Dog Community

Dipstick update

Posted : 7/24/2012 8:49:52 PM

Took him to the vet today for a checkup and to change his painkillers. Saw a new vet today.. I'm impressed. She asked us to walk laps around the parking lot to see him move, then after a very hands on physical, ordered xrays (something the last vet didn't do).

The last vet said that he had advanced arthritis in his spine. The xrays showed something different. He has one degenerating disc in his spine but his body is producing bone bridges to mobilize his spine. He's no longer dragging his back toes while walking. The vet does feel that his drifting to one side is neurological but at his age, we're not pursuing it. Over all, he's in very good health. He is getting Tramadol starting tomorrow.

calliecritturs

Posted : 7/24/2012 10:11:12 PM

Glad this one went well -- and yeah, x-rays are always good. If I recall you've got him on milk thistle -- it's a good thing. Good luck!!

Have you tried wintergreen or peppermint oil on the sore spots? It's not going to completely resolve anything but it surely can help make him comfortable. Essential oil now - not food flavoring. You can dilute them with a bit of olive oil if it's too intense for him. If he objects to you massaging him -- just dribble a bit of the oil on - rubbing makes it work better but you don't have to rub at all.

At your drug store see if you can find green alcohol -- that already has some wintergreen in it. Add some more and it can help it spread more easily if he's really not wanting to be massaged (some dogs do, some don't -- all depends on how much it hurts).

oranges81

Posted : 7/24/2012 10:32:34 PM

Dipstick LOVES to be massaged. Lol. He melted into putty on the vet when she was manipulating his spine. He is on milk thistle, and I'll pick up some peppermint oil for him (and me.. Lol) Green alcohol?? Really?? I'll have to look into that!

calliecritturs

Posted : 7/24/2012 10:55:38 PM

the green rubbing alcohol has just a tiny bit of wintergreen oil -- great for a rubdown tho. But it's a decent medium to thin down the oils for dogs that can't handle it straight (particularly long-haired dogs -- it can help get the oil to the skin)

FrisbyPI

Posted : 7/25/2012 6:04:44 AM

Sounds like a continued good report for Dipstick. It does sound like the new vet really did a good exam. Extra ear rubs from us.

Freedom

Posted : 7/25/2012 7:55:10 AM

I think you will see improvement once the Tramadol kicks in, too. Glad you got the xrays.

oranges81

Posted : 7/25/2012 12:40:37 PM

Kate, I was really impressed with the new vet.. A bit worried when the receptionist suggested her but I figured I'd take a chance. Dipstick's mom was also pleased with her so that's good as well.

Sandie, I hope so. I know dipstick is missing his old man fetch right now. Which reminds me.. I need to pester the vet for the Tramadol today.