Bon has been diagnosed with DM, and as well as the Loxicom for the arthritis, she has been prescribed Gabapentin for pain relief.

I wondered if anyone has used Gabapentin for this disease, and if so did it have benefits for the dog?

Bon has the odd accident with peeing in the house, which the vet explained was as a result of the nerves not functioning around the spinal cord, but I have noticed in recent weeks, she has a bit of trouble pooling in one go, and sort of squats and shuffles to fully evacuate.

She is still happy and enjoying her walks, eating well etc, but by the end of the day, the pain meds seem to wear off, and as one of the effects off Gaba can be drowsiness, I'm hoping it will help her rest peacefully.

I asked the vet if I should be thinking about putting her to sleep yet, and she said as long as Bon is mobile and can pee and poo on her own, i.e. still have a decent quality of life, the meds can make her comfortable for a while yet, I think I will know when, and am more than happy to pay for the Loxicom and Gaba, plus the Yumove if it takes any discomfort away.

If anybody has any thought or experience of this, I would appreciate some information.

"Bon has the odd accident with peeing in the house, which the vet explained was as a result of the nerves not functioning around the spinal cord, but I have noticed in recent weeks, she has a bit of trouble pooling in one go, and sort of squats and shuffles to fully evacuate".


Tracy, the squat and shuffle could quite possibly be the rear legs aren't as strong and supportive as they once were.

When my GSD/Dane went through DM the vet said their was no pain. I agree with that but also keep a close eye on her attitude and love of life.

Some dogs seem to not even notice their physical issues but some can stress over a lack of mobility.

I asked the vet if it was time to make a decision, and she said not yet, because she still has mobility, but when she turned the back paws over, Bon's legs started to slide, and she didn't try to flip her foot back, and had no idea the leg was moving; As you said with your own dog, there doesn't seem to be pain, just no sensation, her front left paw with the arthritis is what seems to give her the discomfort, and the poor old darling scoots along on 3 legs some times.

I have strong recollection of our first pointer falling over at the end when he was attempting to poo, and I knew that was enough, Bon isn't there yet, but I know that time may not be far off.

I just want her to be comfortable, and while she still wants to go out with the pack, I will take her, but I don't mind admitting, I had a bit of a lump in my throat when I got her home from the vet.

Understandable about the lump in your throat. They come way to often in our lives with dogs.

When my dog started walking on his back knuckles I knew it was time.

Yes, that's when I will know too Bob....

My old dog, Delilah, had DM. For a while we said her front legs didn't know what the back legs were doing for that last year or so. Some days were better than others - she could use a little help on some surfaces and we put rugs on the wood floors so she wouldn't slip so much. We got her booties so her back nails wouldn't drag so much and bleed. She was perky to the end, and I don't think in pain through it all. It seemed a puzzle to her why she was so clumsy on walks and such.

You know when it's time - Delilah just couldn't get up anymore. It broke my heart. I bet Bon has a big smile on her face most of the time still.

Thank you for replying Marcia, yes you are right, Bon is still a happy girl, still eager to go out with the pack and has a very healthy appetite, her back legs haven't started knuckling yet, more like wobbly, like a foal when it first starts moving around, but once she is up from her bed, it is the arthritic front paw that causes the discomfort.

The combination of the Loxicom, Gabapentin and yumove have definitely helped with the pain in the front leg, and the restlessness in the evenings, which gave her that haunted look.

As you and Bob have both said, I will know when she has had enough, I think she will be fine for a while yet, but I won't let her go on when her quality of life diminishes, and yes, it is heartbreaking to watch what was a girl who streaked around the fields like lightening losing her strength and power.

Thank you again for replying, I do appreciate it