VallejoSheltie
Forums Enthusiast
So we recently took Boots (13) to a local vet that has a Rehabilitation therapy unit to better address some front leg stumbling/limping he had gotten worse.
Vet was awesome and after picking him up and moving and squeezing him, immediately said his front legs only had mild arthritis and suggested a better series of xrays and blood test.
New xrays especially from above showed:
T1-T2, T2-T3 with about no disc visible probably impinging on his front leg nerve,
Hip Displasia, both hips rather ovaled out and rough looking.
Then the blood test came back with ALP at 980 (118 is max for normal) indicative of Cushings.
Primarily 85% caused by a benign tumor on the pituatary gland, or on the adrenal glands, its not painful in an of itself however in most dogs especially elderly a 2 year prognosis is normal.
Here are the 5 P's of Cushings to watch for:
polyuria and polydipsia (increased urination and drinking), polyphagia (excessive hunger), panting, and a pot belly appearance.
Owners may notice changes in the skin and coat, such as symmetrical hair loss on the body or a thinner skin.
Had a full-day test to confirm and determine pituatary/adrenal, which should be back this week.
Currently Trilostane is the gold standard used for both, which blocks an enzyme which is needed for cortisol production. It takes some blood tests to tweak to proper dose and is a lifetime requirement.
To address the hip displasia, the vet suggested we try a mild sedatation and injections of Hyaluronic/cortisone injections into the ball/socket area which can last up to a year, before potentially looking at shockwave therapy.
We went with the shots, and free laser therapy and after a couple of sore days, he's definitely improved in the hip area, getting up is easier and he's a little more motivated.
I can't find it at the moment, however read a recent study that compared HA vs Glucosamine or Type II Cartilidge. 300mg orally and the HA appeared to be significantly superior to OA and similar joint problems. Vet was fine with me going with that, where it should help with the displasia, but doubtful it will do much for bone on bone T1-T3.
If I get the chance to look around, I'll update with the study*.
*Most of my comments regarding studies are actual studies by NIH or similar official orgs. No facebook/social media mumbo jumbo/viral PR...
The front leg was also injected, however there is still some occasional stumble/limping, which is due to the nerves being impinged at T1-T3. They've given him a couple sessions of LLLT/Cold Laser complimentary, however its difficult to say whether they did anything or not.
So, Cushings should not be causing pain, and should be addressed with medication.
The hip displasia has been addressed for the time being, and does not appear to be causing much pain.
He just chased 3 deer 300' in our backyard the other day. Not nearly as fast as he was in his prime, but appeared immensely satsified with himself.
The IVDD on the front legs/spine are probably a bit more painful, and not sure we're going to be able to afford the treatment plan of therapy they are suggesting.
His current medicaiton is Gabapentin 200mg 2x/day, and he's getting ~50mg CBD 2x/day.
I just had to move him on the kitchen linoleum floor and pulled him by his rear feet and he just looked at me curiously. So I tried it from the front paws and again no sign of pain or discomfort or attempt to get up and avoid.
I have an Amazon consumer ultrasound that does actually work pretty well when I've used it on myself, although it primarily causes molecules to bounce around and heat up under the skin. The LLLT/Cold Laser I've thought of as similar, however more research seems to show it does more than just heat, and somehow does appear to assist better at assisting healing while also lessening pain and inflammation. If I can find one thats reasonable and with appropriate wavelength and power output I will definately get one if it means I can give my boy a daily spot of relief.
The CBD seems to be helpful still, especially since the vet had us stop the Carprofen/NSAIDs.
I'm very not happy ATM, however I know a lot of folks have situations that are more heartbreaking so....
If I feel that the laser therapy does make an impact, and I can find on reasonably priced, I'll update this thread if anyone is interested.
Vet was awesome and after picking him up and moving and squeezing him, immediately said his front legs only had mild arthritis and suggested a better series of xrays and blood test.
New xrays especially from above showed:
T1-T2, T2-T3 with about no disc visible probably impinging on his front leg nerve,
Hip Displasia, both hips rather ovaled out and rough looking.
Then the blood test came back with ALP at 980 (118 is max for normal) indicative of Cushings.
Primarily 85% caused by a benign tumor on the pituatary gland, or on the adrenal glands, its not painful in an of itself however in most dogs especially elderly a 2 year prognosis is normal.
Here are the 5 P's of Cushings to watch for:
polyuria and polydipsia (increased urination and drinking), polyphagia (excessive hunger), panting, and a pot belly appearance.
Owners may notice changes in the skin and coat, such as symmetrical hair loss on the body or a thinner skin.
Had a full-day test to confirm and determine pituatary/adrenal, which should be back this week.
Currently Trilostane is the gold standard used for both, which blocks an enzyme which is needed for cortisol production. It takes some blood tests to tweak to proper dose and is a lifetime requirement.
To address the hip displasia, the vet suggested we try a mild sedatation and injections of Hyaluronic/cortisone injections into the ball/socket area which can last up to a year, before potentially looking at shockwave therapy.
We went with the shots, and free laser therapy and after a couple of sore days, he's definitely improved in the hip area, getting up is easier and he's a little more motivated.
I can't find it at the moment, however read a recent study that compared HA vs Glucosamine or Type II Cartilidge. 300mg orally and the HA appeared to be significantly superior to OA and similar joint problems. Vet was fine with me going with that, where it should help with the displasia, but doubtful it will do much for bone on bone T1-T3.
If I get the chance to look around, I'll update with the study*.
*Most of my comments regarding studies are actual studies by NIH or similar official orgs. No facebook/social media mumbo jumbo/viral PR...
The front leg was also injected, however there is still some occasional stumble/limping, which is due to the nerves being impinged at T1-T3. They've given him a couple sessions of LLLT/Cold Laser complimentary, however its difficult to say whether they did anything or not.
So, Cushings should not be causing pain, and should be addressed with medication.
The hip displasia has been addressed for the time being, and does not appear to be causing much pain.
He just chased 3 deer 300' in our backyard the other day. Not nearly as fast as he was in his prime, but appeared immensely satsified with himself.
The IVDD on the front legs/spine are probably a bit more painful, and not sure we're going to be able to afford the treatment plan of therapy they are suggesting.
His current medicaiton is Gabapentin 200mg 2x/day, and he's getting ~50mg CBD 2x/day.
I just had to move him on the kitchen linoleum floor and pulled him by his rear feet and he just looked at me curiously. So I tried it from the front paws and again no sign of pain or discomfort or attempt to get up and avoid.
I have an Amazon consumer ultrasound that does actually work pretty well when I've used it on myself, although it primarily causes molecules to bounce around and heat up under the skin. The LLLT/Cold Laser I've thought of as similar, however more research seems to show it does more than just heat, and somehow does appear to assist better at assisting healing while also lessening pain and inflammation. If I can find one thats reasonable and with appropriate wavelength and power output I will definately get one if it means I can give my boy a daily spot of relief.
The CBD seems to be helpful still, especially since the vet had us stop the Carprofen/NSAIDs.
I'm very not happy ATM, however I know a lot of folks have situations that are more heartbreaking so....
If I feel that the laser therapy does make an impact, and I can find on reasonably priced, I'll update this thread if anyone is interested.
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