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My basic info
Breed
Great Dane
Color
White - with Black
Age
Adult
Size
X-Large 101 lbs (46 kg) or more (when grown)
Weight
–
Sex
Male
Pet ID
–
My details
Good with kids
Good with dogs
Good with cats
Purebred
Shots current
Spayed / Neutered
Housetrained
Has special needs
My story
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Here's what the humans have to say about me:
Tyson is a 4 1/2 year old male harlequin with natural ears. He is a big, tall boy, but he is a bit clumsy because of a degenerative medical condition. Tyson was surrendered to rescue because the home he was living in could not provide an appropriate environment for his needs or the appropriate care for his health condition. Tyson has been diagnosed with Wobbler’s disease. Wobbler’s causes weakness and stiffness in his legs (particularly his rear legs). He also has limited sensation in his rear legs, so he isn’t fully aware of where they are, how he should use them, etc. This causes his gate to be a little wobbly and herky jerky. Wobbler’s has many causes, from injury to improper growth of the spinal column and vertebrae. We are not sure what was the cause in Tyson. Even with his limitations, Tyson is a super sweet boy. He hasn’t met a person or dog that he doesn’t get along with. He loves to cuddle and loves to have you touch him as much as possible. He tends to hold down his bed or the couch really well. Even with his limitations he is a very playful boy (LOVES squeaky toys!), but exercise has to be kept at a moderate level. When Tyson tries to run, his rear end hops kind of like an awkward bunny rabbit. In just a couple weeks with moderate exercise and an improved diet, we have seen improved strength and coordination and improved muscle tone, but he will never regain full coordination or mobility. Tyson has had one round of acupuncture and will go for a few more. Even though Tyson will never regain full mobility, the hope is that acupuncture will begin to help improve his strength, mobility, and quality of life. Tyson came to MAGDRL in March 2013. (5)
Update 5/14/13 - Tyson has had 4 rounds of acupuncture treatments, and he is taking a daily Chinese herbal supplement. In addition to proper daily exercise, we are seeing huge strides in strength and coordination. Tyson still has limited sensation in his rear feet, but he has better awareness now, and reacts if you touch his rear foot (whereas previously he didn't really respond). When Tyson first arrived, he needed assistance getting up off the ground, but he has learned to scoot his rear legs under his haunches and gets up on his own now. We used to have to help him into the minivan, and he progressed to getting in slowly on his own to now he jumps in on his own, albeit a little clumsily. He has started running short distances (his backend bounces kind of like a bunny rabbit...a really large one!), and he likes to bounce when he is excited, getting all four feet off the ground at time. Tyson does still have bad days (he had three days a couple of weeks ago when he wouldn't stand on his right rear leg), but we are learning how to manage and treat those days appropriately. We are also learning how to recognize when he is tired or has done too much physically (he starts to stumble and drag his toes). So we are constantly working to balance exercise and rest. He will always have Wobblers, and he will always move in a herky jerky, wobbly motion. But he is much more mobile and confident in himself.
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