[Dailydrool] BeBe's down

[Angelika Hastings]

Elvis has been 'down' in the rear for nearly two years now. What was initally diagnosed as effects of his spondylosis- was more likely a back injury. Over time he has gained movement in both legs and his tail. He can't wag- but he can move it and lift it. His legs "push" as he scoots along. I think in the case of BeBe- her age and the fact that the doc can't find anything, rest is most important. I would crate or xpen her to restrict her movements. Use a sling ( or a towel) to assist her when she needs to go out. I also think high dose of steroids may not be a good thing in this case. They will make her feel much better than she is- and might cause her to be physically more active than she ought to be. If you lift her on all fours- can she hold her own weight up? When she drags herself around- does she move her legs? Does her tail wag? Does she have bladder and bowel control? All these would be good signs and she will probably improve with time and rest. REST is really important. Hard to do I know- but really important. You can give L-Glutamine 500mg twice a day. Sublingual B12 ( the tiny ones that melt in your mouth or liquid if you can get it) is also very good. Arnica Montana (pellets) is a great pain reliever without the side effects of some of the other pain meds. 

Check her legs, paws and belly carefully each day- the skin can get raw and scraped very quickly! As for pain meds- these are good things- but I also believe a bit of pain goes a long way to telling the dog that she needs to take it easy. If enough meds make the pain go away- they will do more than they should. Of course I don't let Elvis suffer- but if I know he is just sore from over-doing it, that's a different thing.

Elvis is sending some 'get back on all fours drool' for her,

droolies, Angelika
 		 	   		  
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