|
|
Post by Douglas & Mo on May 30, 2022 14:04:29 GMT -7
[Original subject line: Early, preventative advice needed ]
Our 11 yr old Chihuahua Mr. Mo is starting to have back problems. X-Ray shows some degradation in center disks of spine. He's still too active for his own good, jumping on and off sofa and bed, (avoids ramp/steps!). We're trying to cut down on those opportunities but he's fast and sometimes sneaks by us. He periodically arches his back and shows a little discomfort. He's not overweight and takes daily walks fine.
Are there supplements, meds, braces, supports, preventative measures, etc. that we can use to slow progression?
|
|
PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
|
Post by PaulaM on May 30, 2022 14:30:29 GMT -7
Moderator Paula is reading your post and preparing a reply. Thank you for your patience AND thank you for registering! 👀 Please refresh your browser to see new replies. ➡️ EMAIL ALERTS With your registration you can set up to receive email alerts when someone has posted. Timely interaction/communications is needed when helping your dog. Bookmark your dog's thread to receive an email alert when someone has replied. Go to the GRADUATION Board: dodgerslist.boards.net/board/8/graduates 1. Look for your dog's thread and checkmark it. 2. Look for the white ACTIONS button towards top. 3. Select “Notification Options" from the pull down menu — check mark “NEW POST” change from never to INSTANT email — press the SAVE button. Click the “x” to close the window 4. Next choose the “Bookmark” See the tiny book symbol now! i.postimg.cc/GhKYTNg7/Bookmarking.jpg ** ➡️ QUICK REPLY: Easy, fast and recommended! Go to the "Quick reply" typing area at bottom of your dog's thread to write a reply. Quick Reply allows scrolling up to a previous post & back down to the "Quick Reply" typing area to continue your own post. |
|
PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,928
|
Post by PaulaM on May 30, 2022 15:08:36 GMT -7
Welcome! Is your name Douglas? Mine is Paula. If there is a wrong impression and Mo is experience a current disc episode, has seen the vet for a diagnosis and is on meds, please give details so we know how to help. The answers to these questions helps us understand the full picture before commenting: dodgerslist.boards.net/post/new/8632It is always good to be aware of diseases the Chihauhua can be prone to. Disc disease is one of those diseases. It is a prematurely aging of the discs. Typically most owners first learn if their dog was born with IVDD at 3-7 years old with the first signs of pain. Some dogs like mine showed the signs at one year old and had a surgery. Others on the forum are older. A quick overview in 10 minutes: Shortcut Thru IVDD- dodgerslist.com/2020/06/26/time-and-ivdd/ Awareness of the signs of a disc episode allow you to crate at once. Then get to a vet asap for a confirming diagnosis and the treatment is how to diminish the effects on the spinal cord. There is really no prevention as such with a progressive prematurely aging disease. What you can do is try to extend the time til the disc tears by reducing impact to the no longer cushiony discs. --- Old dogs CAN learn new tricks! Begin training Mo to use a ramp properly all the way to the floor: dodgerslist.com/2020/06/16/training-to-use-ramps/--- Make your home back friendly blocking off furniture and training to keep all four paws on the ground: dodgerslist.com/2020/07/09/home-protect-ivdd-backs--- Comments about supplements and devices: dodgerslist.com/2020/02/24/devices-supplements/Thank you for your good questions. Let's talk more about anything IVDD that comes to mind. |
|
