brooke's blog

What a shot! Meet Charlie. This beautiful little fella came all the way from Gladstone.  He was born with scoliosis in his thoracic spine, requiring surgery to decompress his spinal cord.  He was in hospital with us at North Coast Veterinary Specialists for a few weeks.  His amazingly dedicated owners drove down and back from Gladstone to visit and attend his physiotherapy sessions.  He is now walking (though with ataxia - neurological 'wobbly' gait) but this will improve in time. 

I look forward to seeing his progress and take my hat off to his owners (and extended family) for all the hard work they are putting into this fella to improve his quality of life.

Go Charlie!

For those of you looking for more support and education if your  dog is suffering from Intervertebral disc disease/spinal injury, you might find this useful....

http://www.dodgerslist.com/

I came across this very informative video that may help the clients taking their beloved dogs home who need bladder expression.  After a spinal injury/ surgery it may take some time for the bladder to regain control.  Sometimes dogs/cats are managed at home with permanent dysfunction. Often bladder expression is the most overwhelming technique to cope with other than managing a paralysed dog at home.

Hopefully this video will be a reminder after your vet/nurse has shown you these techniques before you go home.  I spend 1.5 hours on discharge for spinal injured dogs for treatment and advice of setting up a home program to help with daily care.  It can be a long road at times before their pet is up and walking/running independently. From a personal experience with my Missie I can understand how much work this is.  

I hope this helps a little.

Cheers

Dogs have a variety of back or spinal diseases or injuries. Slipped or protruding discs are well known in long backed breeds like Dachshunds for example. But one disease you may not have heard of can be devastating to Large Breed owners and this is an interesting case. It is called Wobblers Disease or Syndrome.

Here is a very informative video for those of you who might want to know more....

So I was told this beautiful dog was afraid of needles.  He has been suffering from back pain with possible disc degeneration.  Alfie's vets and dedicated owner have decided to manage his condition conservatively.  Not only does he tolerate his electroacupuncture sessions but he changes personality into 'zen' mode.  Combined with physiotherapy, massage, underwater treadmill and exercises at home to improve his spine stability and strength, Alfie is improving nicely.  I hope he continues to progress so he can get back to his old self.  Well done Alfie for being so brave!

The Lovely Muppy is getting ready to go home up north.  She had her first try of her new wheels today.  While not so sure at first it will not be long before she is going to be in danger of getting a speeding ticket! 

Muppy sustained a severed disc injury. Following surgery the owners had decided they would like a cart for Muppy to recover and get around more easily at home.  Such a gorgeous dog with so much energy it is great to see her moving again.  I will work with her over the next few days to get her used to her new way of motion.  Muppy has also been having acupuncture, massage, underwater treadmill and Physiotherapy daily to get her back on track.  It will be sad to see her go but I am sure she will enjoy getting home.

All the best Muppy!