Neck/back problem :(

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Belli

All: thanks for your input!
I agree that each case is different...and the necessary treatment depends on that unique situation.

Staying on topic, here is today's update:
Being we had the day off...we slept in today..and so did Cody.
We had him up at 10, to feed/medicate/and do his business...from that point he slept for another couple hours...not waking up until 3pm.

To give more informAtion about the shaking behavior that he does.
He has been doing this same shake for the past year...just not in this quantity.
The reason he has been doing this is because of a grade 2 luxating petella...which he had been doing water treadmill training for.

Another observation is that he no longer curls up in a ball when he sleeps...he try's to extend all the way. Normally his ears are tucked back and head covered up and now he makes sure his head is exposed..and ears are straight up.

I took a couple short videos tonight which I will upload and provide a link to

Once again..THANKS soooo much for all your help!

Oh yeah..one other thought: I think the next step will be to get a second opinion on he's radiographs...
Any thoughts on if we need a CT or MRI ? I'll do more research about which one we need.

Thanks again!
Bella

My only suggestion is a board certified ortho vet/surgeon for a second opinion. Your vet probably has one or is already consulting with one...if not, you can search on American College of Veterinary Surgeons He/she will discuss whether additional tests are needed and what tests with you.
Good luck!

[kjc]

I do realize you'll be taking your little one to your vet or a specialist for further workup, but I'd like to post this info for others reading this thread, who may be looking for alternatives:

Consider using a vet trained in VOM:

What Is VOM?

(Especially if nothing comes up on any tests, which does happen occassionally)

VOM Practitioners do treat IVDD, and disk issues, along with other spinal problems.

[Ellie May]

That is normal with IVDD. My girl lays like a board too. It hapens mostly when she reirritates it or when pain control for that day hasn't been adequate. She also stretches all the time. It sounds like he is in pain and that does need to be addressed.

He isn't being allowed to run, jump, play, walk around the house, etc., right?

If your vet is discussing this case with an ortho surgeon, then you don't need to do anything else (if they saw the xrays, etc.). Never a bad idea to get a second opinion. Most aren't going to jump into surgery. Rest and drugs is usually tried first.

Also, since an ortho didn't do an exam, it's a good thought to go ahead and have that done.