scipio Posted July 10, 2008 Report Share Posted July 10, 2008 I have an elderly dog who is suffering with back problems. He is generally wobblier on his legs now but we are having what the vet thinks is intermittent disc problem, resulting in the collapse of his back end, giving him pain and the sudden inability to stand/walk (trapped nerves/arthritis). Vet has him on metacam etc. They are avoiding x-rays cos of his intolerance to anaesthetics and his age and the fact that we wouldn't put him through an op, in any event, at this stage of his life. They don't think it is cancer because of the intermittent nature of the problem (however, we are having less time between 'attacks' now) We have also tried a few sessions of osteopathy but, although the 1st session saw an improvement, things seemed to be worse after 2nd/3rd sessions. Basically I think getting up from a lying position to standing is what is putting the most strain on his back. We are trying to make sure we give him a helping hand as much as possible but can't be there every minute of every day needless to say. Apart from this he is a happy dog with a good appetite and still enjoys life. It has now been suggested we try acupuncture (a vet would administer). I wonder if anyone has any experience of back problems such as these and the use of acupuncture? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackmagic Posted July 10, 2008 Report Share Posted July 10, 2008 my bitch had accupunture for arthritis in her spine. It did help her. She started with one treatment each day for week and then weekly for four weeks, then as needed. She also was treated with a Tens machine on a daily basis during the first week. This was all done by a homeopathic vet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scipio Posted July 11, 2008 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2008 Thanks blackmagic, perhaps it is worth a go then - undoubtedly my dog has arthritis and probably some nerve trapping. Will ring the insurance company today to see if they cover the cost or whether we need to find the pennies (££s!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gnasher Posted July 11, 2008 Report Share Posted July 11, 2008 Gnasher has been having acupuncture for spinal pain for over four years now and it really helps him. We were initially asked to try three consecutive weekly sessions and warned that initially it might make him worse but that is usually a sign that it is working so not to worry too much if it did. He had previously been on metacam which did not really help with the pain but was clearly happier the day after his first acupuncture session and the following two - we then switched to sessions whenever I felt he needed it and have kept him pretty much pain free for four years like that. I am insured with petplan and they pay for it with no problems. His problems have got a lot worse this year and he is starting to lose the feeling in his back legs so we are seeing specialist vets too at the moment but the acupuncture still seems to be helping keep him mobile and pain free so we are sticking with that too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachelpirate Posted July 11, 2008 Report Share Posted July 11, 2008 Wilbur has been having acupuncture for his hip/shoulder/back pain, and after about the 3rd session I really saw a big difference in him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scipio Posted July 11, 2008 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2008 Thank you for the responses. We have heard from the vet, who will come and assess our elderly lad to see whether it may make a difference to him. I am not sure that he is in that much pain on a day to day basis - he seems too happy and smiley. But when it 'goes' he obviously is and of course is unable to stand, balance, walk etc. Generally speaking however he is a lot wobblier than he was a couple of months or so ago. thanks again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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