Spinal Trauma

Dave · Enlightened One

Spinal Trauma

Anyanka · Master

This condition is most common in dachshounds because their spine is too long in relation to their short legs. My first dog had it and was treated with cortisone injections (this was a very long time ago, by the way, in the 1970s). She recovered the use of her hind legs, but died of cancer a couple years later which may well have been related to the huge amount of cortisone.

Lorna · GAL Shop Co-Ordinator

Hi

I found this interesting article which might be of some help or give you some ideas anyway -

http://www.greyhoundz.net/Gideon/Still%20Flying.htm

It was on www.greytalk.com and the dog concerned is a whippet who injured himself doing flyball training. He made a good recovery with the help of a special chair.

Also there is a Pet Therapy centre on the south side of Glasgow near Kinning Park and the vets from the Vet School use it too - tel 0141 429 0019. I rang them for advice as I am taking Harley there soon for some Hydrotherapy on his leg and they advised they do treat dogs there with problems like Fern's. Might be worth giving them a call. If you get referred by the vet school it might be covered by your insurance if you have that. I use Lloyds and they class it as alternative therapy which is covered.

Wishing Fern all the best for a speedy recovery.

-- Edited by Lorna at 12:59, 2006-08-23

susan · Rookie

Many thanks to everyone who replyed.

I have to say that Fern has made remarkable progress in the last three weeks since her injury.

Her initial injury caused her to lose all control and feeling in her rear legs and tail.

Over the past few weeks she has become very depressed and confused.

But since she has come home from the vet hospital she has progressively accepted how she is and has perked up.

Three weeks on and she is able to walk on her own (a bit shakey though).

She still drags her left rear leg but things look promising for the future.

Will keep you up to date on her progress.

Lesley · Guru

That sounds very promising Susan. Have you considered the hydrotherapy mentioned above by Lorna? Since she is getting movement back in her legs it sounds like that would really help her. The dogs wear buoyancy aids so there's no risk of her drowning, and you can go in the pool with her to reassure her. Why not ask your vet for a referral.

Here is the link to one in Glasgow - there may be others nearer you:

http://www.loansdean.co.uk/index.html