13 year old basset hound....Maddie

[grouchy53]

my wife and i came home yesterday morning to find Maddie in a closet, and unable to stand up. her back legs would not support her..they just collapsed....we have wood floors, so i put her on a carpet where she could get traction, then took her outside and put her on the concrete, and she could walk...she could then walk on the wood floors as well, but a couple of times i have had to help her up so she can walk. she is eating some, drinking, and does not seem to be in pain....she has been sleeping most all the time. we are taking her to the vet tomorrow. i did some research on the internet and see that the bassets spine is a weak point because of the length of their bodies.....also saw the life span of a basset usually is 12 years....just wondered if anyone has had a problem like this with their basset. we have had her since she was a pup, and this is hard to see, but since she doesnt appear to be in pain, and sleeps most the time, ....well, actually its not easy to see at all....anyway, if anyone has any insight i would appreciate it.....thanks

[jude09]

Hello Grouchy53,

I'm very sorry to hear that.

I think Maddie might have Hip dysplasia, you can check this out by clicking on the link below;

Hip Dysplasia

Please do let us know what's wrong after you visit the vet tomorrow.

[Deaf Dogs]

Dachshunds and Bassets are very prone to spinal issues. Unfortunately, that's likely the issue. Please let us know what the vet says. I'm curious, as I have 2 Dachshunds

[Sarah]

I'm sorry to hear about the problems you are having with your dog unable to walk.

Is she overweight at all? If so, keeping her slightly underweight will help you. You may also want to try some nutritional yeast, which is full of vitamin B's which helps nourish the muscles and nerves in you and your dog. [I give it as a supplement to my cat every morning] You can find it at the health food store, and it usually comes in flakes.

The other thing I would like to bring up is "acupuncture" [for your dog] which will help alleviate any irritation in the spine.

Animals are no different than people in that the older they [we] get our bodies no longer produce all the essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals we once did, so they now must be supplemented.

Please let us know how your dog is doing.