Spondylosis questions?
Are there any reliable medications to treat this condition. If so how long can I expect my dog to have a quality of life? He is a whippet in extremely good health and muscle tone. (minus the spondylosis)
Are there any reliable medications to treat this condition. If so how long can I expect my dog to have a quality of life? He is a whippet in extremely good health and muscle tone. (minus the spondylosis)
ragapple
Favorite Answer
Pred can be a godsend in this situation - when the spondylosis can be quality of life destroying enough to make euthanasia a possibility organ damage is a moot point. When he's doing well wean him down or off keeping in mind you may need to restart pred....
Try to limit as much as possible impact from jumping off furniture or going up & down stars (none would be best, but I KNOW how casually whippets treat a jump- its hard)
sometimes they can do well for many years
PS I have a whippet continuously on low dose pred due to a different health problem for almost eight years now!
paint1boxers
Unfortunately, this is going to be a lifelong problem- Try acupuncture. I worked with an acupuncturist, and saw some real improvement in people and pets after her treatments. Steroids can cause damage if used long term, so only use if its the last resort. Also massage therapy to help his tight muscles from pain may help. a TENS unit may provide some relief. I hope you find the right combination for you and your little buddy. Good Luck, and Boxer Blessings to you both!
W.
You can only treat the symptoms I'm afraid. Steroids are used however long term use of prednisone does great damage to other organs.
TaintedPaladin
Corticosteroids, like prednisone are pretty much the only treatment for spondylosis, just like in humans. Prednisone is fine, cheap, and pretty effective.