Herniated disc

AmyTamulonis · 02-03-2012

Hello everyone!

I have a 2 year old mixed breed dog who, sadly, suffered a herniated disc exactly 2 weeks ago while playing with his mom in the back yard. I was in the kitchen when I heard him cry out and when I got there he was dragging his back legs around in circles. We went to a neuro vet who, after many quite expensive tests, determined he had a herniated disc. He could not move his back legs at all and cannot urinate by himself (I have to express his bladder every few hours...) but he could feel pain and had basic reflexes which was a good sign. The vet said that he could be treated with medication and therapy at home and that surgery wasn't absolutely necessary (but recommended... I jus can't afford it!). He's on medication and after two weeks I'm happy to say that he can lift up his back and kind of drag the tips of his paws around. He doesn't nuckle his paws and can kind of stand up for a few seconds. He still cannot walk though and he does not have total urination function yet. Was wondering if anybody had a similar story and could help and guide me through this? I live in Portugal at the moment, and people (including vets...) are very negative here and won't give me straight answer and just point out what is not improving as they would like. Anybody have any information or tips about this issue? How long does it take to recover, and is he on the right track? I love this dog with all my heart and what to learn everything I can about this subject to help him.

Thank you!

CorkyMax · 02-04-2012

Personally I think it is like playing Russian Roulette. If it wasn't severe and the vet thought it might be okay and mend --I might consider no surgery but I know if it is going to get worse and the poor dog is in pain and/or permanently paralyzed then I would feel so guilty and if that happened you will have to do what you are doing now to take care of the dog or worse--have to put him to sleep! I do know that it can get worse if something isn't done about it and after so long of waiting and you decided on the surgery--It might be too late to fix it. Things may be permanently damaged and unrepairable. No expert here--just mostly my opinion. I hope someone in this forum with more experience or knowledge on this will post you! The weekend is usually a slow time in this forum--You may not get an answer before next week. Which is another reason I decided to reply something! (as this may not be a good thing to wait on too long!) I found this on the net: Pet Columns, Office of Public Engagement, College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Also here is a long thread/posts from this forum done a while back---I think it will help you some and where you see Mr. Vega's posts----He is a vet student so he should give good advice!---> Herniated DiskAnother thread and be especially alert to the last post by the vet student Mr. Vega!--> Healthy pit/lab with herniated disc

What is the med(s) (steroids) that your dog is on? You have to be careful with them--esp. prednisone! Here is another link that will tell you about prednisone--and note there are 2 links within one of the posts that you can click on! I can see that your dog needs this medication to help take the pain, etc. away right now--Just know that that is prob. why your dog may not act like he is in any pain--I don't know for sure but if/when he goes off this--you may notice problems as this stuff just covers up the symptoms. Here is the link: Elevated Calcium level----That last link is for you to know more about steroids and not the elevated calcium problem.

You prob. have researched the web on your dog's problem--Put words: dog herniated disc in your browser which is how I got the very 1st link I gave you. I noticed a lot more sites listed that you might want to check out. You might want to research whatever meds you are giving--> dogs (name of the med(s) you are using) side effects. It is always a good thing to check out any medication that you are prescribed!

Hope your dog is going to be okay and doesn't need the surgery. I guess, like mentioned in the threads/links--you are keeping him from being too active--needs complete rest I think and are careful when handling him--He may not show signs of pain, etc because of the meds but it could still do more damage and slow the healing if things are not careful. Sorry, I sound like a mother hen but I love dogs and just want what is best for them! And please keep us updated as we tend to worry if we never hear back--always think the worst if not seeing any hopefully good news! What is your dog's name? I was going to say--Give him a hug for me but guess that wouldn't be a good idea with the herniated disc. Good luck!!

AmyTamulonis · 02-04-2012

Hello again!

Thank you so much for replying! I have read most of the information on google and, yes, it is kind of a toss up. I am a student and truly cannot afford the surgery and have no one who can help me financially. If it were up to me I would most definitely select the surgery. I want what's best for him! The special vet I went to was very insistant in the beginning that he almost certainly would need the surgery. Since after he performed several tests he said that in his professional opinion he did not need the surgery though he would heal faster, I thought he would be ok considering the way he was pushing it in the beginning.

My amazing dog's name is Albert by the way!

We're starting to cut down on his meds so he's getting a bit uneasy. It's very hard to see him go through any discomfort or pain. this dog is very special to me... I was there at his birth and it was love at first sight. I can't bear it! I would like to know other people's experience to help guide me through this!

Sincerely,

Albert & Amy

CorkyMax · 02-04-2012

I hope you are talking with your vet on how to slowly wean Albert off the steriods---Is it prednisone? I hope I gave enough info on how you have to be cautious and not just go cold turkey on stopping a steroid. You have to allow the immune system enough time to start working again.

Here is one more link about what to look for--side effects, etc:

Prednisone Side Effects in Dogs

Hope to hear Albert is doing well --keep posting good updates.