Anyhow, this post is to update folks on Gryphon (yes, he DOES get most of the post content...don't tell the others, but he is definitely my favorite). His back end has been steadily deteriorating. Even watching him standing in the living room you can see his hindquarters sinking slowly to the floor (without his knowledge it seems. The front half is confused as to why we're so discouraged), and he is now permanently living on the top floor so he doesn't take a header down the stairs.
X-rays at the vet have determined that he has spondylosis, a condition (as I understand it) where bony growths projecting from the spine are effecting (affecting? I never know which one to use) the function of the spinal cord. Certain reflexes are weak or absent and a pair of hemostats clamped between his back toes produces no reaction. The (kind of) good news is that this growing paralysis does not hurt. Like I said, while the back half is having trouble standing and walking, the front half is happy and normal as ever.
It is heartbreaking to see him stagger or fall, but we try to help out as much as possible by hoisting him up stairs or onto the couch. After our last visit to the dog park (a horrific experience where he momentarily went over on both back legs and was dragging himself like seal), Gryphon will not be going off leash anymore. I have to wrap both of his back feet when we go for a walk, because they knuckle over and rub against the concrete, causing bleeding from both his toenails and toes otherwise. We may look into a second hand doggie wheelchair if he gets worse.
We are trying to stay positive (I promise the next post will be cheery and chock full of dick and fart jokes) for our big boy. I love him so. If you have a chance to stop by, please come and visit. Big Gryph would love to see you.
