Discospondylitis (spinal infection) - Page 1

Is there anyone who's experienced longer-term consequences of animal's discospondylitis affliction that wasn't picked up or treated early enough: I'm speaking here of possible later effects on animal's well-being, or quality of life, as result from the spinal vertebrae contraction which accompanies this infection if left untreated for any lenght of time, and as recognisable on radiograph?

Yes, we have experienced this problem. At least, this is what the vets diagnosed. Ours did not not survive. After months and months on the best antibiotics and extensive exploratory surgery, x-rays, she was a pathetic shadow of her former self. They said she was cured, but it was not the same dog. And we went to the board certified specialists who are suppose to know these things. Then some manifestation of the disease caused her to have a horific eye problem where she would have to immediately lose one eye and then the other. We could no longer subject this 2 year old to this and had her euphanized.

Thanks Longhorn, You describe a dismal scenario! The worst part is the excruciating suffering inflicted on the animal. Any notion as to why antibiotics didn't do the job? From personal experience it must have been hard on you too. My favourite female collapsed into painful immobile 'heap': mere lifting of head evoked deep, agonising grunts. Wouldn't allow herself to be touched. Being a Sunday I took her to a vet other than our regular one. This utter idiot - after quick red cell blood count - pronounced there 'wasn't much to worry about' and that she was only 'mildly anaemic' with 'mild lumbar muscle pain'! After number of days of 'rest and observation' as he suggested, I couldn't stand her unchanging paining any longer, and took her to regular vet. He established discospondylitis within minutes, gave pain relief and antibiotics, and she was back on feet within days. But, x-rays then taken revealed mentioned contraction of lumbar spinal vertebrae plates, and I'm concerned as to how she'll fare mobility-wise in later years.

How awful for your dog and you, Patrishap, I wish her a full recovery. I know how it feels to deal with a serious disease in your favorite dog. It is just heartbreaking.

Thanks Blitz, But, to all appearance, she's fine now. It's the possibility of later developing chronic arthritis condition that concerns me. I've seen lawyer about possibility of getting some satisfaction in respect of first vet! A question of evidence, as always. When I now raise with latter question as to why he didn't at least provide pain relief, he's suddenly got a whole new invention: he says he must he must have been worried about rodenticide: ie, he thus couldn't provide the normal non-steroidal-anti inflammatories!(he's quick this fella, I'll give him that) Heard this one about the lawyer and snake that got killed on Boston Turnpike(Charlie will verify) by moterists: the snake location showed abundant braking skidd marks, the one near lawyer, none!

I hope she continues to do well, Patrishap. I like the joke and it's most likely the truth LOL.