Ruptured disc

[MickiD]

This is my first time using this so hopefully it will make sense. My first cocker spaniel who is three years old SUDDENLY ruptured a disc in her back 7 months ago. After emergency surgery from which we weren't sure she would be able to walk I am thrilled to say that she is walking (awkwardly but so what) and making wonderful improvement. While I can see some days are worse than others and the vet has my giving her Rimadyl on those days, my real concerns or questions for anyone else who may have been through this are: First she continues to have problems with her bodily functions. I'm not convinced that she knows when she is having an "accident" of either sort so this is somewhat stressful. Can I anticipate improvement or her ever regaining control.............any projection of how long, etc. Basically the vets have no idea. The other concern I have is that I have another cocker who is two years old now (not related). Should I be concerned that this will happen to her as well??????? Any information you can share will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[Gio]

I can't offer you any advice unfortunately but I wanted to welcome you to the board. I hope that your dog will get better soon, I'm sure some of the others are going to be more helpful, we have some real experts here!

[lizbud]

I find using http://vetinfo.com to be
very helpful. Try looking up Spinal Disc injuries.
It's a very good site. Liz.

[Albea]

Another good site for information is:
http://petvets.com
Welcome to this board and good luck with your pups' health.

[Dixieland Dancer]

My GUESS would be that just because one had this problem does not mean the other one will. Even if they were related, this does not sound like something that is hereditary.

The links posted should be able to provide some info.

Oh and, Welcome to Pet Talk. It is a truly addicting web site with lots of great people who love pets on it!

[jackiesdaisy1935]

Hi MickiD, I can't give you any advice, but I would like to welcome you to PetTalk and we will keep our fingers and paws crossed that all goes well with your pup.
Jackie, Miss Daisy and Perry

[tatsxxx11]

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that your pup suffered this trauma! I am, however, perplexed that the vets are unable to give you any prognosis re: return of bladder and bowel control. Have they ever mentioned the extent of nerve damage to the spinal cord/nerves following the rupture? Does she have any sensation in her lower extremities? Does she respond to painful stimuli in her legs, i.e. does she "respond" to a slight pinch or prick in her legs working downward to her feet? Since you say she is walking, I'm assumig that she does have quiet a bit. Have her motor skills been progressively improving? That would be an indication of nerve regeneration, and a hopeful indication that bladder/bowel control may improve as well. Alos, after surgery and trauma such as this, it is not uncommon for those smoot internal muscles that help to control bladder control may have suffered some temporary atrophy and her anal sphincter may have less sensation; she doesn't get the "gotta go" signal! Sorry to overwhelm you with questions! Any chance of seeing a doggie neurologist/neurosurgeon in your area? As to the chance of your other pup suffering from the same condition, I don't know of any predispostion of Cockers to disc probelms. But you really should ask your vet about that. Was your doggie engaged in some physical activity when the disc ruptured, or did the vet mention any specific cause, e.g. degenerative disc disease? I would definitely seek advice from a vet more experienced in this area if your vet is unable to answer your questions; for your peace of mind! By the way, did he/she prescirbe any physical/hydro therapy? Give your pup a big get well kiss from me, and and a HUGE hug for being such a good patient! If I come across any further info., I'll pass it along. But please let us know how she's doing! And welcome to you MickiD! I hope you'll stay around! Fondly, Sandra, Cody and Star

[Pam]

MickiD, I am sorry but I too have no answers for you but do hope that your little one will improve with time. I also would like to welcome you to Pet Talk. It is probably the best place on the internet. At least that's what all of us think! Hope you'll stick around!

[lizbud]

MickiD,

Hi. Just wondering if any of the links were helpful to you
and how your dog is doing now ? Depending on the extent
of the rupture, it might take some time to heal. I hope you
have been able to get some answers or ideas to help you
and your dog cope with this. Prayers & Best wishes. Liz.

[Sudilar]

Hoping that your poor pup is doing better.

[sasvermont]

http://jproxy.uole.com.ve/jproxy/http://www.escribe.com/pets/persianrescue/m463.html

I had a kitty with vertebrae damage and was given a drug called bethanacol.

hope this helps/

[MickiD]

Thank you to everyone who has and continues to reply to my post. The links have been helpful and I am looking for a specialist relating to the nerve damage but they are hard to come by on the Cape. Sorry for not replying individually, but frankly, I can't figure out how to. This is a great system and I am touched by all the support.

[Albea]

Originally posted by MickiD
I am looking for a specialist relating to the nerve damage but they are hard to come by on the Cape.

I asume when you said the Cape you refer to Cape Cod. If so, is there any way you could make an appointment at the Tufts University Hospital. for Small Animals? The number is: (508) 839-7918
There are in North Grafton, MA. It is a long drive for you, but they have the most advanced equipment and really wonderful vets. I hope you can find some help for your pup there.

[tatsxxx11]

Micki, I live on Cape Cod, if that's where you're from. Definitely Tufts or Angel Memorial in Boston. Both institutions do phenomenal work! Please keep us posted, OK??