I have a 1 year old blue pitbull. Two weeks ago he stopped walking and I took him to the vet and after all the test and x-rays and a night at the animal hospital he tells me that my poor Duke has a herniated disk. I have been using this vet for a very long time and completely trust him. He says that pitbulls are prone to this and its usually caused from fighting them but since I DO NOT fight my dogs we really don't know how it happened. So my options were back surgery and taking him home putting him in a small cage and making him rest and not move. Since I am not loaded you can guess I had to take him home. He has been in the cage for exactly two weeks now and showing some improvement and can even stand and starting to walk again a lil bit.
Being in that small cage we have to clean it up everytime he uses the bathroom and we do, I couldn't make him sit in it. Well last night about 4 in the morning I heard him moving around and he had made poopy so I cleaned it up and there were worms in it. I know sounds really nasty. But two weeks ago the vet checked him for worms also and there were none. Since then he has not been outside, he has been in his cage in my room. How could he have gotten the worms?
I know this is long but I was wondering if anyone had a dog with a herniated disk before and if anyone had any tips on caring for him or how he coulda got the worms. And I am taking him back to the vet tomorrow and gonna get him wormed but doesn't that make them go poopy alot to get rid of the worms? I have a job ahead of me.

How he could have gotten worms depends on what type of worms they are. If they're tapeworms (you'd see something that looks like flat pieces of rice, but they move), he most likely got them from fleas, and he's probably had them longer than a couple of weeks.

If they're round worms (they kinda look like pieces or spaghetti) he probably has had the larvae all along. A lot of dogs are born with round worms. We worm them as puppies to get rid of the adult worms. But they'll still have larvae encysted in elsewhere in their body. Stress, illness, or some medications can cause the larvae to activate, migrate to the stomach and from there the intestines, where they mature, and you start seeing worms. Dogs can also re-infest themselves by swallowing the eggs, which you could possibly carry into your house on your shoes. Most hearworm preventatives used now also control round worms, so that's one way to avoid future problems.

What type of worms your dog has also determines what type of worming medication is required. Modern wormers usually don't cause diarrhea, like wormers used in the past. And the medication used for tapeworms doesn't cause diarrhea either, because it doesn't work by actively killing the worms. It dissolves the protective coating they have on their body, and your dog digests them.

Now, regarding the herniated disc. Is your dog on any medications? We usually use Dexamethasone injections to start, followed by oral steroids, and some muscle relaxers for pain. Cage rest is important, and you should be instructed on exercises to help rehabilitate him once the acute phase has passed. He'll also need to avoid things like stairs, jumping on/off furniture, and any activity that overly stresses his spine. It's also important to keep his weight under control. Sometimes ultrasound treatments help, as well as chiropractic adjustments, accupuncture, massage, and swimming therapy. Many dogs make a full recovery in time, especially those who have retained bowel and bladder control, and haven't lost complete use or sensation of their legs. But remember, it takes time. And your dog will always be susceptible to future back injuries.

Good luck!

Pain management first. Watch for loss of bladder and/or bowel control. Watch for loss of back leg control. Give NSAIDS to shrink herniated material. If that doesn't work, then surgery may be needed.

I am glad to finally have somebody hear of this heniated disk thing before.
I took Duke back to the vet last week for his two week check up and the worms were tape worms. I have meds for that and I have to repaieat the dosage in I think 14 days. So hopefully thats taken care of and I won't have to worry about the worms anymore.
As for his back....The vet gave him oral steroids and a med to sooth his tummy. When I took him back last thursday for for his two week check up and he seemed to be doing alot better. He had gotten to where he would stand in his cage and seemed to be getting use of his legs back. Well since then he seems to be going back down hill. All of his steroids are over now and he barely moves and wont even stand up anymore. If he does move his back legs stay twisted underneath him. He can still wag his tail and still has function of his bowels and kidneys but I just don't know if this is normal. He said that we can't put him on pain meds because he will try and do to much and hurt himself more. We don't let him out of the cage so he is plenty rested. Any advice?

Herniated discs in humans seems to be a very common problem (my husband has one), and I'm also discovering that in many cases, treatment for pet ailments is the same as in humans, often with the same medications! My husband was put on a course of Prednisone both times his disc herniated. The steroid helped to shrink the spinal cord enough to slip back through the disk, where it belonged, so he could go back to work (hard, physical labor), without surgery. We cannot afford for him to be off work more than a day or two, or for surgery, or even physical therapy.

