My 2 1/2 year old mal just had an MRI and as it turns out, he has a degenerative disc that has slipped putting pressure on the nerve or nerves that run down his right hind leg. This only seems to bother him when he goes into crazy spaz out gear like if you throw a ball right in front of him and he wigs out to get it. He had run at full speed, jump in and out of my truck with no problems and 98% of the time, you would never know there is anything wrong. The three times that he was obviously hurting, he carried the leg. The first time, it took about four days until he could walk without limping and by day seven, he was running around the yard like nothing happened. The second and third time, it only took ten or fifteen minutes until he could walk on it normally.

I took him to a specialist in Pittsburgh for the MRI and his advise was surgery, or retire him. The Vet said that he would be fine as a house pet but what is expected from him as a Police K9 would risk further injury without surgery.

He was to be added to our police dept. on Oct. 1st. as a patrol/explosive dog. I just got a call last monday that our grant was approved to fund the team so he is still my dog and the city has not taken possession of him and no terms have been worked out yet. So it is still my decision what happens. I want to do the surgery, but would like to know if anyone has had experience with this, or would have any knowledge cases and there outcome.

Thanks,
Kevin

I had the surgery done on one of my GSDs, but he is just a pet. He became a different dog after the surgery. I think he may have been in more pain than I realized. He became happier and much more active.

Thanks Jeanne. That's also something that concerns me, not knowing how much pain or discomfort he's in on a regular basis.

 Quote: Kevin Anundson

Thanks Jeanne. That's also something that concerns me, not knowing how much pain or discomfort he's in on a regular basis.

This warrants a discussion with the specialist, IMO, Kevin. IME, even the couchiest dog is hard-wired to mask pain as much as possible, and a drivey dog is that much more so.

By the time most dogs vocalize or indicate pain with favoring, I believe that most humans would have been flat out long ago. Good for you that you recognized that.


Here's a basic overview, which is not different for a different breed:
http://www.geocities.com/dachshealth/caninedegenerativediskdisease1.htm

Thanks for the link Connie. I was having trouble finding info on this relating to dogs.

We saw two orthopedic Doctors and a neurologist. They thought it could be a disc or a torn muscle but they were not sure until the MRI because he didn't exhibit any pain or discomfort.

My ACD had torn ACL's in both legs and that's what I thought had happened this time because he carried his leg exactly the same way but he was able to walk normally after just a couple days with no limping.

Another little bit of experience to log.

I wanted to comment on this because my older GSD/lab seems to have IVDD (from her symptoms).. She has fallen, and is in pain. She is on restricted movement, no running, no climbing. The link that Connie posted included the following

From http://www.geocities.com/dachshealth/caninedegenerativediskdisease1.htm
Dogs with Stage II and III disease are usually treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, and restriction from exercise. Surgery may be considered if the pain or uncoordination persists after 4-7 days of treatment or if the neurological status declines from one day to the next. It is important that the dog not receive pain medication unless total confinement to a crate or cage is enforced. If the pain sensation is taken away, the dog is more likely to progress to total rupture of the disk. The sensation of pain is important for limiting motion. The length of confinement will vary among different dogs. END QUOTE

Two vets that I have spoken to tonight, actually, say that the idea of restricting pain meds is not considered up to date, and that pain relief should be provided. That is not to say that the dog should be allowed to run and jump. I am taking my pooch in for a new exam and hopefully pain meds later this week.

Kevin, it sounds like you will have a good answer very soon. For a young working dog, I hope you can get surgery. My pet dog is 13, and we will keep her quiet and comfortable.

Edited by Connie Sutherland (09/14/2008 10:30 PM)
Edit reason: to credit text with URL

 Quote: Polly Gregor

... Two vets that I have spoken to tonight, actually, say that the idea of restricting pain meds is not considered up to date, and that pain relief should be provided. That is not to say that the dog should be allowed to run and jump. I am taking my pooch in for a new exam and hopefully pain meds later this week.

Restricting pain meds is not in my own POV either -- not at all. Restricting movement, yes. Pain relief -- no.

I should have read the link again before posting it without caveats.

My old dog had the surgery and the transformation was overnight and remarkable. In my dogs case, my regular vet thought it was myelopathy (sic, sorry), but sent us to a neuro vet for a 2nd opinion. We were thrilled he thought it was broken discs (then confirmed with MRI)and thrilled there was a surgical repair available. My GSD previous to that one had myelopothy so when we got the correct diagnosis we went from the depths of despair to ridiculously giddy.