[parkers80]

I have a 10 year old Boxer who has been diagnosed with 4 herniated disc. We realized that he was having back problems because he began having accidents in the house. I took him to the vet thinking it could be a bladder infection or something and was told it was his back. We began him of a series of weekly shots and rest. My boxer has never been crated or confined so he got very destructive which resulted in the vet telling me to take him off of restrictions because he would cause more harm by trying to escape. During this time, he started yelping when being touched or playing on occasion, dragging his left front foot and loosing his grip on the hardwood floors and slipping. I've also watched him have accidents and it is almost like he doesnt realize he has to potty until it's too late. I'm guessing he can't feel the urge. I've also noticed weird things such as the hair on his back raising on only one side like he is mad, but he is calm and doesnt seem to notice. My vet decided to put him on prednisone and I have not seen any improvement. Things just seem to be spiraling out of control... still having accidents, we've had bloody paws from him dragging his foot, he has destroyed baby gates and walls/doors from being confined, and he seems to be in pain.

Since he is 10 years old, I'm seriously trying to figure if surgery is a route in which I should take. I've read that surgery is not always successful with back issues and I'm concerned that with the life expectancy of a boxer, the surgery alone would be difficult for him to recover from.

Has anyone had any experience with herniated disc and can give me some advice?

[Mr. Vega]

Parkes80,

As a previous boxer and doberman owner, this case kinda hits me. A past dobe of mine had what we call "wobbler's syndrome." It's another disease affecting the spinal cord that presents much like your boy so I know what you're going through. I am a veterinary student, and, I see disc protrusion cases like yours come in quite a bit - our neuro ward of the small animal hospital is fantastic.

This is a difficult place, no doubt about it. You've just about reached the life expectancy of a boxer, and, surgery will be a lot for him to handle. You're probably right about him not feeling the urge. Nerve tracts carring sensory information (called proprioreception) up the spinal cord are the largest and subsequently the first to be effected by intervertebra discs protruding into the spinal cord. It could also be that sensory and motor innervation are effected. Some of these dogs are not only unable to feel the sensation of a full bladder, but, they've lost the ability to provide enough nervous input to the bladder to keep urine in it. I certainly would never make it my place to tell you what to do here, but, if you want I will write myself a note and go consult with some of the neurosurgeons tomorrow after I finish pathology rounds. They could give a ballpark figure for what surgery would be and post-op prognosis for a senior boxer.

If you want me to do that, please include (if you know) which discs are effected.

Again, I'm sorry this has happened.