Ongoing neck problem, on top of hip dysplasia

[LORHEL]

Back from the vet, after having Adequan shot #6. Makita has had a ongoing soft tissue problem with her neck. A couple years ago, she underwent a couple weeks of Rimadyl and restricted activity. It came and went twice.

Its not been a big cause for concern, but when she underwent a dental cleaning in April, and was having the hips xrayed, I also had them xray her neck/cervical spine. I wanted a complete picture.

Now that she is appearing again to be in pain from this, as she yelps out from time to time when she is what I call "shaking out" flapping around, whatever you want to call it after they get up, or especially after getting a bath... I hadn't been able to determine this, as I thought she was crying out from pain in her hips.....

I've always suspected when she was hit by the vehicle in 2001 before I adopted her, that it was her right side, that took the brunt of the injury. Although all I have to go on is what the vet here saw, after the former "owner"/xxx brought her there two days after the accident.

My vet himself is not an orthopedic vet. However, they do have one in the practice who is. After explaining what had been going on recently, we had another office visit today in conjunction with the adequan shot. When he turned her head a certain way, she yelped. This has happened before, but she is not doing it consistently. So not only am I dealing with getting her treatment for her hip dysplasia, and all that entails, this neck problem is surfacing again.

Doctor pulled out her xray films from this April, and in examining her vertebrae, he noticed something of concern. What it adds up to is possibly the equivalent of a bulging disc in between the cartilege in her neck.

He is going to have the orthopedic surgeon look at it again, and get back with me. This is not an emergency situation, but again, I am faced with what do I do??? Pain medication, rest, a myleogram???? He mentioned that may be an option down the road if this keeps persisting, or I am assuming if the orthopedist finds something as well.... As always, I'll do what's best for her, but I am really frustrated that she has to go through all this after what she's already dealt with. I hurt when she hurts. And I feel totally lost because I've not been this route yet with a dog. Any suggestions or experiences, I greatly appreciate your time!

[moondog]

I think you need to wait and see what the ortho vet has to say, and come back with his recommendations.

If you're using a regular collar on her, you should switch to the "Sensation" harness to keep pressure off her neck. It works great, lots of control, and no pressure on the neck.

[LORHEL]

Okay, I will. I have a weaver leather collar, been using that for about a year or so now... I will check into this. I've not used a harness before. Tried the gentle leader when I first got her, but other than that.

Do I use this in addition to her collar? Just hook the leash on to the harness instead. (sorry I'm an idiot about this stuff).

[moondog]

You can use it clipped to her collar, but it's not necessary and for her I wouldn't. You don't want any pressure on her neck. You can leave her collar on if you want, it won't interfere. This harness is nothing like a gentle leader. The leash clips to a ring on the chest and I can tell you without a doubt that it works great, even on a dog that pulls. I didn't believe it until I tried it.

Here's the website:
http://www.softouchconcepts.com/

[frontierrots]

Elisha injured her neck years ago. Very badly. she had the same symptom you describe PLUS she refused to go out if any other dog was in the yard because the slightest bump made her scream.

We ended up keeping her crated except to potty and put her on a 10 day tapering dose of steroids followed by 3 weeks of yucca, glucosomine and higher doses of vit C.

She was exercised singly for oh gosh, at least 6 weeks but I think it was closer to 3 months.

Even so if she runs into another dog with her head she yipes and then won't go out with them for a day. But 99.9% of the time all is well. She's 12 now and still very spry

[Ayoka]

if it's a structural this might not be a good idea but I'm wondering if canine massage would be benefical. I know for humans with back problems it can be beneficial and the MT's need not necessarily touch the painful spot in order to get things feeling better.

Might be worth asking the Ortho vet about it.

[LORHEL]

Yes, I'm going to get a book on the massage that's out there and see what I can do myself for her.

FR- yes, that sounds very similar, as last night, she would not lay on her side to sleep, she propped her head up rather than laying flat on her side. She's done that before when the neck hurts. I couldn't get her to relax enough to try, even for a belly rub... I'll post again once I find out what the ortho says, but for now, she will be taking it easy with lots of rest and no bouncing around.

THANKS all.