Hi,

I have a 7 year old Staffie who seems to have suddenly developed a very painful back problem overnight. He doesn't seem to have had an accident and there is no external sign of damage. He can walk, sit and lie down without pain, but as soon as he does anything which causes him to bend him self backwards (eg jumping up, going downstairs) even the smallest movement causes him severe pain, and makes him collapse on the ground. He is very frightened by this. At the moment he is still at the vet, but they are having to rum more tests as they are not sure what is wrong. Any suggestions would be most welcome.

Hi there. I,ve had three dachsies with back problems, all have been perforated discs. One had just mild problems so a dose of anti inflammatory's did the trick with her (she went on to live for a lot of years with no more problems). However my other two both needed ops. One didn't survive unfortunately. My other is doing extremely well. I suggest firstly that you go out and buy a dog crate, because when he gets home he will need plenty of cage rest, and unless they are in a small, confined space, they won't get it. Argos do one for 40 pounds.
Secondly,(for the future) ban him from jumping on and off furniture, and going up and down the stairs, as this can make the problem worse.
The operation for a perforated disc is quite a specialist op, i had to travel one and a half hours to Blyth, to get to a GOOD vet who could perform this op.
If it is the case that it is a perforated disc, and your dog needs an op (it doesn't sound like it's come to that yet), be prepared for a shock. I had to take a loan out for my second dog to have the op. I learnt the hard way, and have now got all my dogs insured.
Don't worry too much at this stage, probably a course of anti-inflammatory's will do the trick. My two dogs that had the ops had both become paralysed at the back end. It sounds as if you have caught it early enough.
Good luck. Keep us updated.

Hi,
Thanks for the advice. He has now been diagnosed as having Spondylitis, and prescribed anti inflamatorys and minimal exercise (with no jumping up). He seems remarkably well in himself now - probably due to the drugs, but my main concern is whether he will be able to enjoy a life similar to the active one he is used to or will he have to be restricted for the rest of his life. I am worried that he will feel punished if he is stopped going upstairs with the children or up onto his favourite chair. Do you have any suggestions of what may be in store for him long term?

Thanks

Martine, i know personally of two dogs that have had this condition. One died at a ripe old age, from something completely unconnected, and the other belongs to my sister. Her dog has had two flare ups in the last 4/5 years.
I believe you must try to restrict the jumping, and the stairs. There is no reason whatsoever though why he can't lead an ordinary life otherwise. Don't worry about him feeling punished, he will get used to the new routine, and REMEMBER you are doing it for the sake of his health.
I don't know a great deal about this condition but i do know that it is not something that will go away.
Best of luck to you.

Hi Snoopy,
Thanks for the info, I feel much more positive now. Did your sister's dog have to take anti inflamatory drugs all the time or just when he had a flare up? I have a friend who is a Registered Homeopath who told me that there is a natural remedy which is anti inflamatory and helps to halt the progression of the condition so I might look further into it.

Thanks again.
Martine

Hi Martine. He only takes drugs when the condition flares up, and it hasn't done for quite some time. My sister had a really steep staircase that had lino at the bottom and he used to run down the stairs and then slide right along to the front door. She has now moved house and has a door at the bottom of her stairs, so is able to keep them downstairs. He hasn't had a flare up since she moved.
I looked into homeopathy for one of my dogs, who is unable to have his yearly booster. It is very interesting, and it's certainly worth considering. Anythings worth a try.
I hope it helps.

Martine,

Good Luck and Wishes to you and your Staffie from me and mine (plus the other 3 dogs). If you need to restrict him from the stairs, a stairgate designed for children is super.

I have steep stairs and 4 dogs, one a GSD with a little arthritis, and the gate stops them charging up and down the stairs unsupervised. (sadly I'm in an upstairs flat with internal stairs and we need to do them to go out.)

It is hard to deny a dog what they are used to, but if it is for health reasons, it must be done. He will get used to it. My staffie (only 7) has had a bad bout of liver problems and is now not allowed ANY human food, or doggy treats, just her regular dog food in 2 small meals, and boy it was hard. However 6 weeks on she is getting used to the new routine, and is still my smiley girl. I'm sure your boy will too.

Love to you both

Sheilagh