About six days ago, Isabelle's rear leg seemed fatigued. I noticed her dipping some & not quite planting it firmly on slippery surfaces. If she's standing too long, she will either sit or lay down, but will get up readily. She's definitely walking with a bit of a hop. She's turning her foot in a little for balance, especially when her tail is wagging. Sometimes she has some muscle tremors, but that's not new,  Initially, I though her L-S arthritis might be painful, as it often is with so many weather fluctuations, but when that's the case, she is unable to sit. She is easily doing so now. There is no mistaking her demeanor change when she is in pain, & that's also not happening. She doesn't have difficulty getting up. Her Achilles & muscles in the entire leg were taut the past couple of days. That resolved after a massage & acupressure today.

She saw the vet Thursday for acupuncture & underwater treadmill. we allowed her walk because she is clearly not in pain & is running around eagerly. We tried a higher water level, & slower speed, but she just starts swimming, (she's always done this) so she ended up walking her usual time & speed. Nothing was different afterward.

Since I have to go to the worst place possible, I've watched for any indication of actual weakness or numbness due to SC involvement & I don't see it. I can't feel any masses in the leg & nothing seems painful. She is willing to get up 20 times in 20 minutes, if there is a remote chance of something to eat and is going for normal walks. She's actually irritated when I end the walk before she's ready. She seems to run normally, but hops when she slows down. She has no problem going down the stairs, but is taking shorter hops...actually it slows her down a little, of which I am in favor.

She did slip & fall many times when the snow was deep & icy over the past few weeks & once chasing a bunny on the slippery leaves Friday. The running is an ongoing battle, that some days, I just lose.

She's on Metacam, I held it the other morning to be sure it wasn't masking any pain, but nothing was any different

She will see the vet again tomorrow for acupuncture & treadmill, but in the meantime I'm feeding my anxiety, searching for every possible differential. I really didn't want to call her at home without a better reason.

Isabelle also had a chiropractic adjustment 7 days ago, but her her L-S spine was not out of line. She had a minor thoracic adjustment & some front legs, feet & shoulders. The only unusual adjustment was for the reflux she'd been having since her night of prolonged vomiting. It worked beautifully & she hasn't had a problem since.

I don't know what to make of this & am not sure if I should be worried or not. I'd be somewhat reluctant to get an MRI at this point, given the vague symptoms & lack of pain.

I appreciate any suggestions.

Cynthia