Guest bigorangedog Posted May 22, 2008 Share Posted May 22, 2008 In the past week, Crisco (who is 12.5) has started showing some weakness in his rear. He's walking stiffly, and getting up more slowly. It's not all that pronounced, and if you didn't know him as well as I do, it's possible that you wouldn't notice it. But it's quite obvious to me. He's not jumping onto the bed as comfortably either, although he can still make it. I had some Deramaxx on hand, and started giving that yesterday (75mg per day) per the vet's recommendation over the phone. She said if it's not better by Friday to bring him in. The Deramaxx doesn't seem to be making much difference yet, the way it would if he had a sore muscle or something. So of course I'm now wondering if we're seeing the beginnings of LS. I wouldn't think that arthritis would have such a seemingly sudden onset. He seemed fine until around Sunday. So what do y'all think? Should I bring him to the vet sooner? Any way to tell by myself if it's LS, vs something else? If it is LS, on a 12.5 yr old dog, would you suggest that we go right away to the depo-medrol injections, or start somewhere else? I don't know an acupuncture vet in the area....and don't know that my snappy boy would tolerate it anyhow...but am willing to try to find one. Appreciate any insight. Thanks! Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kudzu Posted May 22, 2008 Share Posted May 22, 2008 LS certainly could be a possibility but arthritis in joints could cause problems getting up & down. No I wouldn't think arthritis would have a sudden onset. However... I have gone through it myself & can say that the damage could be building for a while before you feel it so it can indeed seem sudden. So I guess there is no sure way for you to know without xrays, etc. You can try pressing along his spine especially near the base of the tail. You could hold his tail up & press on the lumbar vertebra at the base of the tail. Don't be rough & be prepared for his hind end to sink or him to cry out. That could be a sign of LS. Though just because he seems fine does not mean he doesn't have it. Hopefully others will have ideas on this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ss556 Posted May 22, 2008 Share Posted May 22, 2008 Alan suddenly developed weakness in the rear, more knuckling and shuffling though, no dropping yet. We did some xrays and his arthritis isn't horrible, so I took him to a Holistic Vet and he has had 3 acupuncture treatments. He's better than before, but not perfect. I am giving him Traumeel pills 3x day as per the holistic vet. I truly believe that helped him, he must have been in pain and he moves more freely now. I was told he has a neurological deficit - could be LS. You can consult with a neurologist or just see what your regular vet suggests first. Good luck to you, I hope it's not LS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burpdog Posted May 22, 2008 Share Posted May 22, 2008 As my chiropractic vet says "all old dogs have some degree of LS" How long ago was blood work done? You are not suppose to start a NSAID without doing blood work first! Have you tried supplements like Fresh Factors or Joint Health, MSM, fish oil? Chiropractic by an AVCA certified vet will help as will acupuncture (CHI or IVAS) Quote Diane & The Senior Gang Burpdog Biscuits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonnaBehr Posted May 22, 2008 Share Posted May 22, 2008 If your grey has LS, the Deramaxx won't help. My senior male has been on Previcox for his arthritis but is VERY weak in the rear. He has trouble getting up and down and hasn't done the steps to the 2nd floor for over a year. He can only walk two blocks before his rear legs start to give out. Look up Suzanne Stack,VMD on the greyhound project website and run off her information about LS to take it with you to the Vet. www.adopt-a-greyhound.org and click on Health information. She has a very simple, non-invasive way for the Vet to check whether the dog has LS without resorting to CT Scan, MRI, etc. My Vet followed her suggestion and was very appreciative of the information I brought to her. Have just put my boy on Tramadol, which has made a great difference. LS is degenerative, so it won't get any better, but the Tramadol will help with the pain. Quote Mom to Melly and Dani Greyhound Bridge Angels - Jessie, Brittne, Buddy, Red, Chica, Ford and Dodge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rustyroo Posted May 22, 2008 Share Posted May 22, 2008 Rusty has started showing signs of LS in the past 9 months. The vet recommended