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Classified: 12 to 24 months old Belgium Malinois male
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Spinal stenosis (52 replies)
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Just found out that my 15 month old pup may have spinal stenosis -- he is going to have an MRI in a couple of weeks to determine whether this is in fact the case -- does anyone out there have experience with this condition? My dog has a "lazy" back end and "knuckles under" behind, wearing the toenails on his rear feet. |
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The dog is VERY young for this kind of diagnosis. I would hope that the MRI shows disk compression because that probably would be easier to treat. Depending on what the MRI shows, it could be more a case of cauda equina, but lets' hope it is not that as well.
When did this knuckling under start? Could the dog have been injured? Who made this current diagnosis, a regular vet or a specialist? |
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No possibility of an injury, he has been with us 24/7 -- the preliminary diagnosis was made by a neurologist based on a physical examination. He has been "knuckling under" since about the age of 4 months. The preliminary diagnosis was made at a teaching hospital, where we took him for an evaluation of his hip dysplasia, which is severe and will probably require 2 complete him replacements. |
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I hope it all works out for your dog, Radarsmom. You sound like a wonderful dog owner. |
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Thank you both for your kind comments -- this is SUCH a loving, special dog -- if and when you pray, please pray for Radar! |
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I sure will, Radarsmom. Having owned a GSD with many health problems, I feel for you. On a happier note, I also owned a dog with severe HD diagnosed when he was only 6 months old. In time and with forced rest and controlled exercise, he was able to live a long pain free life as a companion to a blind child. We never had surgery for him. The only complaint I ever received from his owner was that they had to redo their 6 foot fence to prevent him from jumping over it.
Keep the faith............ |
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Thank you, Blitzen! Three weeks ago, Radar jumped OVER an arm chair trying to flee a frantic Mom who was trying to rescue a throw pillow. I suppose when we get all this sorted out, the sky will truly be the limit! |
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Sounds to me like he may soon be jumping over 6 foot fences too  . |
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Just found out that Radar has Cauda Equina, a pretty bad case it was diagnosed by MRI -- and since he has been exhibiting these symptoms for so long, it is probably congenital -- please keep this special pup in your prayers, he is not incontinent yet, and will have surgery on Monday the 19th. This was not discovered early since it is so rare in young pups -- just goes to show you that one should always consider all the possibilities. If anyone has experience with CE I would appreciate your thoughts. |
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I'll be thinking about Radar and hoping for successful surgery and a complete recovery. Keep the faith.......our special needs dogs are the ones that take the biggest pieces of our hearts. |
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Blitzen, thanks for the kind words! |
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You're wlecome, Radarsmom. I feel for you. |
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I have more experience than I would like to have... Transitional Vertebrae is congenital and is always seen with CE according to my spinal specialist in Sacramento, from what I have read and learned from having a dog with CE is that 95% of GSDs are born with some form of TVS and most GSDs diganosed with CE are young to middle-aged working or sport dogs... The family pet may develop signs at an older age. We opted for a less invasive treatment before doing surgery as my girl was 3.5 years old and I was more than happy to retire her and let her live her life out as a couch potato. Her x-rays showedobvious TVS and some spondylosis in her spine...we did a depo-medrol injection and she did great with that but than developed pano which we were able to control with Metacam. Long story short, she was taken from us a year ago, 4 months after her CE diagnosis, from what we do not know but I suspect it was a fungal infection from a lesion on her spine, that at the time she was diagnosed with CE was believed to be spondylosis. I also believe that the steroid injection compromised her immune system and allowed whatever it was to take her from us. We spent thousands of $$ in 3 weeks but she just withered away on us and we had to let her go. Please feel free to PM or email me at majorliebe@sbcglobal.net if your have any questions.
My thoughts are with you and Radar and I too wish for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery!!
