Article From SubmitYOURArticle.com: Spinal Conditions Affecting Dogs

Spinal problem treatments are often expensive,
with many failing on the first try. Spinal
conditions in dogs can be hard to diagnose due to
them being related to a number of causes and
overlapping symptoms. Spinal problems can be the
result of congenital spinal defects, injuries or
age-related issues.

Degenerative Myelopathy typically occurs in
mature dogs. It usually shows itself with rear
leg weakness. One side may be affected more than
the other, however the weakness can be in both
legs. Rather than the inability to control
movement, DM features the difficulty in moving.
This is a progressive condition that starts in
the rear legs and moves forward, finally reaching
the brain stem. There is usually no pain.
Bladder and bowel function usually remain intact.
The dog may drag his feet. DM is a genetic
disease.

Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD) is a
degenerative disease which may have a
genetic-related predisposition to premature
degeneration of the spinal elements which can
lead to damage and injury. The spinal disk
becomes less flexible and sooner or later breaks
down. This compresses and inflames the spinal
cord and its membranes and nerve roots.

Wobblers Syndrome can occur in multiple forms but
all of them feature a misalignment of the
cervical vertebrae (the neck vertebrae). The
symptoms include an unsteady or wobbly gait.
Found in the middle-aged to elderly dogs, as well
as in very young dogs, are the two typical
clinical forms of Wobblers. Dobermans are
inclined to get the form for older dogs; Great
Danes are likely to get the form for juveniles.

Lumbosacral Disease describes disk problems with
the lumbosacral space along the spine. It can
include misalignment or disk degeneration.

Spondylosis Deformans usually occurs in
middle-aged or elderly dogs. It is usually an
age-related degenerative condition that features
vertebral instability and damage. It may be
painful and cause problems in mobility.

Tumours that can develop along the spine are
referred to as neoplasia. Depending on their
size and position the tumors can have different
affects on a dog. Some of them can be very
serious. Osteosarcoma, fibrosarcoma,
chondrosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma are the most
common.

If your dog has trouble walking, exhibits pain
when he walks, when shifting position, trying to
rise or lie down, or seems to have limited
mobility, it's a good idea to see your
veterinarian. He may be able to diagnose a
spinal problem before it becomes worse. Many
therapies can help your dog and there are some
holistic treatments that have proven successful.
Acupuncture is said to help some dogs while joint
supplements have helped other dogs. Some people
have tried Chinese herbs with success. Even
using an holistic diet has been beneficial to
some owners and their dogs. Surgery is not the
solution in every case. Even reducing your dog's
weight can help in many cases.

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