Vitamin E. He said it won't stop it, but it will slow the progression down. Quote Jodie D (hope to have another grey name her soon) Missing my Bridge Babies: Rusty (Cut a Rusty) 10/18/95-06/09/09 Solo (Tali Solo Nino) 01/10/98-03/25/10 Franny (Frohmader) 02/28/04-08/31/17 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bigorangedog Posted May 22, 2008 Share Posted May 22, 2008 He's had recent bloodwork -- actually just a couple weeks ago. We ended up at the emergency vet in the middle of the night because he seemed to be in bad abdominal pain. Bloodwork was great. X-rays turned up that he appeared to have eaten a bunch of dirt/sand and had a bad tummy ache! (It was after a rain and I think he may have been digging up worms for a 'snack.') He was fine again the next day... So anyway, bloodwork was recently done and is fine. He's not getting any worse, but also not really any better over the past week. He seems to feel fine otherwise....He noticed a bunny outside the window this morning, *leaped* up, stood on the couch shaking, drooling, staring out window... (He's not cat-safe LOL) Was playbowing and antagonizing our schnauzer last night. I did email my vet the Suzanne Stack article yesterday evening, so I'm waiting for her to call today and see what she thinks. She has 4 greys herself, a couple seniors, and the other vet in the practice is an orthopedic specialist. Is LS the kind of thing that glucosamine/chondroitin could have any positive effect on? I've been thinking of putting my old guys on that anyway. Jen Rusty has started showing signs of LS in the past 9 months. The vet recommended Vitamin E. He said it won't stop it, but it will slow the progression down. Thanks -- I'll ask the vet about vitamin E. Jen Chiropractic by an AVCA certified vet will help as will acupuncture (CHI or IVAS) Any suggestions on how to find a good local chiropractic vet? (Our regular vet is an hour outside of the city -- we use her because she loves the greys and give MNGR a discount -- so I doubt she'll have a recommendation for anybody out where we live.) Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iluvgreys Posted May 22, 2008 Share Posted May 22, 2008 Is LS the kind of thing that glucosamine/chondroitin could have any positive effect on? I've been thinking of putting my old guys on that anyway. No, stenosis is the narrowing of the space for the spinal cord and wouldn't be affected by those supplements. However, it'd be great to give them to support all the other joints... hips, knees, etc. When my oldster had trouble standing/walking last Nov., my vet recommended a trial of Pred to see if there was an inflammatory process in her back which could be calmed down. She was on 5 to 10 mg. for about 3 weeks, tapered off and has been doing great since! Quote Jeanne with Remington & Scooter the cat....and Beloved Bridge Angels Sandee, Shari, Wells, Derby, Phoenix, Jerry Lee and Finnian.....If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heavenand bring you home again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonnaBehr Posted May 22, 2008 Share Posted May 22, 2008 Is LS the kind of thing that glucosamine/chondroitin could have any positive effect on? I've been thinking of putting my old guys on that anyway. No, stenosis is the narrowing of the space for the spinal cord and wouldn't be affected by those supplements. However, it'd be great to give them to support all the other joints... hips, knees, etc. When my oldster had trouble standing/walking last Nov., my vet recommended a trial of Pred to see if there was an inflammatory process in her back which could be calmed down. She was on 5 to 10 mg. for about 3 weeks, tapered off and has been doing great since! Dr. Stack's article indicated that none of that stuff would work for LS. Helps for arthritis, so if your guy has that too, just keep using it. Good Luck. Quote Mom to Melly and Dani Greyhound Bridge Angels - Jessie, Brittne, Buddy, Red, Chica, Ford and Dodge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest lizmego Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 He's had recent bloodwork -- actually just a couple weeks ago. We ended up at the emergency vet in the middle of the night because he seemed to be in bad abdominal pain. Bloodwork was great. X-rays turned up that he appeared to have eaten a bunch of dirt/sand and had a bad tummy ache! (It was after a rain and I think he may have been digging up worms for a 'snack.') He was fine again the next day... So anyway, bloodwork was recently done and is fine. He's not getting any worse, but also not really