calliecritturs
Posted : 2/22/2009 3:13:53 PM
For some odd reason suddenly I can't 'link' to anything with Firefox so I'll copy this here for you -- it's an article by Dr. Roger Clemmons (University of Florida Vet School). He's the head neurosurgeon AND he's also done a ton of work on doxies (IVDD) and german shepherds (DM) and dobies (Wobblers). Pirate's Mom and I have both had our dogs up to the Chi Institute (near Gainesville) and Dr. Clemmons also teaches there:
Integrative Treatment of Dogs with Intervertebral Disc Disease
R.M. Clemmons, DVM, PhD
Associate Professor of Neurology & Neurosurgery
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences
Introduction:
Although intervertebral disc (IVD) disease in chondrodystrophic breeds
(like Dachshunds) is a surgical disease. See
Paralysis
of the Rear Legs. There are a number of things which might help delay
the degeneration of the IVD and minimize the effects of herniation of the
IVD if it happens. Vitamin E is a potent anti-oxidant which, when given
before spinal cord injury, can prevent or markedly reduce the effects of
spinal cord trauma. Spinal cord signs from IVD disease are due to two factors:
1) the presence of space-occupying compression from the herniated IVD material
and 2) internal damage of the spinal cord due to vascular damage and subsequent
expansion of that damage from ischemia (diminished blood flow) and tissue
destruction secondary to lipid peroxidation and oxidant free-radical production.
The latter effect is where vitamin E acts. Unfortunately, effective levels
of vitamin E require several days to achieve; so, while vitamin E given
before an injury is effective, it is ineffective when given during or shortly
after the trauma.
The IVD represents one of the "joints" for connection of vertebrae.
While the metamorphosis which takes place in the nucleus pulposus is genetically
programmed, the degeneration occurs secondary to the decrease in IVD elasticity.
This transmits greater shock to the IVD causing progressive damage. It
may not be possible to completely stop this process of damage, but reducing
inflammation caused by this damage and providing nutrient support to the
cartilaginous structures in the IVD has the potential to delay the onset
of IVD disease. Recent studies have shown that there is regeneration of
disc material. As such, IVD disease is because degeneration wins out over
the natural regenerative (healing) process. Increasing the changes of regeneration
(healing) may be the only choice other than surgery. This will not happen
overnight and must be part of the of the patients life-long treatment.
Don't forget that while a number of dogs will recover from IVD disease
with cage rest for a minimum of 30 days or 3 weeks beyond the time it takes
them to return to normal function without the aid of medication, early
surgery gives the best chance for them to regain neurologic function. This
is particularly true if they are paralyzed. If they have sudden or rapid
onset of paralysis with decreased or absent pain sensation caudal to the
lesion, then emergency surgical intervention is critical to optimize their
chances of recovery. This will include giving IV anti-oxidant, corticosteroids
(Solu Medral or Solu Delta Cortef). On the other hand, once the initial
problem is treated, the patient still must heal. The principles of integrative
medicine apply, demanding that all modalities which are available be employed
in returning the dog to health. As such, besides conventional medicines
and surgery, attention must be given to physical therapies (including physical
therapy, acupuncture and message therapy) and dietary and nutritional support.
Even though dietary supplementation may help prevent IVD disease development,
it is also important in speeding the recovery of the patient once IVD herniation
has
occurred.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++(End of his article that I've copied -- full article at: http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/neuro/AltMed/WienerDog/IVD_AltMed.htm
Acupuncture can hugely help reduce the inflammation from this and keep it from worsening so fast. http://www.tcvm.com -- there is a locator on the left -- put in your state or zip code and it will help you find someone near you. Honestly, acupuncture likely may help you avoid surgery - at least for as long as possible.