Injuries

It’s important that every dog owner has some knowledge of dog injuries, which are common. A concern has always been that small pain fibers may regenerate betterthanBigger sensory axons, bringing with it the danger of worsening the pain that many people with spinal injuries suffer: however, this has not been seen in experiments except where nerve growth factor, which acts on pain fibers, has been increased in the cord. Primates tolerate complete spinal injuries poorly and are difficult to care for, althoughpartial spinal injury is bettertolerated in some species. “The Canine Spinal Cord Injury Program” is dedicated to improving the outcome of acute and chronic spinal cord injuries in dogs. Dogs that have mild injuries can be treated with cortisone injections, steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and rest. A new drug has helped dogs paralyzed by spinal cord injuries walk again when given within 72 hours of the injury. The researchers state they need to do further studies in dogs before the drug can be tested in people, and hope to begintesting PEG in people brought into emergency rooms with traumatic spinal cord injuries within a year. Dogs treated with polyethylene glycol overcome spinal injuries. Dogs also suffer back injuries during automobile accidents and other mishaps. Spinal cord injuries are a common problem in dogs,record-keeping for approximately 2% of all cases that present to the veterinarian.

Pet

OrthoPets will supply a “WEAR SCHEDULE” to help ease your pet into a  device. The life-expectancy for your pet’s device is entirely dependent on the material it is made of. A strong therapy routine in water can drastically improve your pets overall health. Spontaneous dog spinal injury is common-large veterinary practices see several a week- and owners are often helpful in allowing their pets to receive experimental treatment. Dogs that have  suffered a disc injury show  symptoms such as:

• yelping when handle
• lethargy
• whimpering
• poor appetite
• shivering
• inability to urinate
• reluctance to climb steps
• walking “drunk”
• unable to move
• paralysis of back legs.

Sometimes a dog will have a diminished appetite or may back away from the food bowl while attempting to eat. As a pet owner, do you include your pet in your New Year’s resolutions.

Recovery

Surgery may ensure the dog’s  aximum recovery. Dogs can make an excellent recovery after injury if the damage to the spinal cord is partial (incomplete) because the surviving nerves are able to take over the function of the nerves that have been lost. If your animal can not walk, you’ll need to provide physical therapy and assistance to help speed recovery.

Damage

A chiropractor unfamiliar with dogs, and unfamiliar with specific problems associated with specific breeds, adjusted a dog with spinal cord damage.

Prognosis for Dogs with Canine Spinal Cord TumorsThe prognosis for dogs with canine spinal tumors tends to be poor.  A good dog chiropractor will make the petcomfortable. My friend took it to a Dog Chiropractor for treatment and the dog showed marked improvement. Things an owner might observe which prompt a visit to the Dog Chiropractor are: pain,modified function, abnormal mobility or change in posture. Dogs that have milder injuries are be treated with cortisone injections, steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and rest.

Here are some links that might be useful for you:

• Disc injuries in dogs
• Dog Disc Problems can be treated
• Spinal Trauma in Dogs
• Just Answer dog
• Spinal Tumors in Dogs
• Encyclopedia of Canine Veterinary Medical Information
• Dog Spinal Injury Repair

Some back injuries involve nothing more than sore muscles. However, for others, disc injury or degenerative disc disease may be the problem. This can cause extreme pain, lost muscle control, nerve damage and paralysis.

Like man’s, a dog’s spine is made up of small bones called vertebrae. They run from the base of the skull to the end of the tail. Flexible discs made of cartilage provide a cushion between each vertebra. Above the discs and running through the vertebrae is the spinal cord made up of nerve fibers. A disc can weaken with age or trauma, causing a portion of the disc to be pushed out of place, putting pressure on the spinal column.

A dog that has suffered a disc injury will exhibit symptoms such as: yelping when handled, lethargy, shivering, whimpering,poor appetite, inability to urinate, clumsiness, reluctance to climb steps, walking “drunk”, unable to move, paralysis of back legs.

To tell the difference between a easy sore muscle and disc injury, check your pet’s “placing response.” While supporting him with one hand under his belly, flip one of his hind feet so that the top of his paw is touching the ground. He should[ quickly | swiftly place the foot right side up when you let go. If he doesn’t, he could have nerve problems. Even if he passes the test, if pain lasts more than a day or two, consult your vet. Nerve problems don’t always show up right away.

Your vet will perform diagnostic tests to differentiate disc disease from other illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. A neurological assessment could include applying gentle pressure to the spine to localize the pain. He may check to see if only the back legs are affected, or also the front legs and head. A test the toes of the back legs indicates reflex responses and indicators of pain. He may also x-ray your dog’s spine, or obtain a myelogram or CT scan.

Treatment will depend on the severity of the clinical findings. Dogs with milder injuries may be treated with cortisone injections, steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and rest. This helps shrink the herniated disc and swollen tissue and at the same time relieves inflammation that has occurred within the spinal cord. Pain medication may also be prescribed.

Surgical treatment may besuggested if the signs are severe and do not respond to other management trials.

Whether medical, surgical or a combination of the two treatments is used, it may be several weeks before your dog recovers fully. Crate care may besuggested for at least four weeks when undergoing treatment. Rest is essential to grant the disc material to “scar over”. Early return to activity may worsen your dog’s condition. Don’t let him run around the yard or go for long walks.

Don’t be fooled by what appears to be a fast return to normal behavior. Dogs treated with cortisone injections and steroid treatment, may be relieved of their pain, but the injury is still present and caution must be observed.

Don’t allow your dog to jump up or down from objects such as the bed or the groomer’s table.

When lifting your pet, never use the front legs. Instead, use both hands, supporting him from underneath the rib cage and the back legs.

When walking your dog, use a chest harness instead of attaching a leash directly to the collar. Any jerking motion or sudden movement of the head can cause pain and reinjury.

Use a glucosamine and chrondoitin supplement to help speed recovery and strengthen damaged cartilage.

Help your pet keep his weight down. Check by lightly running your hands over his ribcage. If you can count each rib, he’s at a good weight. If all you feel is padding, it’s time to try a sensible weight-loss plan.

90% of all disc problems can be successfully treated with conservative medical management. Don’t hesitate to get your dog to the vet if you suspect a back injury.

Copyright 2006 by Sherry Massey