Banjo

Meet Banjo! This adorable 4-year-old Shih Tzu is a gentle little guy looking for a patient forever home where he can continue to grow stronger. <br/>Banjo came to us underweight with poor muscle mass and has noticeable weakness and wobbliness (ataxia) in his back legs. His exam showed no pain when his spine or legs were palpated, and X-rays of his mid-to-lower back showed no arthritis or other significant abnormalities. His veterinarian suspects his weakness could be related to nerve involvement, a congenital spinal issue, previous nutritional deficiency, or muscle loss from his previous environment. A neck/spinal issue has not been completely ruled out, and additional neck X-rays may be recommended if his symptoms worsen.<br/>For now, Banjo is taking gabapentin 100 mg twice daily for possible nerve-related discomfort and is being encouraged to eat a higher-calorie diet to help him gain weight and rebuild muscle. He is also doing short, controlled walks and gentle sit-to-stand exercises to strengthen his hind end. <br/>Banjo is not currently painful, but he is wobbly and not neurologically normal, so he needs individual care and should avoid rough play or large groups of dogs while he builds his strength.<br/>This sweet boy may need a little extra patience and TLC, but we know his perfect person is out there waiting for him.

Meet Banjo! This adorable 4-year-old Shih Tzu is a gentle little guy looking for a patient forever home where he can continue to grow stronger.
Banjo came to us underweight with poor muscle mass and has noticeable weakness and wobbliness (ataxia) in his back legs. His exam showed no pain when his spine or legs were palpated, and X-rays of his mid-to-lower back showed no arthritis or other significant abnormalities. His veterinarian suspects his weakness could be related to nerve involvement, a congenital spinal issue, previous nutritional deficiency, or muscle loss from his previous environment. A neck/spinal issue has not been completely ruled out, and additional neck X-rays may be recommended if his symptoms worsen.
For now, Banjo is taking gabapentin 100 mg twice daily for possible nerve-related discomfort and is being encouraged to eat a higher-calorie diet to help him gain weight and rebuild muscle. He is also doing short, controlled walks and gentle sit-to-stand exercises to strengthen his hind end.
Banj

Meet Banjo! This adorable 4-year-old Shih Tzu is a gentle little guy looking for a patient forever home where he can continue to grow stronger.
Banjo came to us underweight with poor muscle mass and has noticeable weakness and wobbliness (ataxia) in his back legs. His exam showed no pain when his spine or legs were palpated, and X-rays of his mid-to-lower back showed no arthritis or other significant abnormalities. His veterinarian suspects his weakness could be related to nerve involvement, a congenital spinal issue, previous nutritional deficiency, or muscle loss from his previous environment. A neck/spinal issue has not been completely ruled out, and additional neck X-rays may be recommended if his symptoms worsen.
For now, Banjo is taking gabapentin 100 mg twice daily for possible nerve-related discomfort and is being encouraged to eat a higher-calorie diet to help him gain weight and rebuild muscle. He is also doing short, controlled walks and gentle sit-to-stand exercises to strengthen his hind end.
Banjo is not currently painful, but he is wobbly and not neurologically normal, so he needs individual care and should avoid rough play or large groups of dogs while he builds his strength.
This sweet boy may need a little extra patience and TLC, but we know his perfect person is out there waiting for him.