Neck/back problem :(

[Belli]

Hey everyone, very glad to come across this site!

I have two little ones:
Parker a 5yr. Old yorkie
&
Cody a 4yr old yorkie/silky...we adopted him as a pup as a yorkie..but our vet says he's a silky.


My husband and I are hoping that we can learn more about what Cody is currently going through. Thanks I'm advance to all your input.

The situation:
5/25- Cody was playing fetch before bed as usual...after, my husband picked him up and he hellicoptered(when he squirmed with his head going clockwise, with his rear going counter clockwise).
At that time he went stiff with his neck all the way back and his legs fully extended. He put him on the carpet and Cody could not walk/stand and fell over.
He looked to be struggling to breath, and tried to get back up. At this point his front right leg was straight out, and his back left was dragging as he tried to walk/stand( looked like he was intoxicated).we both thought we were loosing

-we rushed Cody up to the emergency vet, being the time was 11PM. Upon inspection by that vet..he was lethargic, but wanted to try to stand. His neck was sore to the touch, and weight distribution was still off.
The vet suggested a shot of Torbugesic, to assist with the pain and make him drowsy. He also said we needed to take him in for radiographs first thing in the AM
That nite he passed out and did not wake until we picked him up to take to
Him to our normal vet


5/26:
-at 7AM he went in for radiographs and another inspection. This AM he was able to stand, and do his business on his own...however he was very shaky on his legs.
-the doc sent the radiographs to an expert and scheduled an appointment around lunchtime for us to come back. They were worries that it's was atlantoaxil issues.
-We got great news at our follow up appointment
The expert could find nothing wrong from the images provided...but did not rule out some type of disc slip.

Our local vet said we need to crate him for 6 weeks..and prescribed a steriod(prednisone) and a muscle relaxer(robaxin). She said that if after a week or two he still was nit back to normal, we would need an MRI.

5/27:
Cody seemed more like himself today...but is stressed out because he wants to go in walks and chase the birds that land in the yard...
I will continue to post progress and get pictures up as well.

Can anyone help diagnose what we are going through. We love this little guy and can't stand to see him like this.

Thanks again!
B

[Taryn0405]

So, if I read this right, he's on steroids and they couldn't find anything wrong with him?

Usually steroids are prescribed for not a diagnosis, but to just temporarily relieve the symptoms. I know radio graphs were done, did the specialist make sure his spine is okay, or make sure that there's no pinching of nerves??

I know I, granted I'm a human, have a bone abnormality in my right shoulder, that if I put pressure on it, I pinch a nerve in my lungs which causes labored breathing, so I'm just wondering if there's maybe something like that going on in his back.

I"m not a vet or vet tech, but steroids will simply relieve the symptoms temporarily. They aren't a diagnosis. I'm glad his feelings better, but if he's never done this before then I think something may be going on.

Can you maybe see another specialist?

Please keep us updated.

[Belli]

Taryn: you are correct..they put him on steroids and did not find anything wrong with him. The vet said we are treating it as though he has a disc slip.
The wording from the specialist is that he could not see any issues...but from the symptoms...could not rule out some type of back problem.

UPDATE 5/29:
Today Cody wants to get out an run/play....but we are restricting him from doing so. One thing I notice is that he keeps shaking his entire body a few times an hour(the shake is similar to if he was wet, and trying to dry himself)

Please help :-/

[kjc]

Maybe consider having a chiropractor take a look at him....

[lillymae]

Originally Posted by Belli

Taryn: you are correct..they put him on steroids and did not find anything wrong with him. The vet said we are treating it as though he has a disc slip.
The wording from the specialist is that he could not see any issues...but from the symptoms...could not rule out some type of back problem.

UPDATE 5/29:
Today Cody wants to get out an run/play....but we are restricting him from doing so. One thing I notice is that he keeps shaking his entire body a few times an hour(the shake is similar to if he was wet, and trying to dry himself)

Please help :-/

The shaking is from pain.

[Connie]

This sounds similar to what happened to my daughter's dog. His was a herniated disc that ended up rupturing. We had to keep him in a cat crate for many weeks...if I remember right...about 5 or 6 weeks. He was on prednisone and a pain killer and it sure was many long weeks, but he made a full recovery. If it is a back issue, the most important thing is to not let them move around. Keep him in a small crate or give him a break and let him on your lap when you can. Carry him out to go potty and carry him back in. Prednisone will give him a false sense of well being, so he may think he can do the things he wants, but don't let him as he can injure himself more. Kirby lost all his muscle mass by the time it was over, but he has gotten all that back and is walking normally. There were times when he'd have a really bad day and we'd think we'd have to have him put to sleep, but our vet would always tell us it wasn't time for that yet.

If it is a back issue, a pain med would be good for him to take. My guess that since he is shaking, that he is likely in pain.

Best wishes for Cody's complete recovery. So sorry you are going through this.

[Ellie May]

He is on steroids without a diagnosis because it is probably a disc issue which can't exactly be seen by xray. Can go to MRI ($900+) to get a positive diagnosis, but usually if one is done, the intent is to go to surery afterwards. The surgeon overseeing the case may not think this is something that should be surgically correctly right now. Listen to the orthopedic surgeon. Don't do or try anything without going through them first or risk causing more damage. Because of the location, I assume paralysis is a concern. He has to stay still which I know is easier said than done.

