Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84 exptools; site ihuxm.UUCP
Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!cbosgd!ihnp4!ihuxm!mmst
From: mmst@ihuxm.UUCP (m.s. turek)
Newsgroups: net.pets
Subject: Re: DOGGIE BACK PROBLEMS
Message-ID: <1321@ihuxm.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 3-Oct-85 11:24:17 EDT
Article-I.D.: ihuxm.1321
Posted: Thu Oct  3 11:24:17 1985
Date-Received: Fri, 4-Oct-85 04:59:47 EDT
Distribution: net
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories
Lines: 69

SORRY IF THIS IS A REPEAT, BUT DUE TO MACHINE/OPERATOR ERROR I DO NOT
KNOW IF THIS REPLY EVER GOT TO THE NET FOR POSTING.

Our Cocker Spaniel had similar symptoms (lameness in rear legs)
about 2 years ago, when he was 4 years old.  "Quincy's" original
vet first took X-rays, diagnosed hip dysplasia, and told us to
give him aspirin when they symptoms occur.  Well, the symptoms
were continuous by the next day, and having some knowledge
of animals and several friends in the veterinary field, I found
problems in this diagnosis and treatment.  

I obtained the X-rays and took them to my vet technician friend
and a friend who is very familiar with treatments for hip
dysplasia.  Neither saw hip dysplasia in the X-rays.  The 
technician pointed to the cervical (neck) vertebrae, and my
other friend recommended her vet.  So the next day I took
Quincy to the new vet who identified the cervical vertebrae
problem.  Quincy was given Butazolidine as well as something
called Maaulite (I'm not sure of the spelling).  He was given
one injection and about 5 days worth of pills.  The symptoms
subsided almost immediately, provided Quincy didn't 
exert pressure on the vertebrae by jumping or climbing stairs.
Along with the drug therapy, we were to apply heat (preferably
damp) to the neck area three times a day.  Also, a massage
similar to accupressure was applied along the vertebrae
(which Quincy loved).  At the end of 5 days, we returned to the
vet, had more X-rays, which showed some improvement, and were
given pills for 5 more days.

During the drug treatment and for about 6 weeks after we 
could not let him climb stairs and carried him up and down.
Walking was not restricted.  After stopping the drugs, the
only care that was given was the heat massage and to slowly
re-introduce some activity.

Although Quincy didn't (as far as we know) suffer any injury
as did your dog, I would still opt for this type of treatment
before surgery.  The night before Quincy exhibited these symptoms
we were playing fetch in the house.  He may have slid on the
kitchen floor and caused something to slip out of place.

The most important thing we learned is the
need for a knowledgeable and patient vet.  Our first vet who
diagnosed hip dysplasia, was describing surgery to correct
the problem.  However, if there really is a tumor or some
obstruction, then surgery may be needed.

Just some more information --
Since we had received conflicting diagnoses, I wanted to get
a third veterinary opinion.  My vet technician friend recommended
an orthopedic vet specialist.  He concurred with the vertebrae
diagnosis and treatment and explained that certain breeds of
dogs are prone to spinal problems in different areas: neck,
middle back, etc.  Some of these are poodles, dachshounds,
cockers.

Anyway, I hope this makes you feel better.  Going through this
experience of improper diagnosis caused me to realize how important
that second opinion is.  I was fortunate in having some background
from my volunteer work in wildlife rehabilitation and some
contacts in the veterinary field.  I hope that those who don't
have such and advantage aren't willing to blindly accept 
what their vet tells them on serious problems.

By the way, should anyone in the western Chicago suburbs want
either of the veterinarian's names and locations that properly
treated this condition, let me know.

Marla Turek