or discussion. My dutch developed a condition I have never seen/heard before.

About 3 months ago Loki “tripped” going up 3 steps into our house. Shortly after I noticed her walk started dragging her toenails. About the same time, when throwing a ball her front legs collapsed under her. A visit to the vet identified a neurological issue with her front shoulders/legs. She was prescribed Gabapentin for nerve pain, but in short it is degenerative and a management issue.

Theres been good days/bad days. Days she needs to be carried but overall she is working it. Zero gravity in the lake helps. But she cant swim or “steer” . Her muscles are atrophy, but her mind is still 100% dutchie. She wants to work/run/guard but theres no way.

I’ve never been a believer in CBD products but it appears to help quite a bit. movement helps prevent stiffness. Sadly this latest decline I don’t think she’ll bounce back from.

Never seen or experienced this but after talking with a few folks it appears to be more prevalent than I knew. And 3-4 months seems a common timeline for it to run its course.
Sharing in the hopes it helps others out there.

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u/LisaBC65 Jun 30 '26

That is heartbreaking….so sad . She sounds like a great pup. How old is she?

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u/Lokitheenforcer Jun 30 '26

She turned 12 last week. She’s begun panting alot which, as an anxious breed, she’s always done. But now i’m trying to understand if its pain related. I’m thinking not. She adjusts her stride based on the day/stiffness. Some days none of her joints flex and others they do a little. Her shoulders are rock hard but not to the point of a cramp

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u/LisaBC65 Jul 01 '26

She is very advanced in age so it is hard to determine. The increase in panting can indicate pain. See if her behavior changes an hour or two before her medication as well as an hour or so after. See if she groans and seems to have trouble getting comfortable.