Hoping for some help

[thewhitewitchone]

I have a client with a 7 year old Weimeriener that began showing neurological symptoms about 8 months ago. I am Pet Sitting for him for 8 days starting this weekend and I went to visit him today. It is so sad. He has lost weight and muscle mass and has trouble walking. His front and rear legs are affected. They aren't sure what is wrong with him...Vet thinks leisons on his brain. They were told they could do a CAT scan but out of about 10 things that could be the cause, 9 of them aren't treatable (as in no cure) so they opted not to do the scan.
My question is, what, if anything can they do to help retain his muscle loss or at least slow it down? I suggested water therapy (swimming) and wonder if anyone knows anything about it and how helpful it might be. Is there anything else they can do to help him? When they get back from their trip, he is going to be put on steroids and antibiotics but who knows if that's going to do any good.
This is a wonderful dog who seems happy despite the crappy hand he's been dealt and I really want to help him.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Pam

 

[MomOf7]

More protein intake is a must for muscle and wieght gain.
There are some high protien foods out there. A 30/15 mix works great for wieght gain.
Water therapy is great exercise! But you need to have the protien to gain the muscle.

I would suggest them switching to the highest protien/fat food there is.

 

[thewhitewitchone]

Thanks, Momof7. I will pass this info on to my client. Do you have any food brand suggestions?

Also, was wondering if anyone knows of a type of device that could be left on the dog to help him get up....like a type of harness or something. I see they have those kinds that are used to hold up a dogs hind quarters like for paralyzed dogs and that might do but was thinking it would be easier if there was a type that could be left on. They are using a beach towel under his stomach right now to lift him. He's a pretty big guy.

Pam