any better over the past week. He seems to feel fine otherwise....He noticed a bunny outside the window this morning, *leaped* up, stood on the couch shaking, drooling, staring out window... (He's not cat-safe LOL) Was playbowing and antagonizing our schnauzer last night. I did email my vet the Suzanne Stack article yesterday evening, so I'm waiting for her to call today and see what she thinks. She has 4 greys herself, a couple seniors, and the other vet in the practice is an orthopedic specialist. Is LS the kind of thing that glucosamine/chondroitin could have any positive effect on? I've been thinking of putting my old guys on that anyway. Jen Rusty has started showing signs of LS in the past 9 months. The vet recommended Vitamin E. He said it won't stop it, but it will slow the progression down. Thanks -- I'll ask the vet about vitamin E. Jen Chiropractic by an AVCA certified vet will help as will acupuncture (CHI or IVAS) Any suggestions on how to find a good local chiropractic vet? (Our regular vet is an hour outside of the city -- we use her because she loves the greys and give MNGR a discount -- so I doubt she'll have a recommendation for anybody out where we live.) Jen Here is a link to an association of american chiropractors. Sorry I didn't see this thread before, but I just started researching LS since we believe that is what Power may have. We had xrays taken today and our traditional vet has said that there is no evidence of cancer. ur chiropractor/acupuncturist, who is also a DVM (in Missouri, a chiropractor/acupuncturist must practice with a DVM or be a DVM themselves). Power did get a Depo short about 3 weeks ago to experiment and see if his shaking hind leg got better. I thought it did. So we're not sure if its LS or just arthritis. Power is on Arthoplex prescribed by our chiro/acupuncturist. I'm now waiting for a call back from Dr. Pat (chiro/acupunc.) to set up an emergency appt for tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest gryhndmom Posted June 14, 2008 Share Posted June 14, 2008 you definitely want to go to the Greythealth website and print out Suzanne D Stacks article on LS. I took it to my vet and thanks to the detailed article and diagrams my vet was able to diagnose w/out an MRI. My vet was so impressed and thankful to learn something new that he didn't even charge me for the visit We started the Depo-medrol right away. It helped a lot in the beginning but over time has less and less affect. We also put him on Previcox I think it was initially and he was on Tramadol near the end. www.HandicappedPets.com is a good sight too because you may want to get him a harness of sorts. I used the belly harness on walks because squatting to poop became very hard for my Big Daddy. With the belly harness I could help support his hind end and take some of the weight off his back legs. I bought a rear end harness too but never got to use it, although I did use the hind end leash a few times. The belly harness was the most comfortable for him and he seemed to appreciate the help. I used it on all our walks and just grabbed the handles and helped him when he needed or wanted it. Good luck, as everyone said, it will only get worse so keep your baby comfortable and love him as much as you can and do as much as you can with him while he can enjoy it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Spiff Posted June 14, 2008 Share Posted June 14, 2008 (edited) Spiff's LS was diagnosed using the test in Dr. Stack's information, plus the vet made an x-ray as well. It turns out that Spiff also has an offset along his spine in the same area, likely from an old injury, which probably makes his LS worse. We've treated him with a combination of things - depo-medrol shots have helped somewhat (the first one was great, the second one helped but wasn't so dramatic) and between those we've given him Rimadyl, which also helps - even if just to reduce the pain, so that he feels better. Spiff also gets a glucosamine supplement and Traumeel tablets. Exercise is very important in order to maintain muscle mass and strength. Spiff no longer goes up or down long flights of stairs, and we do not allow him to jump into the car or get on the furniture. It is difficult for him to do these things and he doesn't try to do them himself anymore anyway. We have started using his seat-belt chest harness to give him a little more support when pooping (his rear legs are weak and if he squats he has a hard time standing up). His LS has gotten to the point where he has a constant problem with bowel incontinence. This all sounds pretty