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cathyc · 11-13-2009, 11:56 PM

11/12/09
3 weeks ago my grandson picked up my 8 year old yorkie by the neck to help her over the baby gate. I quickly grabbed her and set her down. 2 days later I noticed her tilting her head and the neck looked slightly off. I have taken her to chiropractic visits with no change. I am concerned it may be atlanto-axial subluxation or instability, but am hoping it is just a strain. She acts normal, jumping, playing, chasing cat, barking, shaking head after rain gets on her, ect. she does act like it is slightly stiff after laying down awhile. The head is still tilted and neck looks slightly off, but does not feel off to my touch, and she does not cry at all. Any suggestions?
I would like to try the arnica, how much would I give her? How much were the xrays, and anesthesia? She will need blood work to make sure she can have the anesthesia also. Any ideas the cost of the visit and all the above? I am hoping the time I have not gone to the vet will not be an extra problem for her.
I just got back from the vet.

11/13/09
Gabbie had a full exam (no blood work) and she did not whimper a bit. The vet could feel her neck curve, but felt like it is a tissue/muscle issue. Gabbie did not hold still enough for the xrays, so they had to sedate her. The 2 xrays showed the bend in her spine/neck, and a slight compression down where the neck curves. The area where the neck connects to the skull looks very good, and strong. There was no gap and does not look like there is any damage there at all, but an inch or two lower down the neck is where it curves.
The vet wants Gabbie on steroids for 14 days, (Prednisoione), and she also wants her on pain med, (Tramadol) and muscle relaxer (Methocarbomal). I have the steroid, but the other 2 meds had to be prepared at a compounding pharmacy, and cost about 50$ each. She said that the steroid can help with the pain indirectly. I was thinking I would like to use something else for the pain, like maybe arnica homeopathically? But the muscle relaxer seems like it may be important for the muscle to loosen so the neck/spine can correct and not be pulled on by the muscle. I would appreciate any advice here, as I do not want to pay the extra compounding fee unless it is the last option.
I have received some awesome advice from Val, and am wondering if anyone has any other suggestions.
I have been involved with alternative medicine for years, and administering meds is ALWAYS a last resort.
I have the steroids. Is there anything that could be used instead of the pain med and muscle relaxer that can work with the steroid? Should I try arnica first before the steroid? Can arnica work with the steroid? I think the muscle relaxer would help the muscle let go of the pulling of the spine, but would like to not have to pay the compounding pharmacy for the 35$ extra for less medication, if you know what I mean. Any suggestions?
Gabbie is resting as the sedation wears off. We will await the radiologists results, confident it is not AAI.
Anyone have any luck with a sprained neck and what kind of treatments?

11-13-2009, 11:56 PM	#1
cathyc YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Seattle Posts: 6	Neck injury sprained 11/12/09 3 weeks ago my grandson picked up my 8 year old yorkie by the neck to help her over the baby gate. I quickly grabbed her and set her down. 2 days later I noticed her tilting her head and the neck looked slightly off. I have taken her to chiropractic visits with no change. I am concerned it may be atlanto-axial subluxation or instability, but am hoping it is just a strain. She acts normal, jumping, playing, chasing cat, barking, shaking head after rain gets on her, ect. she does act like it is slightly stiff after laying down awhile. The head is still tilted and neck looks slightly off, but does not feel off to my touch, and she does not cry at all. Any suggestions? I would like to try the arnica, how much would I give her? How much were the xrays, and anesthesia? She will need blood work to make sure she can have the anesthesia also. Any ideas the cost of the visit and all the above? I am hoping the time I have not gone to the vet will not be an extra problem for her. I just got back from the vet. 11/13/09 Gabbie had a full exam (no blood work) and she did not whimper a bit. The vet could feel her neck curve, but felt like it is a tissue/muscle issue. Gabbie did not hold still enough for the xrays, so they had to sedate her. The 2 xrays showed the bend in her spine/neck, and a slight compression down where the neck curves. The area where the neck connects to the skull looks very good, and strong. There was no gap and does not look like there is any damage there at all, but an inch or two lower down the neck is where it curves. The vet wants Gabbie on steroids for 14 days, (Prednisoione), and she also wants her on pain med, (Tramadol) and muscle relaxer (Methocarbomal). I have the steroid, but the other 2 meds had to be prepared at a compounding pharmacy, and cost about 50$ each. She said that the steroid can help with the pain indirectly. I was thinking I would like to use something else for the pain, like maybe arnica homeopathically? But the muscle relaxer seems like it may be important for the muscle to loosen so the neck/spine can correct and not be pulled on by the muscle. I would appreciate any advice here, as I do not want to pay the extra compounding fee unless it is the last option. I have received some awesome advice from Val, and am wondering if anyone has any other suggestions. I have been involved with alternative medicine for years, and administering meds is ALWAYS a last resort. I have the steroids. Is there anything that could be used instead of the pain med and muscle relaxer that can work with the steroid? Should I try arnica first before the steroid? Can arnica work with the steroid? I think the muscle relaxer would help the muscle let go of the pulling of the spine, but would like to not have to pay the compounding pharmacy for the 35$ extra for less medication, if you know what I mean. Any suggestions? Gabbie is resting as the sedation wears off. We will await the radiologists results, confident it is not AAI. Anyone have any luck with a sprained neck and what kind of treatments?