But for your dog, I agree with whoever suggested physical therapy-- water therapy would be ideal, since it takes all of the weight off the dog's back. If it was my dog, and I could not afford a certified therapist, I would take him down to a shallow pond or pool, just deep enough that he can't touch the bottom. Get in with him, supporting him with a hand under his belly, so he doesn't have to work at keeping himself up. If he doesn't paddle his legs on his own, then put his legs through the motions yourself--GENTLY. You might need another person/pair of hands to come and help you. Don't let him get too tired; end the session before that happens. Also, steroid medication tends to weaken the immune system, so make sure he is up to date on immunizations, and keep him away from other dogs for several months, to prevent him catching an illness.

Good luck, I hope he feels better soon. Please keep us all up to date on his progress!

I don't think this story is ever going to end!!!!
I called my vet yesterday afternoon because Duke was getting worse. So we had to take him back to the vet and he said somehow he had re-injured his back. Now I know that he has not been out of his cage so the vet said that he could have done it stretching or one of the times that he has tried to bust out of his cage. The vet kept him last night and was going to put him back on the IV steroids and when he comes back home he will have to do another round of Prednisone. So I guess this is going to start all over. I absolutely hate seeing my poor baby is going through this. He is suck an active dog and I know he is miserable being stuck in that cage.

our 9-yr old black lab ruptured a disc in her back causing paralysis in both her hind legs. She had the surgery, and we are hopeful that her recovery will be a full one, but she makes progress every day.
What I believe is the "key" is to give them glucosamine & chondroitin. I use it myself, so I spoke to my vet about the dose for her, and we both take the same. It works miracles on both humans and dogs.
I know it's important to keep your dog confined but he also needs to maintain flexibility in his legs, so if possible, try to take him out to pee & poop - just make sure you support the legs with either a harness or a towel. Massage the legs also, and try a bit of physiotherapy.
Good luck!

[wishbone]

So sad to hear that, sad but he might sometimes misdiagnosed and hope the medication right now is on the right track. Sending vibes for Duke.

Herniated discs can take a long time to completely heal. It's encouraging that he still has bowel and bladder control, and some use of his back legs. Along with the steroid treatment, you should consider glucosamine/chondroitin supplements. I've seen them work miracles.

My own personal experience with disc problems is long. I have Dachshunds, who are quite prone to disc disease and injury. One of my males injured a cervical disc (neck area) jumping onto the furniture. We went through several rounds of cage rest and steroids, but every time he finished the meds the pain would come back. Until I started supplementing glucosamine/chondroitin. After that, the pain never did return and he was fine.

Hello-
I am new to your forum, but I was surfing the web.....hoping to find a miracle for my for "Shadow". She is an 11 year old American Bull Dog whom I love with ALL my heart and soul!! She developed cancer last Nov., and had to have her front right leg amputated. She was doing really well. And if that wasn't enough, last week (or the week before......they are all running together lately ) she lost use of her right back leg. I took her 1st to my reg. vet. He had her see a chiropractor same night.. The next day I took her to Penn Vet Hospital where they did an MRI and revealed TWO herniated disks in her back! They said she was a surgical candidate, so I then took her to the surgeon who amputated her leg!! He is the BEST surgeon in the US!! REALLY!! He wanted to treat her with meds 1st before doing surgery, which I was so happy to hear. She has been through SO MUCH all ready....but she just won't give up!! She is such a fighter!! She stayed at the hospital for 7 days and has been home for 4. She is still on meds. I am going to TRY ( ? ) and take her back to get physical therapy on Mon. and also some acupuncture. (Not same day! ). I have been doing range of motion with her, massage therapy, acupressure and everything else I can think of!! She still goes out and does potty..with my help of course. I think I have a herniated disk now from taking her out..she is SO heavy!! Her main problem is she keeps knuckling her toes over and has a hard time placing her foot. I know she is old, and only has 3 legs......a lot of people would tell me I should put her to sleep. And if I thought her pain was to great, or she just didn't have the will to fight anymore...I would. Even though it would KILL ME !! But she HAS the will to live!! She won't give up!! Just wondered if anyone else might have any ideas what else I can try at home with her. I also started her back on her Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM. This such an unending nightmare!! But we are both trying so hard!! Any suggestions and prayers would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks much!!
Beth and Shadow

"What lies behind us
and what lies before us
are small compared to what
lies within us"
~ Emerson ~

[DoggieVogue]

Unfortunately, I don't have any advice for you. I have never had to deal with anything like this, but I wanted to say that the lengths you are willing to go to help your pet are admirable. My aunt had a similar situation with her GSD and an amputated leg, and it was really, really hard on her. (I don't know the specifics though.) A good many people would have just put their pet to sleep, rather than deal with all you've went through. You know your pet better than anyone, and if she's not ready to go, continue to fight with her!