If he is shaking, that probably indicates pain. A lot of times when this first happens, more pain drugs are given. It is extremely painful. Tramadol and/or Gabapentin can be added in. Something to talk to the vet about immediately.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

He is on steroids without a diagnosis because it is probably a disc issue which can't exactly be seen by xray. Can go to MRI ($900+) to get a positive diagnosis, but usually if one is done, the intent is to go to surery afterwards. The surgeon overseeing the case may not think this is something that should be surgically correctly right now. Listen to the orthopedic surgeon. Don't do or try anything without going through them first or risk causing more damage. Because of the location, I assume paralysis is a concern. He has to stay still which I know is easier said than done.

If he is shaking, that probably indicates pain. A lot of times when this first happens, more pain drugs are given. It is extremely painful. Tramadol and/or Gabapentin can be added in. Something to talk to the vet about immediately.

This pup needs crate rest! What they are doing is standard....he has improved a bit since the initial injury, so they are giving this a chance with steroids to reduce the inflammation. This is common and accepted treatment!
Now, IF the symptoms should start to worsen, he needs to be seen immediately and I would suggest a board certified ortho vet for that! Any change in neurological status can be a serious problem and if surgery is needed and not done soon enough, the damage can be permanent.

I would never take my pup in the condition yours is in to a chiropractor. One bad move could spell disaster. He needs crate rest period as the vet has prescribed.\

The shaking you are describing sounds neurological to me. Shaking as if wet is not the same as trembling from pain imo; but you should ask your vet.

[lillymae]

To the OP ,I have been using Chiropractors for dogs for over 20 years for Many rescues with disc problems and have used Many diff Chiros as I have lived in Many places and not once has a Chiropractor ever hurt my dogs. I have also shared my experience with Many people and several here on YT who have also taken their dogs to see a Chiro and not one was injured by a Chiropractor. I have had dogs that were totally paralyzed from mid back to the back legs & tail & all made a FULL recovery without surgery & none had to be confined to a crate for 6 wks. I personally know people who took their dogs for spine surgery and their dog was NOT paralyzed before the surgery & after the surgery the dog was paralyzed and there are dogs that have had surgery rite here on YT that came out paralyzed. I believe ALL avenues should be exhausted before surgery should ever been considered.
Once again, this post is directed to the OP.

[ladyjane]

To the OP: The very best people to advise you on what to do with your pup in terms of appropriate veterinary care are vets who have actually seen and examined your pup!

Doing some research on the internet and asking questions on online forums is good for extra knowledge and support....but I caution you not to follow what other people say has worked for their pups unless you explore their suggestions in depth with your veterinarian first! No one can properly diagnose a pup without objective and subjective information! Any medical person worth their salt will tell you that.

Good luck! It sounds like your vet is doing a good job so far. I hope that things go well.

Also: Yes, an animal with a spinal injury can be hurt by someone who does not do the proper diagnostics first on them such as whether it be xrays or MRIs or CTscans. There is a place for alternative procedures...it is not a way to circumvent cost and it does not work for all conditions. As for comments about surgery having risk factors...YES, all procedures and medications have risk factors! We always need to look closely at benefits vs risk!

[ladyjane]

Changed my mind. Has nothing to do with the topic at hand.

[lillymae]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

I know you said it was just for the op, but your post begs a question. Why were these people's pups operated on in the first place? The ones that were not paralyzed but ended up paralyzed? Just curious.

Good question, I have asked the same question to a few & they have no answers except to say that the surgeon recommended the surgery. FYI, I have also known a few that had surgery that left their dog paralyzed & with Chiropractic & Acupuncture the dogs regained mobility. I knew a lady that had a dacshund that was 4 yrs old & had 4 back surgeries & was suggested a 5th, she took her dog to see my Chiro & her dog was like a new dog after the 1st adjustment. I'm sorry but 4 surgeries, Really 1 is too many unles the dog has a Ruptured disc or a Broken back. The key is the (Activator) as jerking & twisting should Never be done to any dog.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by lillymae

Good question, I have asked the same question to a few & they have no answers except to say that the surgeon recommended the surgery. FYI, I have also known a few that had surgery that left their dog paralyzed & with Chiropractic & Acupuncture the dogs regained mobility. I knew a lady that had a dacshund that was 4 yrs old & had 4 back surgeries & was suggested a 5th, she took her dog to see my Chiro & her dog was like a new dog after the 1st adjustment. I'm sorry but 4 surgeries, Really 1 is too many unles the dog has a Ruptured disc or a Broken back. The key is the (Activator) as jerking & twisting should Never be done to any dog.

Bottom line: Each case is different. You cannot compare them.

[Ellie May]

Remember also that things aren't always what they appear to be. The dogs that suddenly recovered from chiropractic, were they on steroids? What pain meds? Had they been rested? For how long? Were they still that day? Were new drugs recently added in? Had they been rested for 4+ weeks and coincidently started feeling better that day?

Attempting to align bones can't automatically heal a bulging disc. So whether or not an animal gets relief from a procedure doesn't have much bearing on whether or not they have to be rested. All IVDD dogs have to be rested.

Only an orthopedic surgeon should decide on a treatment plan for your pup when things get to a potentially dangerous point (and it is now).

My girl has IVDD. Still learning, but her vets are the ones who decide what we do and do not do to and for her. If you would like to talk, PM me.

[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