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Tuesday: 9-10 PM ET: Open Dog Chat - Pet Loss
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Posted by muttz on February 20, 2003 at 20:48:14:
In Reply to: Spondylosis/GSD posted by joanie7 on February 19, 2003 at 10:53:12:
Now, I'm not a vet.
However, I am an owner of a dog living with spondylosis and experiencing different vet opinions. There is soooo much you can do to improve your dog's condition.
1. Consult a good holistic or homeopathic vet. I went the homeopathic route and have found the remedies have worked a treat. My dog only had early signs at diagnosis - and my second vet (first one sounds a bit like yours) said not only could we stop the spondylosis getting worse, and manage pain, but that there was a possibility that his body could also repair the spurs formed. The advice she gave me on diet/exercise etc and follow up help has been BRILLIANT. I shelled out and went for a good homeopathic vet - I really really recommend it.
2. Diet - I followed the advice of the vet and other people (including from a forum) who said GO RAW. I have and have never looked back. At first he wasn't sure about those pulverised vegies - but now he loves his food!
3. Diet supplements - A good multi-vitamin is essential (I use Missing Link which was recommended to me). I have also started using Sasha's Blend. Its got chrondroiton (I've spelt that wrong!) and Glucosome in it - all natural marine extract stuff. You can read about it at http://www.sashasblend.com.au/. As you probably know from post below - I was worried at first because there was a dramatic difference in my dog - he was bounding around the place like a puppy and I was worried he'd hurt himself! But I think the stuff is brilliant - he has his happy gleam back in his eye.
4. Exercise. Both vets recommended a period of rest. I gradually got my dog walking again ... I took him to places that were interesting and spend a short time walking - rather than a walk around the block. However, my dog is young and energetic - so I had to restrict his exercise. Moderate and regular exercise is the key.
5. Maintain a good weight. I've kept my dog's weight pretty regular. Changing diets and exercise routines is a bit difficult - so I regularly went to the vet's and weighed him. Oooh.. if you change to raw food - visit the raw food forum - there is a link to a great spreadsheet telling you what amounts to feed etc!
I've also been reading Linda Tellington-Jone's and TTouch.. I think that might hold some answers to.
But there is so much you can do for your dog. My dog is back in obedience class (albeit for short spells at a time) and really seems back to his normal self. I have to be careful not to let him overdo it - but he really seems to be pain free and that is so important to me.
Please, see another vet, one who has a big bag of tools (i.e., holistic or homeopathic). And look at supplements... sashas blend might not be the one for you - there are lots of others around!
good luck and if you have any questions ask away. Some people on another forum really helped me when my boy was first diagnosed.