Lab with mysterious physical problem

[MollieGirl]

I have a mixed 8 year old Yellow Lab whom I adore. When she is lying down (frequently on her right side), she will sometimes appear startled and turn her head and bark & growl at her hind quarters/left side. This episode has been occurring 8 - 10 times daily for the past 4 months, but seems to be increasing in frequency. She has Spondylosis and one veterinarian thought that a muscle spasm was the cause, so Mollie has been treated with Cosequin, Robaxin, Dermaxx, and antibiotics. The espisodes continue throughout the treatment (which has been in process for 3-4 months).... Another veterinarian thinks Mollie is having small seizures. I don't think so -- she is wholly alert and responsive during each episode which lasts only a second or two. The episodes only happen when she is lying down and never in the car or when we are playing (she's an excellent retriever). I'm not sure if she's in pain when she growls at herself, but she certainly doesn't appear to be happy. She eats very well and has no other problems. Nor does the problem seem related to the passage of gas (which I've observed in other dog cases). Anyone have any ideas regarding the cause of this mysterious behavior???

[Traci]

Speak to your vet about a possible nerve root irritation or compression (painful events). Don't know what her activity level is, but if this seems to happen after an exercise or activity time, it will be exacerbated due to strenuous activity.

Did your vet ever discuss a surgery option with you? If surgery is the least bit possible it may be a better option than treating with NSAIDs that may not be targeting the problem at all.

[molliegirl]

Thanks Traci....Mollie's growling episodes occur at different times, but the increase after exercise is significant. With my vet's approval, I play ball with Mollie daily at our Florida doggie park, but I declined to do so today, nor did I give her the medication (which is expensively useless)..... She's much better tonight than she has been in several days. I'll see how she's doing tomorrow. And if, as I suspect, she continues to do well without medication or exercise, I'll take her to a 3rd vet -- a neurologist who is only a two hour drive from my home. At least it's a beginning. Thanks so much for your supportive suggestion. I am very grateful!

[davet]

ask your vet about a 10 day regime of low dpse prednisone...if there is a positive response it will give a clue as to what is the cause

[davet]

dpse, when translated means dose....sheeesh

[Guest]

dpse, when translated means dose....sheeesh

Thanks davet..... I'll use your suggestion and Traci's suggestion. One can never have too many suggestions. Much appreciated. And thanks for the translation -- I never would've guessed.