Recovery From Bleeding In The Spine...

[Stormy]

My 9 year old Whippet has been diagnosed with bleeding in the spine and I'm just wanting to see if it's possible for him to make a complete recovery or if the reality it something else.

It's been three weeks since he was diagnosed and though he's improved he's still not that stable in the back end

I'm hoping other people's experiences might help allay my fears.

Any advice re supplements (he's on MSM as per the Vet's instructions), exercise / physio or anything else would also be greatly appreciated.

[cavNrott]

Stormy, your dog needs to be seen by a specialist. I'm surprised your vet didn't refer you at the first sign of a spinal issue.

I wouldn't consider physio, chiro or anything else until the dog was assessed by a specialist.

[Stormy]

We did get a second opinion from a Greyhound Specialist (who deals with racing greys), is that what you meant? or are there spinal specialists?

Neither vet referred us to anyone else.

[persephone]

orthopedic person ?

Sorry to hear the news

[VizslaMomma]

We did get a second opinion from a Greyhound Specialist (who deals with racing greys), is that what you meant? or are there spinal specialists?

Neither vet referred us to anyone else.

That was my worry. I am glad you got a specialist to check.

What did he suggest?

:)

[caninephysio]

If the diagnosis is correct, the IM assuming the 'bleeding in the spine' means a fibrocartilagenous embolism - a tiny clot in the spinal cord.

This condition is sudden onset, typically not painful for the dog.

There is no veterinary treatment for this - only rehabilitation will help your pet improve.

But it does require typically a CT scan for an accurate diagnosis to make sure there is no disc prolapse. This has to be perform med by a veterinary surgical specialist

How quickly the dogs recover depends on severity of signs at the outset.

Typically if your pet is walking already by 3 weeks post incident then return to function should be almost if not 100%, but should certainly have some physio exercises to perform at home.

How is he currently?

[Stormy]

Thanks Persephone, my biggest fear is that he'll never be the same again

VizslaMomma - Vet No2 was happy with the treatment Vet No1 recommended. Onsior for two weeks and complete rest, then small walks to maintain muscle / strengthen his back. Vet2 put him on the MSM, which is ongoing.

I was told it would take 4-6 weeks for him to recover, I'm just really worried that may not be the case

[Stormy]

If the diagnosis is correct, the IM assuming the 'bleeding in the spine' means a fibrocartilagenous embolism - a tiny clot in the spinal cord.

This condition is sudden onset, typically not painful for the dog.

There is no veterinary treatment for this - only rehabilitation will help your pet improve.

But it does require typically a CT scan for an accurate diagnosis to make sure there is no disc prolapse. This has to be perform med by a veterinary surgical specialist

How quickly the dogs recover depends on severity of signs at the outset.

Typically if your pet is walking already by 3 weeks post incident then return to function should be almost if not 100%, but should certainly have some physio exercises to perform at home.

How is he currently?

Thanks caninephysio, Storm is able to walk now least which wasn't the case initially. When he first gets up in the morning he's a bit more unsteady on his legs, once he's been moving a bit he's better, but he still loses his back end from time to time. We've kept him in a playpen to limit his movements for the last three weeks but we were going to give him access to this level this weekend to encourage a bit more movement, thinking maybe the fact that he's been contained has weakened his legs - we could be wrong though.

[cavNrott]

We did get a second opinion from a Greyhound Specialist (who deals with racing greys), is that what you meant? or are there spinal specialists?

Neither vet referred us to anyone else.

I would definitely had the dog assessed by a specialist vet who deals with spinal issues. Ask your vet for a referral.

My dog had spinal surgery done by a specialist veterinary surgeon. My dog became paralysed from the shoulders down and he now walks and runs normally. He had a ruptured disk so his problem was not the same as your dog's issues but I would still see a specialist surgeon.

[Stormy]

Thanks cavNrott. I've been tossing up about taking him back for a follow up next week, and I will, but I didn't know if I was over reacting as the 4-6 weeks aren't up yet I'll ask about a referral too.

[sas]

There's a couple of Great Danes on this group that have had it, one recovered well and one lost the use of a leg: https://www.facebook.com/groups/120723964605582/?fref=nf

[juice]

I would go back for the follow up, and ask about getting the CT scan and referral and see what he says.

Happy to meet the girls there any day , call me :)

[VizslaMomma]

Thanks Persephone, my biggest fear is that he'll never be the same again

VizslaMomma - Vet No2 was happy with the treatment Vet No1 recommended. Onsior for two weeks and complete rest, then small walks to maintain muscle / strengthen his back. Vet2 put him on the MSM, which is ongoing.

I was told it would take 4-6 weeks for him to recover, I'm just really worried that may not be the case

sounds encouraging then, Stormy.

Paws crossed for daily improvment & HUGS to you for being such a caring Momma.

[Stormy]

There's a couple of Great Danes on this group that have had it, one recovered well and one lost the use of a leg: https://www.facebook.com/groups/120723964605582/?fref=nf

Thanks sas, those are the kinds of results I'm wanting to hear about, to see what the odds are of a full recovery :)

I would go back for the follow up, and ask about getting the CT scan and referral and see what he says.

Happy to meet the girls there any day , call me :)

juice for being an awesome friend (as always :D), I'll let you know when we can get in.

sounds encouraging then, Stormy.

Paws crossed for daily improvment & HUGS to you for being such a caring Momma.

Thanks VizslaMomma :)

Here's Storm on week 1 (blue blanket) and week 2. He's now getting very frustrated and wanting out from Alcatraz, especially when he hears the other three fur kids romping in the garden.

[VizslaMomma]

Most gentle of cyberhugs to Storm

What a honey