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Post by Jackie & Molly on Oct 3, 2018 8:14:02 GMT -7
Surgery 3 years ago, limping today and a few weeks ago
Hello. My 9 year old spaniel mix, Molly, was diagnosed with IVDD in 2015. She had a big rupture, had surgery, and recovered well. Had a couple episodes in the 6 months or so following the surgery, but got better after crate rest and has been doing well for the last two years. About 6 weeks ago, she was limping and moving funny. I took her to the vet and he investigated and took x-rays and said everything looked good - probably just a strained muscle and she looked better the next couple of days. She is limping again today and overall I feel like she looks stiff when she walks sometimes. I am wondering if others have continued problems with this sort of thing due to IVDD and aging and it is just part of the deal or if it should be worrisome. I am not sure that another regular vet check up would tell me anything. I think if I went to the neurosurgeon again, they would likely do an MRI and possibly tell me that her spine doesn't look good? I'm just not sure it's worth spending all the money when it's probably either a torn muscle, aging, or potentially something spinal related that doesn't have many treatment options. Just wondering what others have found to be the case with sporadic limping.
Thank you.
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 3, 2018 8:59:28 GMT -7
Jackie, with a 9 yo it could be arthritis, it could be a mild beginning of a disc episode. When signs are mild of pain only (stiffness, favoring a limb) it does make it difficult to diagnose. What other signs of pain, if any, do you observe? SIGNS OF PAIN ◻︎ shivering-trembling ◻︎ yelping when picked up or moved ◻︎ slow to move ◻︎ tight tense tummy ◻︎ arched back, ears pinned back ◻︎ head held high or nose to the ground. ◻︎ restless, can't find a comfortable position ◻︎ slow or reluctant to move much in crate such as shift positions ◻︎ not their normal perky interested in life selves + pain from neck disc: ◻︎ looks up with just eyes and does not move head and neck easily. ◻︎ not eating due to painful chewing or in too much overall pain ◻︎ holds front or back leg flamingo style not wanting to bear weight
If there is any suspicion of a disc episode then, you crate at once to prevent the suspicioned disc from further bulging , tearing further and then affecting the spinal cord (limbs, bladder diminishments). IF a disc episode then the vet will prescribe an anti-inflammatory to get the painful swelling resolved. Crating allows the disc to heal. Most disc episode are not diagnosed with an MRI, but knowing the breed, the dog's past hisitory of IVDD and how they present themselves at the hands on exam. Even xrays will not proove a disc episode, but are used instead to rule out other diseases only IF, IF the vet is suspicious that something else may be going on (bone fracture, tumor, bone infection, etc.)  |
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Post by Jackie & Molly on Oct 3, 2018 10:58:39 GMT -7
Thank you for the response. No other symptoms at this time. Her last episodes have included tight tummy and shaky back legs and those symptoms are not present. The regular vet thought it could be arthritis though it didn't show up on xray. But I am always worried because she is an IVDD dog. But I think you have reassured me to wait and see. Maybe my good girl is just getting a little old in the joints.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 3, 2018 13:05:10 GMT -7
It would not be a bad idea to crate, call your vet and see what his take is. Always prudent to protect the spinal cord when a dog who was born with IVDD act suspicious...in an effort to keep a suspicious disc from worsening.
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