Need help with research for therapy dog

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Hello! I hope this thread doesn't get closed...I need someone to point me in the right direction. We have a golden retriever who works as a therapy dog with our pts. He is the best dog ever!!! He's having some problems with his back - x-rays show vertebral fusion, and basically his back is just a mess! I don't know all the details, I just know he is in a lot of pain and the treatments thus far have been unsuccessful. He is only 5 years old, and he's miserable. They might have to put him to sleep, and we really don't want that! Everyone loves him so much!!! Here's the question - does anyone know of a website or anything where I can find information about spinal problems in goldens? All I can find is hip dysplasia, and as far as I know his hips are actually okay. Basically, we just want to try as much as we can to help him feel better, because he brings so much joy to so many people. It's like he's a palliative care pt now, unfortuntely. I know this isn't a nursing issue per se, but it is quasi-nursing related, and not asking for medical advice! Please don't close, mods!!!! And to anyone who can point me in the right direction, I will be forever grateful! PM or reply ASAP if you can help! Thank you!!!!! :redbeathe

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I'm not sure what to tell you, except I'm sorry your dog is in so much pain and that you both have to go through this. Our furry family is very important.

Have you looked in your area for specialty vets? I know mine has a ton. Also we have a lot of alternative pet vets who do acupuncture and things of that nature. I don't know if it would help, but it might not hurt to look into it.

Best of luck to you and your Golden.

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how recent are these xrays?

and what do you mean that his back is just a mess?

who is taking responsibility for his medical care?

and when was he seen by a vet?

dang, i would hope at least he's receiving pain mgmt.

it could be as manageable as arthritis, or could be a cancer.

who knows?

only testing would reveal this.

here's a couple of links.

if i can receive any detailed info, i'd be happy to search for you.

it kills me to hear of dogs suffering.

http://www.barkbytes.com/bremed/gldret.htm

http://www.handicappedpets.com/Articles/intervertebraldiscdisease.htm

leslie

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i noted this link after i googled "vertebral fusion" in golden retrievers.

sorry...link doesn't work.

it was about "wobbler's syndrome?"

leslie

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Miko014:

Is there a Veterinary School through a state university in your area? They may be able to direct you to a local vet who is familiar with this type of problem. Or, you could also contact the American Kennel Club--many times they can guide you to websites, contacts, etc. who may have info available. Just a thought!

((hugs))

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Does the dog have intervertebral disc disease, spondylosis, or something else? I've seen many different presentations of spinal problems in dogs with successful outcomes. It takes time to get the symptoms under control and pain management is key. And it takes dedication on the part of the dog's owner to provide the medication and commit to the physical therapy exercises.

Here are a few links I found on the subject:

http://www.dogsinmotion.com.au/index.php

http://www.petshealth.com/dr_library/grd.html

Golden retrievers are some of the best dogs. Hope he gets better. :icon_hug:

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Therapy dogs are AMAZING...just brings a lump to my throat...

Do you have any holistic veterinarians or animal specialists in your area? A friend of mine has been helped a lot by holistic specialists, both for herself and for her furry companions...worth consideration...

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Thanks for the links guys. I don't have time to look at them right this minute, but I will later this afternoon. I really appreciate the help.

I am wondering whether he has some kind fo sponylosis. That's what I'm planning to check into this evening. The x-rays were taken about a month ago, and he was last seen by the vet yesterday. He had a cortisone shot and is moving a bit better now. He's going to be on prednisone for awhile, and of course, he has to take tagamet too because of the pred effects on his little tummy. So sad that he has to go through this! I don't know 100% of the details because I wasn't at the appointment with her. I'm going to talk to her this evening and see what exactly she remembers him saying. It sounds like he explained it to her that "his back bones are growing together, and so he can't move very well and is in a lot of pain". When I saw him yesterday, he just seemed really stiff. My guess when all this first started was that he had a bad tooth, because it seemed like he couldn't chew right. He holds his head at a weird angle to take his treats or anything from you. I thought, well, they will have to pull a tooth, or else maybe he has an infected tooth or something they can treat with abx and he will be fine. But nope, they did that x-ray and were very surprised at how bad his back is!

My friend owns the dog, and she just doesn't have the money right now for a specialist. I'm afraid that he would get into a specialist and find out that the would need like a super expensive surgery. If she finds out that he needs surgery, she is going to want to get it for him, but there is no way she could afford it right now - the x-rays almost broke the bank for her! That's why I am trying to do research on my own. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to cure this pup - I just want to make him feel better so that whatever time he has left is good time. I guess I'm just looking for some doggy palliative care! See the thing is, he isn't dying. He's just miserable. And soon it's going to get to the point where it is cruel to make him suffer like that. That's what's going to be the hardest part. That's why we want to make him feel better now!!! Thank you all, you have no idea how much I appreciate this!!!

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Not sure where you are located, but you may wish to consult with an orthpedic vet and get their opinion on things. And as mentioned above, check with the vet schools in your area.

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