Rotti with spondylosis

[JUDY S]

Hi all,

I have a ten year old Rotti with spondylosis. I have been noticing for several years that she would periodically limp for a while and then it would clear up so I thought she had arthritis. This summer I noticed that the limping wasn't going away after several weeks so I was going to go to the vet to make sure it wasn't something more serious. Before I could do that she jumped off of our two foot deck to chase something. Because of her age, I wasn't letting her do any jumping but she didn't take the time to ask if it was okay.

Two days later she was having a hard time with her back legs not working and we immediately went to the vet. To make a long story short my vet wasn't very helpful so I took her to another vet 400 km's away. He did x-rays and said that she has spondylosis and one of the worst spines he has ever seen. He said that there is nothing we can do but keep the pain under control and when she can no longer get up it's time to say good-bye.

She is on Metacam and doesn't seem to be in pain, she eats and is otherwise a happy girl. Her legs are getting worse and she falls more now then ever. It has been about two months since she jumped off the deck, and if she continues to get worse at the rate she is she won't be able to get up soon. I am struggling with the fact that I am suppose to make the decision to put her down. So here is my question.

Am I selfish for wanting to hold on to her? Can she live a happy life without moving her back legs? I know at some point she will loose control of her bladder and bowel movements and I'm not sure what to do then. It gets -40 here during the winter and I know that won't be good for her. Does anyone have any experience with this? I could use some help.

[Traci]

Was the second vet a board-certified orthopedic surgeon? If not, I would not make any hasteful decisions without having the professional opinion of a board-certified orthopedic vet. Depending on the severity, sometimes surgery can help, sometimes other palliative care methods.

Do a search on google for "wheelchairs for dogs" or similar search terms, and check out handicappedpets.com.

Only you and your vet can determine her quality of life, but generally, if she is otherwise enjoying her environment, eating/drinking sufficiently, is aware of and enjoying her surroundings, etc, consider palliative care and/or methods like the above to help her get around. Pain control is crucial in a case like this, but you also need to be sure her bloodwork is tested while on any pain medications.

Please don't "give up" without having seen and talked to a board-certified orthopedic vet surgeon!

[JUDY S]

Thanks Traci.

I don't want to give up. I looked into seeing a specialist, but he was going to charge $2500 just for diagnosing her plus the cost of travelling 800 kms. It's just not something we feel we can do unless we know they could help her and that she would be with us for a few more years.

I have been doing a lot of googling!! I will try the handicapped site.

[Marty]

It can be considerably less expensive to see a Vet at a Vet School. Our experience at UGA for Biscotti was top notch.

[E's]

It can be considerably less expensive to see a Vet at a Vet School

This is true in many US states, I think and probably applies elsewhere - my experience was mostly with LSU in Baton Rouge, LA... But the trick may be in obtaining the referral: if possible, look for vets who make a point of remaining associated with ongoing programs and special studies of the university from which they graduated.

[JUDY S]

I looked into vet schools and unfortunately they are really far away!! The vet I took her too is really good, he recently won an award for all of Canada. But on a positive note, she had a really good day yesterday. I do also have her on a glucosamin/condroiton/msm supplement that the vet gave me and I am hoping that will make a difference.

If she does become paralyzed, will her body stop knowing that she needs to pee? Will I need to help her with that?

[Traci]

Whether it is flaccid bladder or incontinence, your vet would be able to direct you on whether or not the bladder would need expressing. He can teach you how to do so, but it MUST be done gently and properly or one risks bladder rupture, which is serious and could be fatal. Best to always have the vet show you, then have you do so a few times with the vet present so you are more comfortable and learned. Also remember when he teaches you how to do so, when the body is in different positions, it can be difficult to locate the bladder for expressing, so you'd want to ask him about different positions and how to locate the bladder in each.

[JUDY S]

Thanks Traci

[JUDY S]

Nik is doing quite well, but her incontinence is getting worse. I have been cleaning up poop for some time now and slowly she has started leaking and peeing more and more. I have rugs everywhere to make it easier for her to walk, less slippery. I would like to put something easier to clean down, especially in her room. Anyone have any ideas?

[Traci]

You could try plastic floor runners, or other type runners.

I still contend you should attempt to see a board-certified orthopedic surgeon. Your current vet's failure to refer you or even CONSULT with one on your behalf kind of speaks volumes.

How can you know the incontinence is really incontinence or a nerve or pain problem? When did the vet last suggest a potential urinary tract infection? Urinary retention indeed can cause UTI's. When was her last urinalysis?

Are you keeping in contact with the vet?

Is she still on Metacam? When was her last bloodwork to check her kidney and liver function? (this MUST be done when on lengthy courses of pain meds or NSAIDS).