I don't know what is wrong with my Nina !

myninagirl · 05-06-2008, 02:09 AM

I adopted Nina 3.5 years ago she was 7yrs old at the time. I honestly would not have believed she was 7 if it were not for her owner turn over having the birthdate and he had raised her since she was a puppy. Anyway Nina has always been very active and agile. In the beginning I had to teach her how to eat out of a bowl who knows how she was fed prior but she was healthy, a little thin at 55lbs but looking good at 60 she is not a big girl. I was not very familiar with the Doberman breed, I grew up with Boxers and a German Shepherd I figured they can't be very different. I actually started out just fostering her but she loved my kids so much and was so good with them she had to stay. Nina always had a foul smell to her, I knew this could not be right but had her on good food and took her for many vet exams and nobody could find anything wrong. Nina also shed a lot but eventually I talked myself into believing it
must
be a breed thing even though I could not find it anywhere, all I could find was information confirming what I thought, there has to be something wrong. Nina still active and happy and looking good I just kept my eye on her. Then Nina started with a runny nose, vet said possibly allergies. Then she started getting urinary infections a lot of them. In September of 2006 at another exam for her urinary infection they discovered Cardiomyopathy they said it was severe told me to get her to take it easy (they obviously don't know Nina) We keep a close eye on her because the vet cuts her nails for me as it takes 6 people and then she likes to keep an eye on her until she calms down. A few months ago we found bladder stones I have tried all the vet foods for this and followed Dr Pitcarins guide for this and I ordered a natural remedy but nothing is getting rid of them. When she gets off her bed there is often a little blood there. Nina drinks a lot of water and is still eating fine although she has lost a lot of weight the was down to 47lbs. I increased her food but she just increased her waste not gaining any weight. About 2 weeks ago I noticed she is now walking funny and frequently collapses (back legs give in) and falls. Nina still wants to play with my other dog but is stops after a short time which is not like her at all. Sometimes she will lie down and try and play with the other dogs without getting up. If I was to describe how she walks I would say like almost block style very short steps. We have a canal behind our fence and she loves to chase horses and anyone else going down there she runs up and down the fence anytime I let her outside, although she does not go on as long as she used to. Nina does not show any obvious signs of pain but I am not sure if she really would, dogs hold in a lot. I have also noticed since this funny walk she has lost probably 50% of her hearing. Infact someone rang the door bell the other day and she sleeps right next to the front door and she did not hear it. Nina used to have the best ears in the neighborhood, she would wake up if someone was quietly walking down the street at night. The vet does not know what is happening to her, maybe wobblers but with the cardiomyopathy surgery would not be an option but they are not completely sure if that is it anyway. Nina has always paced the house and she still does but not nearly as much now she sleeps a lot more. I also noticed she does not get up to greet me anymore when I get home. What do you think?

**avalonandon** · 05-06-2008, 03:07 AM

I think I am sad and I don't know anything to tell you other than what you mentioned about wobbler's. Thank you for rescuing her and obviously caring so well for her. I hope something specific can be identified and treated, but at her age, those are bad signs. We have several vets here and TONS of very very knowledgeable members. Hopefully they will have some valuable insights.

DobeMomToo · 05-06-2008, 08:38 AM

Wow -- Nina has sure been through a lot. I suspect she is showing signs of Wobblers. Shelby first started collapsing in the rear and as her Wobblers progressed, it started to affect her front legs.

This Link speaks to ways you can help Nina.

Keep us posted on how she does. You are in my thoughts.

prophecy · 05-06-2008, 09:05 AM

Im so sorry your dog is sick,but i cannot offer anything here but my prayers and sympathies.

Dobes&Hounds · 05-06-2008, 10:12 AM

What medications is she on for Cardio? Telling you to have her take it easy is NOT sufficient treatment for the disease. Pimobendan, Lasix, Enalapril, and Digoxin are just some of the cocktail of drugs used to treat Cardio.
She may or may not have Wobbler's. A lot of the times when a dog has Cardio with congestive heart failure the dog becomes very weak and has trouble walking and standing. They lose weight because the heart is working so hard to keep the dog alive they burn calories at twice the rate. When my dog had Cardio he did have a stiff, wobbly gait towards the end due to the muscle wasting caused by the disease.
She needs to get in to the vet ASAP. If she is on meds they need to be adjusted, if she is not she needs to start them and then be referred to a cardiologist. Please take your dog in to the vet.

myninagirl · 05-06-2008, 03:19 PM

Fortunately Nina does frequent the vet at least every 6 weeks and they will listen to her heart clip her nails and do a quick exam. She is on Enapril. I have been using the same vet for 12 years but if anyone knows of a vet in Utah within Salt Lake region that is especially good I am willing to try anything she used to be such a happy girl and now she has lost the sparkle in her personality and I feel so bad for her.

Lexxsmom · 05-06-2008, 03:35 PM

i just wanted to offer my sympathies.. i really don't know what to say, but that i'm sorry your girl is sick.

DobeMom616 · 05-06-2008, 03:39 PM

I suggest you find a cardiologist or a vet that knows about cardio. She is losing weight because of the cardio. She should be on a high protein diet as the heart needs all the protein it can get and robs the rest of the body as the disease progresses. Sounds like she should be on some meds. She could be collasping because of the cardio.

Dobes&Hounds · 05-06-2008, 03:41 PM

Nooohhh.. If she has cardio, she needs to have a cardiac ultrasound done to determine the progression of the disease. Enalapril is NOT going to be enough to keep her stabilized. I could not find a cardiologist in your state, but there is an internal medicine specialist. They usually have experience with heart failure. Where in Utah are you located?
No offense to your vet, but he obviously doesn't have experience with this disease in Dobermans. She sounds like she is having a rough time. Usually during end-stages of the disease is when they start losing weight and having trouble getting around. PLEASE get her to a specialist.

DobeMomToo · 05-06-2008, 03:53 PM

Given the care Dobes&Hounds gave her beloved Mercury during his illness, I would follow her advice. I've never faced this in a Dobe, which is why my gut said Wobblers, but Dobes&Hounds has been down this road and is well versed in her recommendations as it pertains to Cardio.

Can your existing Vet refer you to a specialist?