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Dog Back ProblemsDog back problems can range from a small problem like a pulled muscle to something more serious like a herniated disk which is one of the main
causes of dog back pain.
Although dogs do a lot less back bending and twisting than we do because they don't walk upright, that doesn't mean they don't suffer from back problems.
Besides the occasional pulled muscle, they also suffer from more serious back problems such as vertebral malformations, vertebral dislocations, bone fractures, and even
cancer of the vertebrae.
Perhaps one of the most common causes of dog back problems is intervertebral disk disease, or "herniated disk".
Dog Back Problems - Disk Herniation
Disk herniation occurs when the interior "jelly" becomes calcified and hard and loses its shock-absorbing property. Pressure or trauma can then cause the calcified jelly
to rupture, or herniate, causing a part of the disk to protrude (bulge) upward into the spinal canal, where the spinal cord resides. This protrusion puts pressure on the
spinal cord, resulting in a whole range of problems, such as back pain, lameness, loss of feeling
and function of the limb, etc.
There are two types of disk herniation:
Dog Back Problems - BreedsLong-bodied dogs with short legs (such as Basset hounds, dachshunds, beagle, Shih Tze, and Pekingese) are prone to disk extrusion. This kind of disk herniation is seldom caused by trauma such as being hit by a car. It is a genetic predisposition due to the animal's stretched-out shapes with relatively little support for the spine. As such, herniation in these breeds usually occurs in the middle of the spine. Large breed dogs (such as Labradors, German Shepherds, and Doberman Pinschers) are more prone to disk protrusion. It is usually caused by a disk weakened by degeneration due to age or physical trauma (e.g. being hit by a car), or the onset of a disease (such as cancer). TopDog Back Problems - SignsThe onset of disk herniations can be either acute or chronic. When the herniated disk puts pressure on the spinal cord, the dog experiences pain ranging from mild to intense. If the herniation occurs in the middle of the back, you can see the dog arch his back up due to back pain. If it occurs in the neck area, the dog will become reluctant to move his head due to neck pain, and may even stop eating and drinking as he does not want to lower his head. Other signs include:
Dog Back Problems - TreatmentIn mild cases, conventional treatment include medications, crate confinement and rest with minimal physical activity for several weeks. Medications include:
Dogs that are obese are more prone to develop back problems because of the extra pressure on the spine. It is therefore important to keep your dog's weight in check - this will help relieve or even eliminate some back problems in dogs. Top Dog Back Problems - Natural RemediesExcept in the more severe cases, natural remedies and dietary supplements can be used for pain relief and prevention of dog back problems. Glucosamine and Chondroitin A dietary suppplement containing glucosamine and chondroitin is highly recommended to help repair and strengthen the damaged cartilage. Antioxidants Antioxidants protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are produced when a cell is exposed to toxins. Free radicals are also produced by cells surrounding the joint whenever excess or abnormal strains and pressure are applied. Vitamins C, A and E are effective antioxidants and are beneficial for dogs with back problems. Other antioxidants include culinary herbs such as oregano, thyme, ginger, and parsley. These dried herbs can be sprinkled on a dog's food - they are good antioxidants and nutritious too. Other Nutrients Other nutrients that have shown effects in helping dogs with back problems and arthritis include copper, magnesium, manganese, and zinc.
Related Topics Dog Arthritis Hip Dysplasia in Dogs Natural Canine Arthritis Treatment Conventional Arthritis Medication for Dogs Glucosamine for Arthritis in Dogs MSM for Dogs References R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000). Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005). A.D. Shojai, New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats (Rodale Press, Inc., 1999). M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999). PetEducation.com TOP OF Dog Back Problems |
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