Guest tammara Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 Okay so here we are 10 months later and Bear is still having back issues… I originally found Greytalk when this all started and the original post is Here We ended up treating him for months with a NSAID (Phenylbutazone) and tapered him down over months from last July when this started until January or maybe February of this year… Then we were able to stop the medicine completely. All was fine for a while but due to it being winter Bear did not get as much exercise as he does in the summer. He is not a snow loving, zooming Grey, he is more a sack out in front of the wood stove kind of guy! So about a month ago, he falls out of bed (damn) and sets off a PRIOR shoulder injury (possibly pinched nerve), which seems to slowly irritate his back again. Then what really set him off bad again was a playing session in the back yard with his brother last Thursday night…. We have never truly figured out what is wrong with his back… The orthopedic specialist felt and still feels that it could be a combination of a slipped disc and Lumbosacral Stenosis… He says the only true way to know is surgery. The thumb test is inconclusive… Bear will buckle slightly but not to the floor, and he will remain sore for about 2-3 days after any thumb test… Steroid shots are no help to Bear. The Phenylbutazone has been resumed (250 mg in am and again in pm 500 total) along with the occasional tramadol to help for pain, as he was in a lot from last Friday through today… He is somewhat better, not as wobbly as last July… but he has trouble with stairs and is occasionally off his food, but is gladly accepting treats and spoon feeding (no behavioral issues here)… Bear is not a candidate for an MRI because he has a metal plate in one of his hind legs, that we decided to leave in for various reasons but mostly because we didn’t want him to have another surgery if it could be avoided and months of more healing. So… We are thinking at this point that surgery may be an option for Bear, but we really don’t want to rush it… I hate the thought of opening him up and removing a disc. Bear is and has been since we adopted him, AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN, A BULL IN A CHINA SHOP . It is just his personality… It scares me to have him recovering from spinal surgery. So we are thinking of trying a month or so of acupuncture (and maybe massage)… If it is a slipped disc I really don’t feel comfortable trying chiropractic for him…. Do we have any other options? Has anyone ever had a similar situation and gone right into surgery? Has anyone had a grey that had a disc removed? How dangerous is it, and can't it re-occur with adjoining discs? ANY thoughts, ideas, input are VERY appreciated. We want to do right by our boy (who is 8 years old by the way), but without a crystal ball I am having a lot of trouble sorting this all out. THANK YOU!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinw Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 i'm sorry i can't help, but i strongly recommend acupuncture. i've seen it work wonders for back/spinal problems. please keep us posted, ok? Quote Xavi the galgo and Peter the cat. Missing Iker the galgo ?-Feb.9/19, Treasure (USS Treasure) April 12/01-May 6/13, Phoenix (Hallo Top Son) Dec.14/99-June 4/11 and Loca (Reko Swahili) Oct.9/95 - June 1/09, Allen the boss cat, died late November, 2021, age 19. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devotion Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 acupuncture too. wow, this has been a long road for you all. prayers for strength and patience. keep us posted please. Quote Pam with greys Avril, Dalton & Zeus & Diddy the dachshund & Miss Buzz the kitty Devotion, Jingle Bells, Rocky, Hans, Harbor, Lennon, NoLa, Scooter, Naomi and Scout at the bridge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 Couple thoughts/questions (I don't have answers, these really are questions!) -- -1- Why phenylbutazone? Newer NSAIDs tend to be more effective and less hard on liver/kidneys ... BUT ... I would also wonder whether a completely different type of drug might do more for his pain (prednisone, for example). -2- If he is having trouble with stairs, don't let him do them. No stairs, no jumping in and out of SUVs, no jumping in and out of bed, etc. Leash walking only. For at least 3 weeks after he stops showing symptoms when NOT medicated. -3- It sounds like you have seen a specialist, and I wonder if this specialist could recommend a rehab/physical therapy resource to you. Might be a big help in keeping him healthy (or at least keeping his back problems from getting worse). Hugs and luck with your boy! Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tammara Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 Our Vet is just taking on an acupuncturist so we can call tomorrow to make his first appointment. Batmon, The vet chose the phenylbutazone because he did not respond to dexamethazone (sp)... I am not very educated with drugs... The phenylbutazone does seem to help. He is only on this high a dosage for two weeks then if he is well we can ween him down... The specialist assured us it was safe... but I always worry. Also when this happened last year, and just this Friday our regular vet gave him a shot of steroid that he did not seem to respond to at all... Bear Just saw the specialist again Tuesday and he felt that it was safe to let Bear do the stairs or jump off and on furniture... We are definitely doing only short leash walks... I would love for Bear to see a physical therapist or rehab specialist, but we live in the middle of know where... but I'll ask around, it is a great idea! