If there is an issue, it would most probably be something global or systemic. Arthritis it typically targeted to specific joints and neuropathy tends to target specific nerves or groups of nerves. Both of these conditions also tend to be painful or interfere with function in characteristic ways. Likewise, strokes also have characteristic features, like affecting motor function on one side of the body or causing deficits with functional attributes like speech. Depression or medication side effects, as coolmama pointed out, would fit the clinical presentation better because their effects are more global. So would things like grief, fatigue, fibromyalgia, Parkinson's Disease, hypothyroid disorders, and Lyme Disease. The bottom line is that you are are shooting in the dark here until you can get more data. My advice would be to be very straightforward with your friend. Sit down with her and mention the symptoms you are seeing and clearly express your concern. An authentic expression of caring between dear friends is the quickest way to get to a resolution. You may not know what you are seeing... but you do know what you are feeling.

Wow, thank you for the post. I just started Bextra about a month ago when my Vioxx script was denied. I now see they took it off the market. So far so good, I've always had the feet numbness problem, but don't notice it got worse. I will say that by 8:30 pm, I am totally wiped out, never thought it may be due to Bextra. I am having numbness in my left thigh, which was never there before Bextra. Will mention it to my Dr's.

Hello. I am currently living with two "old boys", both Rhodesian Ridgebacks, (aged 13 yrs , 5mth and 12 years, 8mths). They both have mobility issues. Two years ago he older boy, Khan had a straight forward operation to relieve a pinched nerve 9 (in the neck area). Unfortunately the neurological surgeon operated on the wrong vertebrae which resulted in Khan being left tetraplegic. The clinic then sent him home (for me to take care of) and did not do a MRI, which revealed the mistake for 3 weeks. We were then informed that the condition was now irreversible (2% chance of recovery) even with the operation being done again, correctly and that they would put Khan down, for free. We raced off to another specialist and were told the same thing, but this clinic understood that we wanted to give Khan every chance and they supported our decision to do the operation, followed by months of physiotherapy. They had a superb physio team and Khan stayed with them 2 nights a week. I worked from home and lived in the kitchen for the next 4 months doing Khan's massage, physio and providing 24 hour care. Now I know I might sound crazy, but Khan was in excellent spirts, engaged, eating and there was nothing wrong with him physically, except his inability to sit, stand and walk. The surgeon told me that he was getting gold star care, and assured me that I was not being selfish in keeping Khan alive. After 5 months of Khan not showing any inclination to start walking, I had decided that we would just continue with Khan as he was, until he was ready to go. Then out of the blue, one day he started to walk, with 4 nurses supporting him in a double harness. But his legs were moving and he was not knuckling (when their foot is curled over so top is touching the ground). He improved steadily over the next 2 months, during which time I figured out how to support a 40 kilo dog on my own, and somehow "walk him" up and down my road. Khan amazed everyone one of his medical team. After he started walking they all felt that they could tell me that according to all of the statistics, given the time he was injured and then the amount of time he did not walk, there was absolutely no chance that Khan would ever walk again. They were all amazed. Khan's case has been presented (by the surgeon) at a European medical conference. It just goes to show that nature does not know about statistics and percentages. Now, Khan is an exceptional dog. He has a huge heart and is unflappable. His spirit was never crushed by his conditional and struggle to walk again. Two years on he is still walking, getting up and down off the sofa and enjoying his life. He requires a double harness and some support (for his back legs) to get up and down steps, and if he is very tired, but he is soldering on. My other boy, Kaiser was diagnosed with polyneuropathy 5 months ago. He had developed a strange walk with one back foot doing a twisting move, was very fatigued, and his back legs had given out completely on two occasion. The condition was already effecting his back legs and his larynx (which would not close properly). He also has a protruding disc (the tail end of his spine). Apparently this was also the reason that he had pneumonia twice in the previous 15 months. We were told that there was no treatment, only pain relief and appetite stimulants. His condition remained relatively stable, with a stiff, shaky and a hoarse bark until the end of January. He still enjoyed his walks (in a double harness) and was determined to walk for miles, even if his legs had given out. He was happy for me to support his back half while he walked. I was not so happy, as carrying 45 kilo's with one arm, while bent over and walking is not easy. But we make do. In the past 3 weeks he has gradually had more trouble standing up, is shakier when walking, and has less appetite. When he lies down, he is on his chest with his back legs stretched straight out, up around his ears. When he tries to stand he does not pull his legs back under and so tries to stand with "splayed legs" Think sliding on the Bambi on the ice in the Disney movie and you will get the picture. He now requires assistance standing, almost every time. He gets into a sitting position and I lift up his back half. He is quite happy with this system and barks (a pitiful wheezy bark) when he wants to get up. In the last couple of days his right back leg has collapsed while he is going to toilet and he ends up stuck on the ground. Obviously he (and I) finds this distressing. We now accompany him on all trips into the garden. Kaiser has a completely different personality (than Khan). He is unperturbed by his legs collapsing when he is on a walk, and continues to sniff bushes and look around. But he does seem to be down at times when he is on his bed. He has always loved sleeping more than any other activity, so I honestly can't say that he is sleeping more. I am taking it day to day now. One day he refusing to eat anything (they have always been on the raw diet) and lies in his bed so long I am convinced he is miserable and that I am selfish to keep him going. The next day he gets up to greet me, tries to run to his bowl and gobbles down 3 meals at once and insists on a walk. I know we are getting to the end, but I honestly don't have a clue if it will be weeks or months. I know that I am very fortunate with my work to be able to provide the level of care that my two boys require. I could not have done this without the RVC, a supportive medical team, a help em up harness, a car ramp, a tuffies bed (the best futon and water proof covered dog bed available), and a supportive local vet. The advise that I would give to anyone with a dog that is diagnosed with a condition (or something remains undiagnosed) is to do your own research, ask lots of questions, and trust that you know your dog better than anyone.

Yes, I do have it and probably am one of the luckier ones, in that I have never had pain. I have extreemly hot legs (like wearing knee socks...Heated) and most often sleep with them outside the covers and at the same time when they get really cold, it takes forever to warm the feet up. When overly warm they itch and I walk the floor. Many years ago, when it was "new" I took Evening Primrose Oil via capsule, and it helped....does not anymore. Recently I tried Amitriptyline, also an anti-depressant; Oh how well I slept. However heartburn came on very slowly, then severe and when I picked up 2nd prescription..first side effect listed was heartburn. So no more wonderful all night sleeps and I'm tired much of the time. The ice works, but when it is so cold in the house, those ice packs just make you shiver so I just keep gently putting lotion on my legs instead of scratching, then cool wash cloth. It is really odd too, that my legs and feet while "numb" are extreemly sensitive. No creases in my bedsheet and no bumps in my shoes. Not fun, but it could be worse. Nanny