3221. A 14-year-old Beagle cannot walk properly. Why?

The Beagle usually goes for long walk with the domestic helper. Recently, he just could not walk properly as if his legs are not co-ordinated. I had the dog walked and trotted to check for lameness. He was incoordinated in the back area. Palpation of the spinal area elicted pain on his lumbar spinal area (see video). The diagnosis was lumbar spinal pain. Blood test was normal except for a very low blood glucose count. I gave an anti-inflammatory injection.

According to the owner, the dog was as lively as ever the next day.  I advised no climbing up and down stairs and no long walks.

This dog has some bad breath due to periodontal diseae of the canine teeth.