spondolysis

trudismom · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 5:05 pm Post subject: spondolysis

We had a terrible weekend! Trudi had a couple of days of explsive diarhea due to grass eating. She was just getting over that when her back went out on her. She was in the yard with us and just went down and could not get back up. We got her up and she tried to walk a few steps but her back legs were just not co-operating. Made a flying run to the emergency vet. They kept her overnight on iv steroids, did tons of x-rays and sent us to our regular vet Friday morning. He kept her till Monday (we were soooo lost without her!) Anyway, he says her spondylosis is a little worse, causing inflammation and some pain. So, he has put her on a little more medication. She is doing so much better yesterday and today. On one hand we are so happy to have her home and feeling better. On the other, we know that it is just a matter of time till we have to make THAT decision. We have already talked about the fact that we will NOT keep her going if her pain level increases or her mobility drastically decreases. I have been reading the other posts here as often as I can get away with it at work (lol) and have been so very impressed with the compassion you all have for each other. I just wondered if anyone else has a senior with the spondylosis or similar problems who has any suggestions or just a little friendly support. Thanks for any response. Just venting a little to those who understand how much she means to us is a great help!

weimdawgs · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 5:17 pm Post subject:

I am so sorry you are going through this with your girl. How old is she? I have never heard of that disorder so I will google it.

I am so with you about THAT decision. My vet tells me my old guy, Jake, has advanced lung disease (cancer). So far, though no symptoms.

I hope your Trudi is feeling better. Give her a hug from Jake Flower

scmeg72 · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 5:28 pm Post subject:

I actually have spondolysis myself as well as spondolythesis. Technically speacking, one is a slip of the vertebrae and one is a crack. I know as a human it can be very very painful, so I can only imagine in a dog. What has been prescribed to me is LOTS of stretching, heat before exercise, ice after. Also, anti imflammatory medication can be very beneficial. I am so sorry your poor baby. My lab had horrible back problems in her older age, but they never diagnosed exactly what it was. For about a year we would use a towel under her belly when she was having a hard time walking. I hope your sweet one feels better!

weimdawgs · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 5:29 pm Post subject:

O.K. Inflammation of the spine ouch. Poor baby.

I have been reading a lot about holistic treatments. There is something called arnica that is supposed to be good for inflammation. There is also another natural med called Rescue Remedy that is supposed to be calming; sort of a relaxant. They are both all natural so can't hurt her.

I would definitely try the arnica. BTW, she is beautiful..I love her Elizabeth Taylor pose......

greydogs · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 5:39 pm Post subject:

i just heard from my dog trainer about system saver. it is anti inflammatory. it comes in a human version as well as a canine version.
http://www.systemsaverstore.com/canine-system-saver.html

our old dog ziggy had arthritis and spondylosis. she had acupuncture treatments, and i gave her homeopathics and special enzymes. it did wonders for her.

BreasMom · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 5:43 pm Post subject:

Dealing with inflammation, alternating between heat and cold works. As well anti inflammatory medication.
Try to avoid over exerting exercise as this will just aggravate the area.
In the end it's all about rest and comfort, and knowing Trudi's limitations.
Hope she gets some relief. She is a beauty

Smile

trudismom · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 5:46 pm Post subject:

Trudi will be 12 in November. Our vet has actually given us a natural herb supplement powder she started on Monday. Plus an aspirin a day and her food has glucosamine chroindroitin in as does her treats she gets every day. She really does not seem to be in pain, at least not pain that causes her yelp or give any indication of it. Her real problem seems to be weakness and stiffness. We are looking for a heated dog bed for her now. (She only has five dog beds in our house! lol) I found one on-line that is self-heated, no plugs or wires. I think we will try that one just to see if it makes her feel a little better. She really is a sweetheart! Loves everyone she meets (canine and human). We just love her so much. Thanks, guys, for all the responses and support. Keep up all in your thoughts and prayers.

weimdawgs · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 6:31 pm Post subject:

Scout has his own heating pad. He had HOD as a pup. He uses in it in the very cold months. It really helps, plus he loves it.

NenaGunther · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 9:29 pm Post subject:

Have you tried acupuncture?

I had a Chow/Lab with diagnosed with bad hip dysplasia and liver disease when she was 10 and it was unbelievable how much better she was when she had a treatment. It would last about a month.

She lived 2.5 years after she was diagnosed and was treated holistically.

weimdogmom · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 12:25 am Post subject:

trudismom · Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 9:01 am Post subject:

Trudi seems much, much better the last few days! She has not been as stiff and appears to be pain free. Still keeping in mind all the suggestions and thanks for the advice!!