My pet's front leg suddenly weak, vets can't find cause. What now?

I am so sorry that Tessa is having this issue. It sounds like she has had all the diagnostics that we would recommend. I am assuming she has seen a specialist? Have you considered taking her to Virginia Tech's vet school to see if one of their specialists can determine what is going on? I know it. is. few hours drive from you but it may be worth it. They usually have the most up to date testing modalities and if there are any clinical trials of medications or studies they may be able to help her. I am sorry but over the internet without having access to her records or exam findings or seeing her I don't think we can be of much use in this situation. It sounds like either a disease of the nervous system or the musculoskeletal system. Possible rule outs: * fibrocartilagenous emboli (when clots in the bloodstream damage the spinal cord) * intervertebral disk disease ("slipped disk" in the neck or back) * degenerative myelopathy (degeneration of the spinal cord) * myasthenia gravis (defective conduction from the nerves to the muscles) * cancer (nerve root tumor) My best guess based on your description would be nerve root tumor even if the MRI did not show anything. I would get all her records, including blood results and MRi images and take them to the vet school at Virginia Tech for a second opinion. Sorry that I can be more helpful. I truly with you and Tessa all the best.

I'm sorry Tessa isn't doing well! I'm not sure what tests you have had done, but if you haven't had any x-rays done, that may be the next step. It could be that she has a problem with spine that is affecting the nerves traveling to her front legs. There could be a problem the spine in her neck (cervical region) or the thoracic region (chest area). An MRI would be a further step, as it would better visualize the spine. I would take her back to the vet to discuss seeing if x-rays and/or an MRI might be a viable diagnostic tool. I hope this helps!

That sounds like a really tough case. You may need to talk to your vet about advanced diagnostics such as MRI or CT scan, or a referral to a specialist. Has your vet done blood cultures? Checked fungal titers? Tick-transmitted diseases? You may also discuss supportive therapies with your vet, such as cold laser therapy or medical acupuncture.

This presentation could be due to a neurological lesion affecting nerves innervating the legs (please tell us which leg you think is affected to have more specific answers). I would recommend a neurological examination and eventually further investigations (EMG and MRI/CT might be needed). Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

It sounds like she has been treated very well so far but it I a complex case and indeed mri results should tell more as to whether there is a physical cause resulting in nerve compression. If negative, muscle weakness would be a concern which can be difficult to diagnose, muscle biopsy may also be cons

Poro Mocha Latte! I'm not sure what, if any tests, have been done on her. If imagining tests such as x-rays, an MRI, or a CT haven't been done, I'd recommend taking her back into the vet to discuss having one or all of these tests done. Visualizing her spinal cord may help give an answer as to what is causing her pain, and she may need surgery to correct any issues. I agree this isn't normal, and I think what I suggested should be the next steps for her. I would make an appointment for her sometime this week. I hope this helps!

This sign as you described it seems to be compatible with a neurological problem, most likely affecting the spinal cord at the thoracolumbar level. Intervertebral disc extrusion, spinal cord infarct and spinal cord tumor are all possible differentials and immediate check up and neurological examination should be performed as soon as possible to be able to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Further investigations like x rays may be immediately needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.