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THERE IS HOPE
Posted by muttz on April 03, 2003 at 21:50:50:
In Reply to: severe arthritis in the spine posted by chew on April 03, 2003 at 04:52:07:
My dog also has this condition.
There IS hope. My traditional vet said similar things to yours (although I think your dog is a bit further along than mine) - "basically not much you can do - just some medication, and don't exercise so much".
My dog was diagnosed about 9 or so months ago - and he's IMPROVED.
Firstly, I got a lot of information from other people who have had dogs with spondylosis. I found this actually very positive (apart from a couple that went "oh its a horrific disease and my dog died from it" - but these are people who didn't take any alternative action). I heard from people whose dog's spines were completely fused or whose dogs were completely paralysed - and their dogs came back to live from 3 to 8 years happily and fully.
These people all had a lot of success with DIET. Yep. All fed a good raw diet with a variety of different supplements.
Feeling better, I had a consult with a homeopathic vet. She told met that not only could I make my dog's life more comfortable - but the condition may actually be REVERSED in some cases. Apparently bone sometimes fixes itself! Anyway, she prescribed a couple of homeopathic remedies and gave me more diet tips.
Then I discovered a supplement called Sasha's Blend. Its an Australian supplement so it may not be readily available in the US but I am sure something similar will be (www.sashasblend.com.au is the website). Its got all the stuff that works! (go there to find what I mean - I'm useless at spelling - okay here goes Chondrotin and Glucosome!). Anyway, this stuff was brilliant - I actually got worried that my dog would injure himself he became so lively!
My dog was diagnosed early - but he was very stiff and sore, couldn't jump up into car or walk too far (he is only 3 years old). Came on and then he'd go good again (he was an agility dog). Now, after less exercise, diet change, supplements, homeopathic remedies - he is back to chasing his ball again. The walks are still not as long as a year ago - but he can handle an active 30 minute walk again. He bounds up onto the couch and bed - and into the car (after a long walk he might ask for a hand!). We've gone backwards a couple of times, where he has gone a bit stiff, but mainly we've gone forwards.
My traditional vet said he'd have a shortened life and wouldn't be able to do obedience any more.
Well, we are back terrorising the obedience club again!
He lost a lot of condition at first, but he's now looking great again - and his coat is glossier than ever. Best bit, he has the sparkle back in his eye.
Now, I know it sounds like your dog is further along than mine, but I've heard of dog's with completely fused spines living a good few active years... If you need any further info, let me know (this is probably a bit of a muddle).
But don't despair... there is hope!