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest vahoundlover Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 No advice other than to try acupuncture, it has done a world of good for Boss. Sending many prayers for Bear Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 Sounds like your vets are on top of things with the activity level and drugs and have already tried what I wondered about. Fingers crossed that time will help, too, and you won't need to think about surgery. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burpdog Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 I would try acupuncture and a certified chiropractor (by AVCA only) before surgery. Sending prayers! Quote Diane & The Senior Gang Burpdog Biscuits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tammara Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 Burpdog, if it is a slipped disc would you still try chiropractic? I thought (probably incorrectly) that if there is a disc that moves in and out of place chiropractic could hurt him? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 Burpdog, if it is a slipped disc would you still try chiropractic? I thought (probably incorrectly) that if there is a disc that moves in and out of place chiropractic could hurt him? I wouldn't do chiro in that case. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burpdog Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 (edited) Burpdog, if it is a slipped disc would you still try chiropractic? I thought (probably incorrectly) that if there is a disc that moves in and out of place chiropractic could hurt him? I'm pretty sure you can but I have to check with my chiropractic vet (she is in FL doing acupuncture class at the CHI Institute) Let me email acupuncture vet as they work on the severe cases together. edited to add: if one has not seen the adjustments by a AVCA certified vet: they are NOT like people adjustments or the more severe Australian method (which I would never, ever use). Edited May 31, 2007 by Burpdog Quote Diane & The Senior Gang Burpdog Biscuits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nyGreys Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 Sending many hugs & prayers. :hope :hope :grouphug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 edited to add: if one has not seen the adjustments by a AVCA certified vet: they are NOT like people adjustments or the more severe Australian method (which I would never, ever use). That, and familiarity with the individual dog's case, would set my mind at ease. If it stands a chance of helping, it's sure worth trying! Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MorganKonaAlex Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 Have you tried muscle relaxers in addition to anti-inflammatories? It seemed to help when I threw out my own back and when my boy Morgan threw his out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greytful4 Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 One of my friend's greys was having a terrible time with her neck and back area. She took her to an acupuncturist and swears by that treament! Her hound seems to be doing well....good luck! Keep us posted! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tammara Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 Burpdog, if it is a slipped disc would you still try chiropractic? I thought (probably incorrectly) that if there is a disc that moves in and out of place chiropractic could hurt him? I'm pretty sure you can but I have to check with my chiropractic vet (she is in FL doing acupuncture class at the CHI Institute) Let me email acupuncture vet as they work on the severe cases together. edited to add: if one has not seen the adjustments by a AVCA certified vet: they are NOT like people adjustments or the more severe Australian method (which I would never, ever use). Thank you Diane! I really did not know this and really appreciate the information... I have seen a chiropractor myself and only had that knowledge for my assumptions... Thanks everyone for your replies... I have learned so much in the short time I have been a member here, and appreciate your time, thoughts and ideas! Tammara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobinM Posted June 1, 2007 Share Posted June 1, 2007 No advice but I'm certain there are many here who can give you wonderful advice. Hugs, good thoughts and prayers to you and your baby. Quote ROBIN ~ Mom to: Beau Think It Aint, Chloe JC Allthewayhome, Teddy ICU Drunk Sailor, Elsie N Fracine , Ollie RG's Travertine, Ponch A's Jupiter~ Yoshi, Zoobie & Belle, the kitties. Waiting at the bridge Angel Polli Bohemian Ocean , Rocky, Blue,Sasha & Zoobie & Bobbi Greyhound Angels Adoption (GAA) The Lexus Project Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Scouts_mom Posted June 1, 2007 Share Posted June 1, 2007 My Tia (11.5 yrs) had lower back problems this winter. The vet wanted to do an MRI then surgery. I couldn't afford it and was not sure it would do any good. Instead we went to an accupunture vet. After 3 treatments she is walking pain-free. This only cost $275 as opposed to the $6,000 the neurologist wanted. I'm a convert. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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