Darlene
Grass Valley, CA
Vom Herrenhaus German Shepherds |
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I want to thank you all for your good thoughts and prayers for our special pup, Radar -- just got word that he's out of surgery, waking up, and the vets are "very pleased" with the way the surgery went. My husband's birthday is this week and this is the best present he's ever received! |
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Hello Darlene,
I really feel for you and the loss of your dog from these conditions. My beautiful full-of-life young male (at the time barely 4 years old) was about to trial for his SchH 1 when I noticed that after a working session at the club, (3 times a week) that he would be flat out the next day, hiding in the bedroom, not eating. He has always followed us around everywhere and that was not normal for him. I thought he had a virus or something since there was no lameness, so I took him to the vet and had bloodwork done. It was all within normal ranges. He was also certified OFA with fair hips but TVS was noted on the certificate. Then one day I was thinking that perhaps he has something in his back and I checked along his spine by gently massaging along the length from front to back. When I got past the midpoint of his back, he cried out and collapsed suddenly to the floor. I took him straight away to the vet and had X-Rays and he was diagnosed with spondylosis with probable CE. I immediately retired him and he now is house master and takes only leash walks. He really misses his work and when I take my new little girl away in the van he knows where we are going and always tries to prevent me from leaving by standing across the front door. It is so sad for him. He is now becoming very wobbly in the hind end. He is such a wonderful dog and I hope he hangs in with us for a long time. We have medication for pain (Rimadyl), but I try to keep the use of it minimal so he won't have other health problems due to the meds. |
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I've been watching this thread all day. That is the best news!! I am so happy for you and your husband and most of all, your boy, Radar. Was he named after Radar O'Reilly?
I've been through very, very serious health issues with my first beloved GSD and I understand the anguish and how it can be a roller coaster ride to hell and back. Buying a well bred dog isn't always a guarantee of a healthy dog. At times I thought I would never recover without therapy and after almost 7 years it still breaks my heart to relive it all. I empathisize with everyone who has gone through this horrible experience.
The upside is there are always happy endings and I supect Radar may be one. His young age and early dx sounds like a very good thing to me. Keep the faith..... |
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Best wishes for Radar. I hope his recovery gives him back a high quality of life. |
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Radar's name comes from the distinctive appearance of a GSD with erect, attentive ears -- and he does have lovely ear carriage! I know how devastating it can be to lost a beloved GSD and really feel for you, Darlene and Blitzen, we lost Radar's predecessor to an aggressive colon cancer in January 2007 -- Tugboat was my first GSD, my husband's sixth --- when my husband first suggested getting a GSD in 1998 I went along with it (1) because I love my husband and (2) because I planned to ask for my own dog, a Boykin spaniel or something, after we got the Shepherd. But after coming to know the German Shepherd Dog I have realized that, for all the conditions to which they are predisposed, they are THE breed. Blessings to all who love and help these noble souls!
Thanks to all for your prayers and support! |
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Are spinal stenosis and caudal equina the same thing, related or different disorders? Are there different forms of stenosis, or are they all the same?
I've heard of sport/working dogs diagnosed with an L7 injury and older dogs diagnosed with spinal stenosis, but never both.
Thanks,
-Calvin |
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Calvin, it is my understanding that the stenosis is the actual narrowing of the spine, which causes compression on the cord, and that it can occur anywhere in the spine -- and that cauda equina is a condition that can cause compression in a specific area, the lower spine. But I am new to this, so others may be able to offer more precise information. |
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Thinking of Radar and you my thoughts and prayers are with you . |
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Thanks, Pagan, and everyone. Just got an update, Radar is sleeping soundly in ICU, where he will remain tonight. |
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I was thinking maybe his name was a result of his ears  . Glad to hear he's sleeping soundly. Do you know when you will you be able to bring him home? That will be a joyful day, won't it? |
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I am glad to hear the surgery went well!!!
Will keep you both in my thoughts for a speedy recovery and many happy years together.
Thank you wanderer and radarsmom for your kind words, I miss my girl everyday...
cledford, Cauda Equina or Lumbosacral Stenosis refers specifically to the lumbosacral area where the nerves pass through the sacral area spine to the rear legs...Spinal stenosis is not specific to an area in the spine... Hope that helps.
Darlene
Grass Valley, CA
Vom Herrenhaus German Shepherds |
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Thank you all for your prayers, they are making a difference in the life of a special dog . . . . .
Last night he was pretty much "out of it" in ICU -- we hope he can come home Friday, which is my husband's birthday - - -
it will be his best present, ever!
