mason@pneuma.DEC (ANDREA - DTN - 223-4864 PK03-2/H31 POLE 15F) (10/01/85)
>I am looking for some advice or at least some words of >wisdom from people who have dogs suffering from back >problems. >The vet scheduled X-rays and found a problem in the spine. >The vet is guessing that it is a collapsed disk between >the 11th and 12th vertebrae (middle back). >Delanie Alcorn >delanie@trsvax.UUCP I know this is going to sound strange, but I recommend that you get your dog to a good chiropractor. The first time I ever went to a chiropractor, the "patient" ahead of me was a dog. I thought it was really odd (at the time I was convinced that chiropractors were quacks), but I have since discovered that it makes a great deal of sense (both for humans, and animals). My dog is part shepard and has hip dysplaysia. I take her about 3 or 4 times a year to the chiropractor, and the problem definately improves (it is *not* cured, but it's easier for her to walk, run, etc). I thought it was really nice of my doctor not to charge for the visits by the dog, but he explained that the reason he doesn't charge is that if he took money for treating an animal he would be practicing veterinary medicine without a license. I don't know if all chiropractors treat animals, but you might want to make some calls around and ask. Also, take your dog to someone who uses the non-force technique, it's not painful, and for a dog, it will be less scarey. I hope you'll try this, perhaps accupuncture (I hear they use it on race horses), and other types of alternative medicine before you resort to surgery. No flames on alternative forms of medicine here, please. If you want to discuss that, try net.medical. ****andrea mason**** UUCP: decwrl!dec-rhea!dec-pneuma!mason ARPA: mason%pneuma.DEC@decwrl.ARPA
notch@srcsip.UUCP (Michael k Notch) (10/03/85)
In article <616@decwrl.UUCP> mason@pneuma.DEC (ANDREA - DTN - 223-4864 PK03-2/H31 POLE 15F) writes: > > >>I am looking for some advice or at least some words of >>wisdom from people who have dogs suffering from back >>problems. > >>The vet scheduled X-rays and found a problem in the spine. >>The vet is guessing that it is a collapsed disk between >>the 11th and 12th vertebrae (middle back). > >>Delanie Alcorn >>delanie@trsvax.UUCP > >I know this is going to sound strange, but I recommend that you get >your dog to a good chiropractor. The first time I ever went to a >chiropractor, the "patient" ahead of me was a dog. I thought it was >really odd (at the time I was convinced that chiropractors were >quacks), but I have since discovered that it makes a great deal of >sense (both for humans, and animals). > . . . I agree with this idea of going to a human doctor bacause sometimes it works wonders. I took my dog to a catalyc doctor ans he cured my dog of catylacs! -- But... What about Naomi? USENET: ihnp4!umn-cs!srcsip!notch US-SMAIL: Michael k Notch (The small k is on purpose) Honeywell Inc. Minneapolis, Minnesota 55440 MN17-2349 SIP/SRC/MVT [1-612-378-5338] --
mmst@ihuxm.UUCP (m.s. turek) (10/03/85)
SORRY IF THIS IS A REPEAT, BUT DUE TO MACHINE/OPERATOR ERROR I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS REPLY EVER GOT TO THE NET FOR POSTING. Our Cocker Spaniel had similar symptoms (lameness in rear legs) about 2 years ago, when he was 4 years old. "Quincy's" original vet first took X-rays, diagnosed hip dysplasia, and told us to give him aspirin when they symptoms occur. Well, the symptoms were continuous by the next day, and having some knowledge of animals and several friends in the veterinary field, I found problems in this diagnosis and treatment. I obtained the X-rays and took them to my vet technician friend and a friend who is very familiar with treatments for hip dysplasia. Neither saw hip dysplasia in the X-rays. The technician pointed to the cervical (neck) vertebrae, and my other friend recommended her vet. So the next day I took Quincy to the new vet who identified the cervical vertebrae problem. Quincy was given Butazolidine as well as something called Maaulite (I'm not sure of the spelling). He was given one injection and about 5 days worth of pills. The symptoms subsided almost immediately, provided Quincy didn't exert pressure on the vertebrae by jumping or climbing stairs. Along with the drug therapy, we were to apply heat (preferably damp) to the neck area three times a day. Also, a massage similar to accupressure was applied along the vertebrae (which Quincy loved). At the end of 5 days, we returned to the vet, had more X-rays, which showed some improvement, and were given pills for 5 more days. During the drug treatment and for about 6 weeks after we could not let him climb stairs and carried him up and down. Walking was not restricted. After stopping the drugs, the only care that was given was the heat massage and to slowly re-introduce some activity. Although Quincy didn't (as far as we know) suffer any injury as did your dog, I would still opt for this type of treatment before surgery. The night before Quincy exhibited these symptoms we were playing fetch in the house. He may have slid on the kitchen floor and caused something to slip out of place. The most important thing we learned is the need for a knowledgeable and patient vet. Our first vet who diagnosed hip dysplasia, was describing surgery to correct the problem. However, if there really is a tumor or some obstruction, then surgery may be needed. Just some more information -- Since we had received conflicting diagnoses, I wanted to get a third veterinary opinion. My vet technician friend recommended an orthopedic vet specialist. He concurred with the vertebrae diagnosis and treatment and explained that certain breeds of dogs are prone to spinal problems in different areas: neck, middle back, etc. Some of these are poodles, dachshounds, cockers. Anyway, I hope this makes you feel better. Going through this experience of improper diagnosis caused me to realize how important that second opinion is. I was fortunate in having some background from my volunteer work in wildlife rehabilitation and some contacts in the veterinary field. I hope that those who don't have such and advantage aren't willing to blindly accept what their vet tells them on serious problems. By the way, should anyone in the western Chicago suburbs want either of the veterinarian's names and locations that properly treated this condition, let me know. Marla Turek