bad, but honestly, all these things have developed over the course of about 2 years. Spiff is 13.5 years old. Using a combination of treatments, it's possible to moderate the progression of LS so that your pup is more comfortable and you have more time to enjoy life together. Edited June 14, 2008 by Spiff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest crazy4greys Posted June 14, 2008 Share Posted June 14, 2008 My boy Phoenix was diagnosed through x-rays. We could see the narrowing of the disc spaces. He went for chiropractic adjustments and had Adequan injections. The combination definitely made him feel better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyTzu Posted June 15, 2008 Share Posted June 15, 2008 Here is a list of holistic Vets in MN. I am not familiar with your state so I don't know how near to you any of these Vets would be. You can search here yourself for more information. While acupuncture or chiro. treatment will not cure your dog, it will provide some pain relief. DEBORA BROWN , DVM PEQUOT LAKES ANIMAL HOSPITAL 30266 OLD HGWY 371 PEQUOT LAKES , MN 56472 Phone: 218-568-5095 Fax: 218-568-7780 Modalities Practiced: (Modality Quick Reference) AC AC(CHI) CH CM HMTX NU WH Practice Preferences: SMALL ANIMAL pequotlakesanimalhospital.com LYNELLE GRAHAM , DVM MS, DIPL AVAC UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA VETERINARY MEDIAL CENTER 1352 BOYD AVE U OF M VMC, VCS C-339 ST. PAUL , MN 55108 Phone: 612-625-9781 Fax: 612-624-0751 Modalities Practiced: (Modality Quick Reference) AC AC(IVAS) CH CR CR(AVCA) CM Practice Preferences: SMALL ANIMAL EQUINE FARM www.cvm.umn.edu JEAN HOLLENSTEIN , DVM BA GLACIER RIDGE VETERINARY CLINIC 16159 STATE HGWY 29 GLENWOOD , MN 56334 Phone: 320-634-3558 Fax: 320-634-4191 Modalities Practiced: (Modality Quick Reference) AC AK BF CR CM GT H HMTX NAET NU REIKI WH HEALING TOUCH/BIOENERGETIC THERAPY Practice Preferences: SMALL ANIMAL LEILANI HOTALING , DVM MINNETONKA ANIMAL HOSPITAL 3318 GROVELAND SCHOOL RD MINNETONKA , MN 55391 Phone: 952-473-1239 Fax: 952-473-1230 Modalities Practiced: (Modality Quick Reference) AC AC(IVAS) CH CR CR(AVCA) CN CM NU MA WH PHYSICAL THERAPY - REHABILITATION Practice Preferences: SMALL ANIMAL JESSICA LEVY , DVM CENTRAL BIRD & ANIMAL HOSPITAL, INC. 13060 CENTRAL AVE NE BLAINE , MN 55434 Phone: 763-785-2700 Fax: 763-862-0090 Modalities Practiced: (Modality Quick Reference) BF CM GT H NU REIKI WH Practice Preferences: SMALL ANIMAL EXOTIC AVIAN www.centralbirdanimal.com CATHERINE LUND , DVM ANIMAL WELLNESS CENTER 17445 KENRICK AVE LAKEVILLE , MN 55044 Phone: 952-469-8567 Fax: 952-469-9752 Modalities Practiced: (Modality Quick Reference) BF CM GT HMTX NU Practice Preferences: SMALL ANIMAL www.altpetvet.com JANELL OSBORN , DVM SAINT CLOUD ANIMAL HOSPITAL 300 LINCOLN AVE NE ST. CLOUD , MN 56304 Phone: 320-267-3855 Modalities Practiced: (Modality Quick Reference) AC AC(CHI) BF CH CN CM NU MA REIKI WH Practice Preferences: SMALL ANIMAL EQUINE FARM EXOTIC HOUSE CALLS JANELL OSBORN Second Office JANELL OSBORN, DVM 10292-170TH AVE LITTLE FALLS , MN 56345 Phone: 320-267-3855 Modalities Practiced: (Modality Quick Reference) AC AC(CHI) BF CH CN CM NU MA REIKI WH Practice Preferences: SMALL ANIMAL EQUINE FARM EXOTIC HOUSE CALLS FRED POMEROY , DVM ND POMEROY'S SMALL ANIMAL HOSPITAL 185 EAST 7TH ST ST. PAUL , MN 55101 Phone: 651-224-4815 Fax: 651-224-4816 Modalities Practiced: (Modality Quick Reference) AK CR CN CM GT H NAET NU WH CONTACT REFLEX ANALYSIS, EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUE Practice Preferences: SMALL ANIMAL JAMES SINNING , DVM LAKE HARRIET VETERINARY 4249 BRYANT AVE S MINNEAPOLIS , MN 55409 Phone: 612-822-1545 Modalities Practiced: (Modality Quick Reference) AC AC(IVAS) BF CH CN CM GT H NU WH Practice Preferences: SMALL ANIMAL HOUSE CALLS www.lakeharrietvet.com SUSAN SWANSON , DVM CAT CARE CLINIC, PC 126 HICKORY ST MAHTOMEDI , MN 55115 Phone: 651-429-4153 Fax: 651-429-6050 Modalities Practiced: (Modality Quick Reference) AC BF CH CN CM NU REIKI WH Practice Preferences: SMALL ANIMAL HOUSE CALLS www.holisticcatvet.com CARA WHITE , DVM BS CENTRAL BIRD & ANIMAL HOSPITAL 13060 CENTRAL AVENUE NE BLAINE , MN 55434 Phone: 763-785-2700 Modalities Practiced: (Modality Quick Reference) BF CR CR (HOWC) CN CM GT NU WH Practice Preferences: SMALL ANIMAL Quote Wendy and The Whole Wherd. American by birth, Southern by choice. "Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup!" ****OxyFresh Vendor ID is 180672239.**** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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