Disc Problem in Neck

[osur914]

Has anyone ever heard of a dog having a disc problem in their neck? I have a 5 yr old female lets out a scream when she bends her head down to pick up a bone or food. Vet initially said he thinks it is a disc problem and told me to give her aspirin along with her food. Is there any successful surgery available?

Thanks

[roadweed]

Are you feeding and watering in an elevated bowl? If not I would definately start. Other then that, I don't know much about disc problems.

[osur914]

Yes, I have her food elevated about 18 inches but she still doesn't want to eat out of the bowl. Her water bucket is about 18 inches tall and I keep it full.

[JD102175]

Vet initially said he thinks it is a disc problem

Wouldn't it have been a good idea for the vet to take an x-ray?? If it were Brodie, Misha, or one of my cats and the vet thought there might be a disc problem, I'd order the vet to take an x-ray, especially if the animal in qustion lets out a "scream" when the neck gets bent. If it is a disc problem and the disc ruptures couldn't that cause the dog to become paralyzed?

I hope your girl is feeling better soon!!



Jaime

[roadweed]

I was just remembering that I took a class once with a chiropracter who treated animals one day a week. Perhaps you can look into something like this?

[Carina43]

I'm no vet, but it sounds like that should be x-rayed...even a competent chiropractor should require x-rays before doing any work.

Better yet an MRI, really...since x-rays will only show bone. I've had a blown disk in my lower back, it ain't fun! They can heal up themselves without surgery. I think it's a good idea to feed her in elevated bowls like roadweed said, and try to avoid having her stress that area...I would want to know exactly what was going on with the dog, if she were mine.

[osur914]

Yes, I am very disappointed that she wasn't x-rayed. I had her in to have an entropia corrected and she was already under sedation. I thought it was a tooth problem and wanted him to clean her teeth and check it. All he said was to 'watch' her for a few days and see if it gets better, that there was no sign of a tooth problem. I'll be calling him back Monday to set up xrays.

[Anne]

I certainly would not be 'watching' a dog for a few days that screams in pain. Xrays NOW. Yes I have had a Rott with disc problems but she was 12 1/2 years old. Unfortunately it was not a ruptured disc but more serious and complicated. Unfortunately I had to have her PTS and did this while she was anaesthetised for the xray. An orthopaedic surgeon was overseeing this and phoned me as soon as the xrays were taken to inform me she would not ever walk again and was not a good candidate for surgery at her age. I lost this dog 18 months ago and mourn her and miss her every day of my life. I am convinced we did what was best for her. Please go back to your vet or better still get an opinion from another vet. I would not be happy at all with a vet who would 'watch' while a dog is in excruciating pain. Help your dog.

[kala]

Just a shot in the dark, but have they run a Tick Panel on her? I had a Rottie who acted like she had either bad ear infections or a neck problem, crying and yelping when she moved her head and neck. I made a vet appointment and by the time she went in she had no feeling from the shoulders down. With a blood work-up it was diagnosed she had Erhlicia (a tick borne disease). They can run the Ehrlicia test right in the vets office now and at least you could rule that out if it comes back negative. I have my dogs tested every year now for that when they check for heartworm. I had not seen a tick on my girl for years so tick borne diseases never crossed my mind.
Good luck and if your vet won't work with you, I would find another vet who will.
sue

[Judy Chrusch]

If the vet said it sounds like a disc I'm just wondering why he hasen't said what needs to be done next. A couple aspirins certainly won't take care of the neck problem. Something could be pinched, it could be anything. If it were my dog I'd demand X-rays then you'll know exactly what you're dealing with, then you could go to a chiropractor who works on animals, show them the films and take it from their but if the poor thing cries with pain, you must do something. I wouldn't be too quick to jump into surgery either, JMO. I hope it's something simple and she feels better soon but I wouldn't wait any longer bc damage could be done with ongoing activity, aspirin only masks the original problem. Let us know how things are with her, get another oppinion if need be. Take care.

Judy

[osur914]

I spoke to the vet this morning and have an appt. Monday for xrays. He told me that he suspected a cervical disc. That would require wearing a brace around the neck and complete confinement for 30 days. Then removing the brace and seeing if she is healed. If not, surgery.

[spoteet]

Please get your dog seen by someone who will take this seriously!!! I lost my Mojo to neck spinal problems. He had a slipped disc that could only be seen by and MRI or a mylagram. X-rays DO NOT pick this up. He had this problem for almost 3 years before I found a vet who didn't just tell me he had pulled a muscle! By then, the mass was so huge, there was so much tissue damage from the surgery. He recovered completley from the surgery but over the next year scar tissue built up and damaged his nerves all the way to the center where the deep pain region is. He suddenly, within a few hours, collapsed and never got up again.


Please, please seek another opinion.

[Tri-Star]

I had a dog with disc problems in the neck. It would come and go for years. He would turn his head a certian way and let out a yelp. That is how I would know it was time to see the doggie chiropractor. It worked really great. It would take a few treatments and rest but he would feel better in no time. Be careful not to pull the dog by the collar, If you walk the dog get a harness.