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Radarsmon, just wanted you to know that I will be praying for a swift and full recovery for your little guy. Thinking of you... |
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Any updates on Radar today? |
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Hi, all, I wanted to let you know that Radar's surgery went VERY well, he came home yesterday -- 2 days early, because he is doing so well (AND because he let himself out of his cage 3 times the night that he spent in ICU) -- I have noted a dramatic change in his behavior, he is less stressed, more relaxed (and this is not entirely due to his medication, trust me, I know my dog). Thank you all for your good thoughts and prayers. Radar has a "funky haircut" but otherwise, he's my loving, sweet boy! |
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Radar continues to progress, thanks to the good thoughts and prayers you all have so generously contributed to the effort! |
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How is that boy doing today? |
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Doing fabulous, thanks! It's amazing, he is a very high drive pup, but he UNDERSTANDS why he must be confined, and is not complaining in the least. Prior to his surgery he was very anxious, easily distracted, and hard to train -- in retrospect, I am now sure that these were all comfort issues, poor baby! This is one tough (but not hard) dog with outstanding character, and for all the poking and prodding he has endured he has never once growled, snapped, or taken it out on us. Truly a special pup! |
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Great news, I know when I had my first hip replaced I felt great when I woke up from surgery because I was no longer in excruciating pain, he is very lucky to have found you for his Mom!!!
Still sending good thoughts that he will continue to have an uneventful and speedy recovery!
Darlene
Grass Valley, CA
Von Herrenhaus German Shepherds |
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Actually, Darlene, WE are lucky to have HIM -- his physical problems are something we can deal with -- but unsound character "is what it is" and this pup has exceptional temperament. We are talking about 8 weeks of confinement, I think he's gonna get pretty bored -- we are keeping him supplied with "Radar proof" toys! For the moment, he is being very patient! I really appreciate the concern of so many who have inquired about Radar! |
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I'm so happy to hear he's doing well. You are the type of owner dog breeders dream of. |
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And this is the type of dog my husband and I have dreamed of -- I hate that Radar has to go through all this stuff, but given the choice, we would pick him again, in a heartbeat. |
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Hi, all, we are still lookin' good -- I can see SUCH a difference in Radar's eyes, it is so obvious that he feels better, despite his confinement -- |
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Hi, just wanted all to know that the world's sweetest pup is still doing well -- your prayers and good thoughts have helped so much! |
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Glad he is doing so well.
I think it is time you post some pics of the world's sweetest pup!!
Continued good thoughts and hugs to you and Radar.  |
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I am not a "tecchie" so I have no idea how to post pictures -- can anyone direct me to a site that has instructions re how to do that?? |
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Never posted a pic to this site, I am sorry I am just not sure how to do it... |
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Oh well, forget the pics for now
How is Radar doing?
Darlene
Grass Valley, CA
Vom Herrenhaus German Shepherds |
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I've been thinking about him too. |
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The staples came out today and he was SUCH a good boy! He will have a recheck at U Ga on June 18. However, his eyes just look different, more at peace -- he just knows we are trying to help him. For all his "health issues" I would not take any amount of money for this dog -- he has been so patient, so accepting, and he is truly a blessing to us. I so appreciate your continuing concern and prayers, they have helped us so much! Jo |
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I am so gald to hear he is continuing on his speedy recovery!
I know my Mom said I looked 10 years younger, at the ripe old age of 33, after my first hip surgery so I know exactly what you are talking about.
Big hugs to you and Radar!
Darlene
Grass Valley, CA
Vom Herrenhaus German Shepherds |
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That's great news! He is a special dog, isn't he? |
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Annikasmom and Blitzen, thanks for rejoicing with us! Your moral support has meant everything to Radar, and to Steve and me! |
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You're welcome. I know what it's like to have a special needs heart dog and how very, very difficult it is to cope. I could feel the sadness and despair in your words every time you posted to this board about Radar. Now that things are looking up with him, it truly is a reason to rejoice and I'm pleased to share in your joy. Also I've always been a sucker for a dog story with a happy ending . |
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Hi, all, just checking in -- Radar continues to do very well -- BORED silly with his confinement, but very accepting of "the program." Thanks for the prayers and good thoughts! |
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Great news!!! Thanks for letting us know how he's doing. |
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Classified: Arex Pannonniasse son
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