Thank you, Elsabeth. Its disheartening to realize that he has this, especially since his hips and other joints are so good.

Right now, I don't have a place for him to swim.

As far as doing anything for it, Doc says the only I can do is keep him as mobile as possible (within reason ) and manage his pain from the bone spurs. (I saw the x-rays and those spurs look wicked).

Where the spondylosis is located, there is a good chance later on, he will have trouble defecating. So, I do need to add fiber to his diet and keep his poop soft. I would think pumpkin, organic butternut squash, etc. would do the trick.

Right now, I am researching what I can in the Vet Merck manual and other vet sites, but so far, no treatment offered. Surgery isn't a true option because this thing just forms again.

Thanks for replying. If you know of other things to do, let me know.

 Quote: Jo Harker

Doc says the only I can do is keep him as mobile as possible (within reason ) and manage his pain from the bone spurs. (I saw the x-rays and those spurs look wicked).

Jo, I am bummed at these results, but am glad you know what you are dealing with.

I wish your doc could have given you a bit more specific directions regarding exercise! There will be an optimal amount that will help keep him as functional as possible for as long as possible, whereas too much will obviously not be good, and too little will let him degenerate too quickly.

I still recommend a rehab vet if/when you can afford it (I know his health has been expensive lately). Such a specialist can give you much more detailed instructions for how to best help him.

I'd go with massage, for sure, and you can't go wrong there<g>. One thing is to take one hand, put the thumb on one side of his spine near his shoulder blades, fingers on the other side, and kind of mush the hand together as it travels down the spine (I'm sure that's clear as mud<G>. Kind of a gentle pincher action. I do this 5-6 times in a row, gently. Any massage will get the blood flowing, and that's a good thing.

If you just watch his face and massage his muscles, you'll see what he likes.

He's lucky to have you!

leih

I have to say, I was so bummed after the visit to the vet, I drank a glass of wine and we both took a long nap. After that, it was on with life.

I get the picture on the massage. That sounds like it would be a good way to relax his muscles and get blood flowing. Thanks!

Rehab vet will have to wait for a long time. Until then, I can only research and try to do what I can.

I did find this http://bajaokla.com/dachback/ester_c.htm

It is about Ester-C and its influence on dogs with issues including spondylosis. It was a small study done awhile ago.

L. Phillips Brown, D.V.M. , I think did a study, but there is a L. Phillips Brown, D.V.M who is product manager of Inter-Cal Nutraceuticals. My connection is so slow (dial up ) I can't access any sites that would tell me if he has a conflict of interest. HOWEVER...the first study looks soooo good, I want it to be true. If it is, I can find some Ester-C for him, and try it out.

Ah well, he needs to go out for a potty break and I need supper.


Thanks for the massage advice. You've made him a happy boy.

I might have to look into that. Surely it wouldn't hurt them, if there is even a chance of helping ...

Comment on bone spurs...

A few years ago, I developed bone spurs on my heel, and then later on my right shoulder.

The Army, in it's infinite wisdom, wanted to operate. I put my foot down and said no dice. You're not cutting on my foot, let alone my shoulder.

After many arguments (and to make a long story shorter), they referred me to a civilian clinic. The doc there used ultrasound to break up the bone spurs. Both went away completely over the course of a month (once a week treatments). They've never come back. It's like I never had them.

Absolutely painless, non-invasive approach.
I don't know if this is something that would work with a dog, if it would be safe near the spine, and if you could fine someone to do it... but it might be a way to help.

Just tossin' it out there.

 Quote: Alyssa Myracle

The doc there used ultrasound to break up the bone spurs. Absolutely painless, non-invasive approach...

I don't know if this is something that would work with a dog, if it would be safe near the spine, and if you could fine someone to do it... but it might be a way to help.

Just tossin' it out there.

Actually, you're right, they are using this on dogs...

There is a good article in The Whole Dog Journal (May 2008, Vol. 11, Number 5), called Shock Waves for Arthritis, in which they discuss many conditions that are benefiting from this kind of therapy (ESWT - extracorporeal shock wave therapy). In addition to the usual reasons to use this therapy on bone issues, it's also being used to speed healing in general from various injuries.

I have no idea what treatments cost (they're probably comparable to human treatments, as so many vet things are<g>.

leih

 Quote: Jo Harker

I did find this http://bajaokla.com/dachback/ester_c.htm

It is about Ester-C and its influence on dogs with issues including spondylosis. It was a small study done awhile ago.

That's interesting, Jo.

I was looking at an article about degenerative myelopathy that recommended as a preventative: 800 IU of Vit E daily, 1000 mg of Vit C (in two doses of 500 mg each), and 1000 mg of salad oil (I'd never use salad oil<g>...salmon oil is fine IMHO).

(Don't have a link, but if interested, Degenerative Myelopathy in German Shepherd Dogs, R.M. Clemmons, DVM, Ph.D.)

It seems it's hard to go wrong with those basic supplements...(if you do go with the Vit C, start slowly and increase gradually to bowel tolerance; stool can get loose very quickly<g>.

leih

 Quote: Alyssa Myracle

Comment on bone spurs...

After many arguments (and to make a long story shorter), they referred me to a civilian clinic. The doc there used ultrasound to break up the bone spurs. Both went away completely over the course of a month (once a week treatments). They've never come back. It's like I never had them.


Just tossin' it out there.

Looks like leih caught the toss before I did.

It definitely is worth looking into. Whether I can afford it or not....

 Quote: leih merigian

I was looking at an article about degenerative myelopathy that recommended as a preventative: 800 IU of Vit E daily, 1000 mg of Vit C (in two doses of 500 mg each), and 1000 mg of salad oil (I'd never use salad oil<g>...salmon oil is fine IMHO).

(Don't have a link, but if interested, Degenerative Myelopathy in German Shepherd Dogs, R.M. Clemmons, DVM, Ph.D.)

leih

THAT is something I will look up and check out. Having had two dogs that had that horrible thing, I would love to have any and all information on any possible preventative or even nutritional support for any future dog I may have.

I also found this page on Working Dogs that has information on some trials of Ester C. http://www.workingdogs.com/doc0039.htm
It is worth reading. Ester-C does not CURE the problem but did help the MAJORITY of dogs tested.

I am going to try this. I will take the information to Doc and see what he thinks, but am still going to put my boy on it.

It does caution that if hip dysplastic dogs recover mobility, people may breed them again...sigh...
there is a downside to everything.

 Quote: Jo Harker

L. Phillips Brown, D.V.M. , I think did a study, but there is a L. Phillips Brown, D.V.M who is product manager of Inter-Cal Nutraceuticals. My connection is so slow (dial up ) I can't access any sites that would tell me if he has a conflict of interest.

P.S. I found this information about the him.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb223/is_3_11/ai_n29421482/pg_5
All I can say about his credentials is holy cow! I am now a believer in Ester-C helping.

I've used Ester-C since True was a pup for his HD and I'm aware of other forum members who use it daily, as well. I think it, in conjunction with everything else I've done, has kept his HD progressing past the mild/moderate stage.