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by TexasVet
Mon Jun 23, 2014 1:00 pm
Forum: Off-Topic
Topic: wheelchair for a large dog - or any help / advice
Replies: 54
Views: 10596

Re: wheelchair for a large dog - or any help / advice

The exercises (stretching, massage and others) are best if shown to you by a qualified professional, so you don't make things worse. Ideally you let her rest and lay still for the first week or so, only helping her out to the bathroom. Make sure to keep her on grippy footing (no slick tiles or wood floors) as slipping can make things worse. The rest is to keep the spine stable and allow the swelling to go down. The more you move around the more likely that she will move in a way that causes stress on the hurt area and relapses or makes things worse. I would try to keep her quiet and resting, even if she wants to get up and move, but not to the point of making her anxious. There is a point where trying to restrict them makes things worse. You have to strike a fine balance.
Good luck and keep us updated.
by TexasVet
Sun Jun 22, 2014 10:47 pm
Forum: Off-Topic
Topic: wheelchair for a large dog - or any help / advice
Replies: 54
Views: 10596

Re: wheelchair for a large dog - or any help / advice

I sent a PM with some info, but I wanted to elaborate and post here for others benefit, in case anyone is or will be in the same boat.
From your history, your pup was most likely diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) or a "slipped disc"
These can range from a painful back to not being able to walk.
The more severe the symptoms the more likely that surgery is needed and is the best chance for full recovery. If a large breed dog there are a few other diagnoses that the specialists would rule out in their workup prior to surgery. This usually involves an MRI to find what and where the problem is, the likely surgery.
The cost will depend on the clinic, but I would say that having a specialist do the MRI, surgery and few days of post surgery hospitalization will run 3-5K.
Some clinics will take CareCredit (you can use this for your own dental needs I have been told) and if the clinic you want to go to takes it, you can apply online. Generally this is like a credit card and gives you a no interest payoff time of 6-12 months (the clinic ends up paying the interest really). Some clinics will work with private lenders to do short term loans.
When surgery is not an option (whether due to bad MRI findings or just plain cost), there are still treatments - Acupuncture, therapeutic laser, rehabilitation, underwater treadmill. There are many who do this. I have heard many good things about Dr. Rick Wall in the Woodlands http://www.vetrehabcenter.com/whyus/pro ... staff.html. Also you can look for an acupuncturist in your area http://www.tcvm.com/Resources/FindaTCVM ... ioner.aspx
I have had good success with non-surgical cases doing the alternative treatments, but surgery is still the quickest chance to see how they recover. With that said, there are animals that have surgery and still do not regain any function and some that do not that do get full function back. The hard part is, you don't know at the beginning which group your pup will fall into.
Usually if medical management is working (anti inflammatories, pain meds, rest) then you should see gradual improvement in the first week. If there is no change, then that is a worse sign. Another product I like is the Helpem up harness http://helpemup.com/.
Make sure to keep her quiet and still, give meds and consider non invasive therapies (acupuncture, laser) while you are trying to make your decision.
Here are a few links about IVDD.
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Conten ... C=0&A=3223
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Conten ... C=0&A=3215
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Conten ... C=0&A=2373
PS - I like this website for client education articles, because it is written and maintained by vets and I know they are not going to spread some internet misinformation.
Hope she is doing better soon !
by TexasVet
Sun Jun 22, 2014 7:04 am
Forum: Off-Topic
Topic: wheelchair for a large dog - or any help / advice
Replies: 54
Views: 10596

Re: wheelchair for a large dog - or any help / advice

HI,

Sorry for your pup having the disc issue. There are several good ones, these come to mind:

http://eddieswheels.com/

http://www.k9carts.com/

You do have some other options and I would be happy to go over them with you, sending you a PM.

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