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Back Pain in Dogs
Fred Lanting
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Introduction
Some 70-80 % of all dogs suffer at least once in their life from backaches.
Disorders of the spinal vertebrae and their associated backaches belong
therefore to any list of most frequent illnesses in many breeds, particularly
the German Shepherd Dog. The chosen treatment procedures are dependent
on:
· the cause;
· the extent;
· the pain location;
· the neurological finding;
· The dog’s age and previous or other illnesses.
Symptoms
Frequently the owners reports that the dog no longer wants to jump
out of or into the car, climb or run down the staircase well, shows difficulty
getting up after lying a long time, does not play very long, has paralysis
or a paresis of the limbs, bunny hops at a gait faster than a walk, or
shows that it is uncomfortable in climbing decidedly steep places.
Causes
The causes of backaches are abundant, and treatment is frequently frustrating
for doctor and client/dog-owners alike. The most frequent causes are:
Slipped disk (BSV);
Cauda Equina syndrome;
Spondylosis deformans;
Facet syndrome (pain at the joints of the vertebrae);
Sacrum disorder (pain in the sacral articulation).
Diagnostic Methods
Neurological investigation;
Radiography (X-rays);
Myelography;
Diskography; and Nuclear tomography.
Therapy
The minimally invasive procedures are recommended:
Computed Tomography-directed spinal nerve root therapy (PRT);
Computed Tomography-directed vertebral infiltration-denervation with
cryotherapy;
Computed Tomography-directed infiltration of the ilio-sacral joint
(sacrum or ISG) with denervation via cryotherapy;
Peridural catheter-applied therapy on slipped disks (PDK) as used by
Dr. Ali Hassan/Salim;
Operation on the slipped disks associated with paraplegia.
Concerning the sacrum disorder, one distinguishes the functional and
degenerative form. The former is an ailment frequently accompanying slipped
disks (BSV) due to a certain improper posture caused by or associated
with pain, and appears after therapy. Faulty alignment of the spine-pelvis
axis, different lengths of the extremities (limbs) and consequently different
weight on one side of the body, tend to lead toward this sacrum disorder.
The sacrum disorder is marked with probes inserted during Computed
tomography-controlled infiltration of the ilio-sacral joint — both when
ambulatory and in sedation. While the patient lies in belly-down position
on the C-T table, the ilio-sacral joint is marked using C-T visualization.
After carefully disinfecting the area and applying a sterile covering,
the puncture needle for the peridural catheter is pushed into the ilio-sacral
joint and a small quantity of barium contrast medium is introduced. This
should distribute itself in the joint. Now the neurolysin (substance that
acts on the nerve) can be injected. The patient is immediately rendered
painless - often for the first time after many previous but futile treatment
attempts.
For slipped disks, the vertebral arch will be marked under control
with the C-T at the puncture site. Thereby one has, with the greatest possible
safety, an exact placing of the catheter at the defective disk. After careful
disinfecting, the puncture needle-probe is pushed forward up to the desired
place. After additional C-T scanning and control, the catheter is pushed
through the puncture needle up to the slipped disk. Then the catheter can
be attached to the skin in the desired position. Over the following 4 days
the neuro1ysin substance is administered. On the 5th day, the catheter is
removed after the last medication. The danger of an infection or haemorrhage
is very slight.
This method is suitable also for aged patients and/or patients with
cardiovascular illnesses and other anaesthesia risks.
In comparison with traditional operations on disks or cauda equina
syndrome, this method often allows escape from long recovery times (langwiegerige)
and anxiety treatment (Nachsorgebehandlung), and within a short time the
patient is complaint free.
From
the Schrader veterinary clinic, Hamburg Germany / Dr. Ali Hassan;translated
from the April 2002 Zeitung of the SV by
Fred Lanting. All Things Canine -- consulting division, Willow
Wood Services Phone: 256-498-3319 Fax: 256-498-3311 The Total German Shepherd
Dog by Fred Lanting this is the expanded and enlarged second edition,
a "must" for every true GSD lover. It is an excellent alternative to the
"genetic history" by Willis, but less technical and therefore suitable for
the novice, yet very detailed to be indispensable for the reputable GSD breeder.
Chapters include: History and Origins, Modern Bloodlines, The Standard, Anatomy,
The German Shepherd in Motion, Shows, Showing, and Training, The Winners,
Nutrition and Feeding, General Care and Information, Health and First Aid,
Parasites and Immunity, Diseases and Disorders, The Geriatric German Shepherd,
Breeding, Basics of Genetics, Reproduction, Whelping, The First Three Weeks,
Four to Twelve Weeks, Trouble-shooting Guide.
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The above information is simply informational.
It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you
in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian
for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.