My dog was just diagnosed with arthritis in her spine. Has anybody else dealt with this?

9 Responses to “My dog was just diagnosed with arthritis in her spine. Has anybody else dealt with this?”

1. Comment by D. M

   No.

2. Comment by Chaquita

   I can’t say I have experienced this but I have heard about water treatment centers. They put the dog in a little tank filled with water and make the dog walk on an underwater treadmill. This improves their mobility. It also looks fun for the dog.

3. Comment by schwildcat1977

   I have had several dogs get arthritis and we had to put them down.

   Out of the ones I can think of off (They were all a long time ago) one became lame and had trouble moving around, and one had gotten it in his throat and he couldn’t eat.

   Its really sad to have to put a dog down but its better than having them suffer.

   I wish you luck.

4. Comment by s1t5e2p7h

   im sorry
   idk

5. Comment by Tony Sprout

   Just this month we put down our faithful and loving companion, Orey, an 11 and 1/2 year old golden retriever. Doc said it was arthritis.He was lame in the hind legs. His kidneys shut down after 1 month of prednisone (steroid) treatment. He wouldn’t eat. Doc said his body had given up. Keep this in mind: Dogs will not show pain if they can keep it hidden from the rest of the pack, in order to maintain their status in the pack. Orey showed no signs of pain at all, but it had to be terrible for him. I’m a 51 year old man, but I broke down and cried. I wish you luck with your friend.

6. Comment by andie

   depending on where you live, you might find a facility that offers hydrotherapy for dogs. (if you have a vet college near you they probably have one.)

   she should be getting glucosamine (cosequin) and omega 3 and omega 6. if rhe vet prescribes rimadyl, i wouldn’t use it, but don’t take my word.do your own research. my dog tske tramadol for the pain…..a lot fewer side effects than other meds.

7. Comment by Christina I

   I am so sorry to read this. I can’t give you much advice, as I have not dealth with spinal arthritis, but I am wondering if it were possible that your dog might suffer from DM – degenerative Myelopathy. DM is not usually known in Italien Greyhounds, but that does not mean they can’t get it. I’ll post a very good website below, and perhaps you could ask your vet if this were a possibility. DM is the equivalent of human MS (multiple sclerosis). The reason I am considering DM is because your dog already suffers from an autoimmune disease – Hypothyroidism. You also mentioned heart murmur and liver disease …. both of those are likely to be clinical symptoms of the thyroid malfunction and should improve with correct thyroid medication. Make sure your dog is optimally stabilized with her medication and all her thyroid parameters are in the correct range for a sighthound – which is somewhat lower than that of non-sighthounds – and a medicated dog should have thyroid parameters in about the middle of the norm range. The daily medication should be split into 2 doses and given 12 hours apart- preferably on an empty stomach at least half an hour before or at least 2 hours after food. Blood for testing should without fail be drawn 4-6 hours after administration of the morning dosage of thyroxine to ensure accurate thyroid readings.

   A dog that suffers from one autoimmune disease, is prone to develop another…. hence my suggestion to check for DM.

   The cortison injection will have worked, because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Your vet may decide to give some more steroids, which should ensure that the inflammation around the disc will subside. If steroids are given orally, it would be advisible to also use a gastro- protectant to prevent ulceration of the stomach. – please read up on the side effects of steriods, so you’ll know what to expect. Steroids are powerful drugs – a godsend if used wisely, but they need to be used correctly and with great respect. – Never stop steroids suddenly if they are used for longer than just a few days – you’d then need to wean the dog off slowly.

   I’m sorry, I can’t really help much – I can only give you a few tips….
   Steroids are probably the correct treatment for the condition your dog suffers from. – Make sure that your vet NEVER mixes steroids and NSAIDs (like Rimadyl or Metacamp or similar). I do not like the use of NSAIDs if at all avoidable. They carry high risk factors – please read up about them beforehand, if your vet suggests the use of NSAIDs.

   Hydrotherapy (swimming) and acupuncture may be good treatment aids too and help with pain management and mobility.

   Best of luck,
   Christina

8. Comment by Mary B

   My grey had arthritis is his rear and I used osteo-biflex from Wal-Mart. It helped in appx. 7-9 days. One tablet per day in his food. 1500 mg. The vet had prescribed glucosimine that was $100 for 30 tabs. The ingredients were the same, except his were 500mg- 3 times per day.
   Hope this will help.

9. Comment by DOREAN B

   I have had nothing but problems with my greyhound she is about 12 and now has problems with her cervical spine and lower back to where she shakes, hardly can move and is in obvious pain. You have to go get acupunture. That is the only treatment that works. You’ll notice a reduction of symptoms immediated. Since you babe is older and not a sugical candidate and taking steriods is not the ans. get her swelling down only but acupunture helps long term with pain and works great!