| One of the most painful and frustrating diseases to treat in dogs is degenerative disc disease. This common condition can be seen in any breed, but is particularly common in long-backed breeds which tend to gain weight, such as Dachshunds, Beagles, and Bassett Hounds to name just a few. |  |
In healthy dogs, the disc material between the spinal vertebrae acts like shock absorbers in allowing smooth movement of the body. A variety of reasons ranging from obesity, over vaccination, overuse of certain topical pesticides, and genetics, have all played a role in the degeneration and mineralization of this disc material, leading to protrusion of the disc material on the overlying spinal cord. This causes varying degrees of spinal cord compression, pain, inflammation, and gait abnormalities.
In the worse case scenario, complete paralysis of the limbs can occur, often requiring immediate emergency surgery. In other more common cases, disc diseases will flare-up periodically with an unpredictable severity and course. Many dogs are in such pain that we are left prescribing either nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like Rimadyl, Previcox, Deramaxx, or even stronger cortisone type drugs. Muscle relaxants like Methocarbamol, as well as mild narcotic derivatives such as Tramadol are also often prescribed.
It should be known, however, that none of these drugs are long term solutions for dogs because in some instances the pain returns with often worsening symptoms. That’s why there is no condition that is crying out more for complimentary or holistic veterinary medical options than dogs with chronic back or disc problems. Modalities like chiropractic, acupuncture, homeopathy and physical therapy can all potentially help those cases where drugs alone have failed.
In situations where your only conventional medical option is a $10,000 dollar surgery, I would always try other holistic modalities first, unless surgery is absolutely necessary or your pet is in a paralysis crisis. Nutritional supplements, including Omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants like Proanthozone, as well as Yucca Intensive can also ease discomfort in some patients and be safely used long term. To locate a veterinarian skilled in these modalities see www.AHVMA.org or www.theAVH.org
Read Related Posts on PetMeds Blog:
2 Comments
Poor pups they end up gettting the same conditions us humans get. As with humans we should try to find natural alternatives since NSAIDS only make matters worse as stated in this post. A healther option would be omega-3 with an antioxidant combination such as moxxor which are antiinflammatory and do not have the horrible side effects NSAIDS have ie leaky gut, hearing loss, ulcers and worsening deterioration of the joints.
http://www.mymoxxor.com/nutrition4thesoul
Susana RN
[Reply]
Moxxor is a MLM scheme. It’s unfortunate that people looking for ways to help their pet have to sift through this type of garbage from bottom feeders like yourself look to make a buck.. From my research, anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS) can be very helpful in relieving stress on the spine and as a short term treatment, prevent further stress/damage to the spine. Omega-3 is a supplement and not a replacement. I hope people reading this will take guidance from their trained VET and not scum on the internet trying to send you to their MLM link. Here is my link:
http://www.google.com/search?q=moxxor+scam
[Reply]
Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian Reply:
August 14th, 2011 at 10:44 pm
Omega 3s can certainly be helpful especially when used early. However the record of most conventional drugs including NSAIDs and even cortisone is very poor in treating severe disc disease, which is why I always make a case for alternative medical options such as chiropractic as well as acupuncture http://www.AHVMA.org
[Reply]