Tag Archives: Intervertebral Disc Disease

Pets

Luxating Patella (Bad Knee) In A Dog

A luxating patella is just a fancy term for a dislocated kneecap. It’s a common ailment of dogs, especially the smaller breeds such as chihuahuas, toy poodles, Pekingese and papillons. However, large breeds are also subject to it especially those who are already at greater risk for hip dysplasia.
luxating patella

Luxating Patella In Dogs

The most common type of luxating patella is the medial luxating patella. This means that the dog’s bad knee is sliding around within the joint. The condition can be genetic or come about because of injury, malnutrition or obesity.

Luxating Patella Grades

There are four grades of luxating patella in a dog. In Grade 1, the dog is not in severe pain, and the kneecap can be put back in place non-surgically through massage. There will be more about that later on.

In grade 2, the dog feels pain when the kneecap slips out of place. These dogs are also at risk for arthritis. Again, the knee can be massaged back in place, but the correction is temporary.

A grade 3 luxation finds the dog in constant pain, but as with grades 1 and 2, the kneecap can be put back in place without surgical intervention. Only grade 4 luxation requires surgery.

Signs and Symptoms of a Bad Knee

Because of the pain, a dog who has a bad knee will favor the leg that is affected. You may hear a popping sound around the affected knee. The dog’s gait will be awkward, and you may see something like a hop-hop-skip as the dog moves. If the dog has a grade 4 luxation, it will have a noticeable bowlegged appearance. Grade 4 means that there is no longer a groove for the knee to fit in and requires orthopedic surgery.

Non-Surgical Treatment

A dog with grades 1,2 or even 3 can be helped non-surgically. In some cases they just need to be fitted with a knee brace. Knee braces do not need a prescription, but you need to consult with the vet to make sure that your dog indeed has a luxating patella. The vet may also prescribe vitamins and supplements to support the health of the bones around the knee. Popular supplements include glucosamine sulfate and omega-3 fatty acids.

The vet can also teach you how to massage the kneecap back into place. This not only eases the dog’s pain and improves circulation but promotes bonding between you and your dog.

 

Dogs With Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

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Pets

Good Veterinarians Who Really Care

Good Veterinarians realize that a pet’s family needs care just as much as the animal they are treating. That care is especially important when the family has to say goodbye to their beloved companion.

Good Veterinarians  Who Really Care

Pets Are Family

For many people, a pet is not just an animal, it is a member of the family. So when a pet is sick, panic can set in. That is when it’s important to have a good relationship with your vet.

Good veterinarians help you make the tough decisions. They can talk you through the risks and benefits of treating your pet’s illness. They are honest about your pet’s condition yet sympathetic to how difficult these decision are to make.

When It’s Time to Say Goodbye

Saying that final goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest things you’ll ever have to go through. Good Veterinarins understand this and do all they can to support you and your family through the process.

When you come in for that last appointment, your vet will have scheduled extra time so you are not rushed. They usually take you right into an exam room so you can have the privacy you need. Many vets bring a blanket into the room so you and your pet can sit together comfortably. The staff is usually aware of your situation so they can make things easier for you.

After Care

Good veterinarians  follows up with you after that last appointment. They usually send a sympathy card signed by the staff. They may also do a follow up phone call to see how you are coping with the loss of your pet. They understand that it takes time to recover from that loss.

So it is important that you choose your pet’s veterinarian carefully. Make sure that your vet is someone you connect with and can trust. They will be there for you throughout your pets life and beyond.

Dogs With Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

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Pets

Dogs With Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Intervertebral Disc Disease

Intervertebral Disc Disease or IVDD is the technical term for a slipped disc in a dog.  Click here for an article written by  Dr. Karen Becker, a proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian.

Symptoms of IVDD may include :

  • Unwillingness to jump.
  • Pain and weakness in rear legs (lameness)
  • Crying out in pain.
  • Anxious behavior.
  • Muscle spasms over back or neck.
  • Hunched back or neck with tense muscles.
  • Reduced appetite and activity level.
  • Loss of bladder and/or bowel control (urinary and fecal incontinence, respectively)

Treatment of IVDD

There are several treatment options for IVDD that can help your dog recover.

Medication

In less severe cases, some dogs may benefit from anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling in the spinal cord.

Acupuncture

There are times when a dog isn’t able to tolerate medication, or surgery isn’t an option for health or financial reasons. In these cases, there is evidence that acupuncture can help a pet friend feel less pain and even regain some mobility.

Surgical Intervention

In more severe cases of IVDD, a veterinary surgeon may need to operate on your pooch in order to remove the material damaging the spinal cord.

Prevention

Old age is the primary culprit of IVDD, but there are things pet parents can do (especially with susceptible breeds) that can help keep the disease at bay.

With smaller breeds, walking with a harness is always a good idea. Proper weight management can help prevent undue stress on the dog’s back. Finally, it’s never too early to provide steps or ramps to help your pet on and off beds and high furniture.

Safe Pain Relief For Dogs

 Back Pain In Dogs

Dog Massage Therapy   

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Benefits Of Having A Pet, People, Pets

Dog Back Pain You Need To Know What’s Causing The Pain

Dog Back Pain

Dog back pain is something that many dogs will have to deal with at some point in their lives. If your dog is having a hard time doing regular, everyday things, such as bending down to eat or hop up on the couch, it could be that your dog is suffering from back pain.

Dogs are not great at telling us what is wrong with them.  In an article written by Sam Bourne he  list  some of the main causes for dog back pain.

  • Slipped Disc
  • Muscle Spasm
  • Genetics
  • Enlarged Prostate
  • Meninges  Disorders
  • Cancer

1.SLIPPED DISC

You might be able to tell if your dog has a slipped disc if they start carrying their back in an arched, or rigid, position.

2. MUSCLE SPASM FROM OVEREXERTION

If you have an older dog,  overexertion could cause a back flare up. Chances are  it’s just a sign of aging.

3. GENETICS

Certain breeds of dogs are predisposed to having chronic back pain, such as:

  • Dachshunds,
  • Shih Tzus,
  • Pekingese, and
  • Lhasa Apsos.

4. ENLARGED PROSTATE

If your dog has back pain and they are also having difficulty with bowel movements, chances are they have an enlarged prostate, which could be putting pressure on the spinal cord, resulting in a significant amount of pain.

5. DISORDERS OF THE MENINGES

The meninges are the membranes that cover the brain and spine. An infection, or inflammation, of these membranes can cause soreness and stiffness along your dog’s spine.

6. CANCER

Likely the most frightening cause on the list, back pain could be caused by cancer, when a tumor is found growing on the vertebrae, nerve roots, or the soft tissues around the spine.

Dogs With Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

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