Spondylosis

[Nitro's Mom]

Just went to the vet Saturday for x-rays and our male has been diagnosed with Spondylosis and mild, mild dysplasia. I have been reading posts related to spondylosis and see that several members are using chiropractic vets. At what point did you determine that this was needed? He doesn't seem to be in much pain (not that he would let on that he was anyway!), just a little slow getting up after laying for a period of time and occasional limp. We changed to canidae about a month ago after reading such favorable posts regarding the food. I know that glucosamine/chondrotin is in this food, but see that some members give additional amounts in varying quantities. 1) how much should we give him and 2) has anyone seen this help the spondylosis? Our vet said to give ascriptin as needed, but didn't recommend any additional glucosomine. We took the label to show him what the ingredients were in the great food. He is 5 years old and needs to loose a little weight. He is a big boy at 135 lbs., Doc wants us to lose 10 lbs. We started that regime first thing Sunday. We try to walk at least 1 mile a day. Any help would be greatly appreciated. He is our baby, along with our girl Bailey. Somebody dumped both of them together and we adopted them 4 years ago next month. Best move we ever made!!!!!!

[Rottlva]

Yes, my 5 year old has this. He is kept very, very light at 100lbs and 27.5 inches.... He is all muscle... no fat ( he has a lighter build for correct breed type). That was the biggest thing....he was 117lbs @ diagnosis..... He is almost as good as fixed after the weight loss.

I am also sure to limit the jumping and twisting that he does.... the biggest things are: jumping on the bed, in and out of vehicles, no frisbee or ball... things like that.

I do supplement with glycoflex, and am happy with the results, I also give vit c and vit e. I have feed solid gold and raw on and off.... he seemed to be better on the raw, but I was inconsistent for awhile so I can't tell you 100%


We do alot of swimming, I can't think of a better exercise. I also walk him alot, and limit off leash romps ( he gets the zoomies real bad).

Lastly, I made a concerted effort to cheer myself up. My dog was so down because of me being so depressed over the diagnosis.... Turned out with some lifestlye changes and a positive outlook, he did so much better, we even are competing in obedience now!!!!

So, chin up! These guys read your heart.... I really believe half the battle is attitude.

[Nitro's Mom]

Thanks so much for your post. How much of each supplement do you give (vit e & c and glycoflex)? We have recently purchased a pet ramp to keep him from jumping in and out of our jeep, but really have to watch him jumping on the bed. That's his favorite place to be when watching animal planet with Bailey. He doesn't like the water at all, I have tried to get him to swim with me at the lake...but no way mom am I getting in that water!! So we just walk, no off-leash though, no safe place to let him go. He will run full out across the yard sometimes (we have a very large fenced yard) when playing with Bailey. Will keep the chin up, thanks for the reminder, we are fortunate it isn't worse!!!

[Rottlva]

Hmm... I give 1 glycoflex, 500mg, and 1 vit e capsule ( ? mg) at each meal.

I also forgot to tell you that we did Adequan shots, accupuncture and T Touch in the beginning!

But..... I think the diet, combined with weight loss was the key!

If your dog won't willingly swim, maybe try some hydro therapy?