Bulging disc

**TracyJo** · 09-24-2008, 08:10 AM

I had petri at the vet last week. He'd been acting out of sorts for a couple days - I knew he either had a really upset gut or something wrong with his back. The doc says bulging disc and put him on rimadyl. He's been on it for almost a week and there is no improvement - he's not any worse but not any better either. He's on kennel rest, taken out on a leash and not allowed to jump on and off furniture (not that he would if we'd let him, he's really not feeling good).
The doc wanted to start him Rimadyl but told me to bring him back if it didn't make a difference by today. So, we'll go back today...
Just wondering if any of you ever have dealt with this before with your dogs. What kind of treatment worked/didn't work for you? How long for recovery?

reddobes · 09-24-2008, 09:43 AM

Were xrays taken? Do they think it is in his neck or back?
IVDD (intervetebral disc disease) typically either happens in the neck ( and happens secondarily in wobbler's dogs) or in the lumbar spine (or right at the thoracic-lumbar junction which the area of the spine at the last rib).
Discs can cause problems by putting pressure on the spinal cord. Dogs can have neck or back pain and neurologic deficits (or even paralysis) to the limbs (esp rear limbs). Often steroid anti-inflammatories are used along w/ strict rest for at least 4 wks. Some animals require (or will benefit from) surgery.

From a quick google search, here's a few links:

Integrative Treatment of Dogs with Intervertebral Disc Disease
intervertebraldiskdisease
Canine Intervertebral Disc Disease

**Lexus** · 09-24-2008, 10:04 AM

Poor Petri... I can't offer any advice, but I hope the little guy feels better soon...

**ellenm** · 09-24-2008, 02:29 PM

I've never dealt with it either, but do keep us posted on his progress. Poor little guy.

**TracyJo** · 09-24-2008, 02:36 PM

reddobes,
X-rays were not taken and the doc thinks it's in his back... He wanted to start him off on a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and kennel rest but warned me that we'd probably have to move to steroids... thank you for the links!!!

We're going back in this afternoon and I'll let y'all know what we find out... I feel so bad for him - I HATE keeping him in his kennel so much

**Doberdog** · 09-24-2008, 02:48 PM

Poor guy, I hope he feels better. I am no help at all but an here to wish you well. Keep us posted.

**RedFawnRising** · 09-24-2008, 02:57 PM

Oh no.

I think I would insist on Xrays.

I didn't read the posted links, so this suggestion may already be covered, but I'd try to find a good animal chiropractor. You need those Xrays first, though.

Also, agreed on the steroids route--may be necessary at this point.

Speaking as a human with seven, count them seven, problem disc areas, starting at C-1/C-2, all in various stages of either thinning, bulging, or just basically crapping out on me, all the meds in the world do not help as much as gentle stretching, PT, and the chiro.

Good luck, hope he starts recovering quickly.

**TracyJo** · 09-24-2008, 06:34 PM

Okay,
Just got back from the vet - the doc we saw last week was not in but the gal we saw today did her own exam and agreed with Doc #1 - He's now on Prednisone for 2 weeks and Sucralfate for 3 days (to keep his tummy calm while he gets used to the Pred and all the Rimadyl gets out of his system). She said we should see a drastic improvement within 24-36 hours of his first dose of the Pred. and if we don't to bring him straight back - then we'll take x-rays and make another plan. If he improves like she thinks he will, she wants us back in 2weeks for a check up. She stressed complete rest for 6 weeks and to keep Petri and Chi completely seperate - said she's seen it happen too many times that the little dog feels better because of the meds and ends up blowing a disc before it completely heals.
She is concerned by how he is moving and was standing (his hind legs crossed) and said those are signs of beginning neorological issues - that I shouldn't worry yet but I really need to keep him quiet and we need to get this under control before it gets worse...
Say a little prayer for him please...

**Kahlua** · 09-24-2008, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TracyJo

. . . She stressed complete rest for 6 weeks and to keep Petri and Chi completely seperate - said she's seen it happen too many times that the little dog feels better because of the meds and ends up blowing a disc before it completely heals. ...
Say a little prayer for him please...

Hope he feels better soon. Your vet is completely correct on the fact that once they feel a little better they quickly over do and may end up much worse. Consider the prayer given.

Dobejazz · 09-24-2008, 08:51 PM

Hugs and Prayers for a quick recovery