Hello-
First, I'd just like to say "THANK YOU" so much for all your kind replys and helpful info!! It was very much appreciated!! But I regret to inform you that much precious "Shadow" girl had to be put to sleep on July 14th 2009 @ aprrox. 6:30PM. Needlees to say, we are ALL devastated and heartbroken!! But what makes this entire NIGTHMARE worst, is she had just gotten BETTER!! As I think I explained in my earlier post...................
she was having some difficulties with her right hind leg.
She went to Penn and had an MRI done that revealed two herniated disks in her spine. They wanted to operate, but I elected to take her to Dr Sadanaga, at The Veterinary Referral Center. He is an awesome surgeon and HUMAN BEING!! He was going to come in on July 4th to perform her surgery !! But then he thought it would be a good idea to do an ultra-sound of her abdomen first, to check her liver, adrenal glands, etc. That couldn't be done until Monday. The ultra-sound came back almost unremarkable. There was a small nodule on her liver, but Dr Sadanaga asked his ultra-sound tech what his opinion was as to whether it may be cancerous or not. The tech (whom Dr Sadanaga uses all the time and has a great deal of faith in) said he believed it to be at least 80 percent benign!! But a small miracle happened while "Shadow" was waiting those 2 days to get her test done. She began improving on HER OWN !! It was Dr Sadanaga's opinion that she may not need the surgery. So they kept her for 7 days, giving her various medications. Finally, on Thurs., July 9th 2009. she was released and came home with me!! She had her ups and downs. But there was NO DOUBT, she was fighting with ALL her heart & soul to get better!! We took her to see YOU for an acupuncture treatment on Monday July 13th. And it was a true miracle. We were helping her in with slings and after her session she stood up on her own. (She actually stood on her own the entire time we were paying the bill!! She walked out, still with a little assistance, but she was placing her foot properly and not knuckling her toes over. We were all SO HAPPY!!

The next day we all, including my 89 year old mother, piled into the car to take her to the physical therapy appointment in Delaware at Windcrest Animal Hospital I had told you about. She was seeing the same therapist that had worked with her after her amputation. When we got there, Dr Katie (the therapist) took her outside to see how good she could stand and walk. It was a hot, sunny day. It had been a LONG car ride and she was a little weak and tired. She also had some diarrhea from some pineapple we had given her earlier in the week. (she loved pineapple, but I guess with her lack of activity and the meds she was taken, it didn't sit well with her). Anyway, Dr Katie took her inside and put a Speedo (diaper) on her, and then proceeded to put her in the swimming pool. I was a little concerned by her going in the pool, first time out!! (she didn't go in the pool after her amputation until the 3rd visit.!) Anyway, in she went and Dr Katie let her go ,to try and swim. I'll NEVER forget the look of terror on her face as she flipped and flopped all over gasping for air and trying to swim and stay afloat. Bill & I coaxed her over to the side where we were, and there was a ledge for her to stand on. Her gums were WHITE!! She was breathing erratically and trembling!! We got her out of the pool immediately and Dr Katie rushed her off to see an emergency vet on the premises. We thought she was in shock!! The vet recommended doing some X-Rays of her chest and abdomen (I guess to check and see if water and or air had gotten in them). She came back into the room and said, "We have a big problem. Your girl has BLOAT !!!" I know I don't have to tell you the severity of this condition, not to mention the time factor in getting treatment!! I called Dr Sadanaga immediately. He said he could and would perform the surgery, but he was afraid "Shadow" wouldn't make it all the way to Malvern, PA. The Dr there didn't think she was a good surgical candidate. And I realized that in her present condition, being still weak from her other trauma, she probably wouldn't even make through the surgery!

So I had to make the hardest, most agonizing decision of my life!! And that was to let her go. Needless to say, we are ALL heartbroken!! She was like a baby to us and the very best friend I'd ever had in my entire life!! But what makes it hurt so much more is the fact that she had fought, and fought, never giving up for a minute to get better!! And just when she had made it to that point, thanks to your help, this had to happen!! It just seems SO unfair!! But all I can do now is pray with every fiber of my being that she is in a better place, with all four legs, running and chasing bunny rabbits and squirrels. (and maybe some cats too....
But truly, thank you so much for all your help. It really meant a lot!! And the very best of luck to all of you and your pups...I'll continue to read to the posts. Maybe I'll have a chance to help someone else the way you tried to help me!!
Best Regards,
Shadow & Elizabeth

[Lara's mom]

Yikes! I am so very sorry for your loss. I've been in that position before. I know how terribly hard it is. Honestly, there is nothing anybody can say that will even lessen the pain that you're feeling. Please know that others grieve for you.