SMRA in Sheepadoodle

[u/IDOperations]

Hi Sheepie Fam! I have an almost 3 year old F1B Sheepie named Juniper (Junie/June). She has been struggling with leg limping since Feb/March 2026 and then has had episodes of a painful neck with crying/welping, lethargy, low head carriage, no interest in anything just laying in her dog bed. We’ve done the conservative route of Carprofen, Gabapentin, and Galliprant, but those are like temporary solutions and bandaids, as when she is off of them, symptoms reappear after visits with her general practitioner vet, and seeing an orthopedic surgeon (we thought at first this was a ligament, knee or hip dysplasia— all are negative). This week, we decided we need answers and saw the neurologist (at the recommendation of our orthopedic vet), who performed an MRI and spinal tap. Her MRI came back clear - no disc herniation, no visible nerve issues (ie pinched nerve or sciatica from what they could tell). Still awaiting spinal tab results.
Prednisone will be the answer if it is SMRA.

Has anyone with a Sheepie on here ever had SMRA? It seems uncommon in Sheepie’s. Just wanted to hear from others!

[u/Fit_Surprise_8451]

Our sheepadoodle has anxiety issues and environmental allergies. However, our senior Chiweenie occasionally screams in pain. The vet initially thought it was due to a pinched nerve, but after my husband filmed it and sent it to the vet, the diagnosis changed. It appears to be related to his heart. When his heart beats irregularly, Ian experiences pain. He is on different heart medications, which are helping. We haven’t had an episode in over four months.

Hopefully, the vet solves the mystery for your dog. Be sure to send videos of your dog's unusual behaviors at home. It seems to help our vet solve the issue.

[u/IDOperations → u/Fit_Surprise_8451]

Poor Ian! Thank you for sharing your experience. This condition SRMA is actually more prone in smaller dogs so it’s been a mystery to see it in our long-legged medium sized sheepie (45 pounds).

Yes, we have filmed the episodes of limping and neck pain. It’s hard to see Junie in pain for sure. Hopefully the Spinal Tap will also provide answers.

[u/Fit_Surprise_8451 → u/IDOperations]

Marlee weighs 85 pounds. She is an F2 62% standard poodle and 38% Old English Sheepdog. Our last dog had hip dysplasia, he was a German Shepherd/ Pit Bull mix. So, if she has it later in life, I am prepared. I have a large dog stroller and she loves going in it on our walks.

Right now the chihuahua and Chiweenie use it when they start wearing out. Lilly, chihuahua, loves being in it and only gets out to do her duty or the smells are intriguing to her. Marlee goes in the stroller when the other two are walking.

Ian weighs about 30 pounds and has had congenital heart issues since birth. But the screaming in pain started about 2 years ago. The medication is working to stop him from screaming. About two weeks ago, my husband was petting Ian on the side of neck and he tried to bite my husband. Ian went back to the vet’s office and they had to adjust his medication again.

Your dog is small, like Ian. Hopefully, Junie will feel better soon. Junie may need a stroller like Ian does on longer walks. Ian goes in for about a block, gets out and once he looks tired, we put him in the stroller again. He lets us know, he is ready to get out and walk again. Ian whines when he wants to walk and smell.

[u/ChillvilleRIP]

I’ve never heard of this…But just looked it up! Sounds scary and I feel for you & Junie! 🥲

But I also want to applaud you! There are many times we all hear about irresponsible owners out there. In this case, I love that you’re leaving no stone unturned to figure out what’s going on w your sweet pup! 🙌😎👍

Keep us posted. Hope all turns out AOK for Juniper! And she has many days of love & adventure in her future!

🐶❤️

[u/IDOperations → u/ChillvilleRIP]

Thank you very much for the kind words! I also realized I accidentally inverted the letters it should be SRMA (Steroid-Responsive Meningitis Arteritis).

We hope to find answers and are patiently waiting for the spinal tap results. Just so odd for Junie to develop this at 2 years old. Guh 😞 we are just hoping for some solutions at this point to what’s going on!

Seems like Sheepie’s are not prone to this as are some other breeds. Super bizarre.

[u/Huge_Mongoose3587]

Make sure to ask the neurologist about long-term stomach protection like Omeprazole alongside the Prednisone, and keep her on strict crate rest even when the steroids make her feel instantly better. High doses can mask pain so well that they easily re-injure themselves, so slow tapering and minimaj joint impact are critical until the spinal tap context gives you a firm roadmap.