hi everyone we have a 9 year old springer dog whom has trouble with his front left leg & slight lameness for over a week now, we took him to the vet on friday last week & she gave us metacam for him of which has had no effect, however this last day he has been crying out in pain more that originally while walking so took him to vet again tonight, they have kept him in for possible tests & an xray on his shoulder & spine, vet thinks it could be a shoulder of spinal problem, when i checked him over today i could see no apparant swelling that could cause discomfort, checked his teeth to ensure no decay as it seemed he cried out in pain when moving his head at times or if he touched anything or when i touched or stroked side of his neck, i this afternoon held his head & moved it from side to side where poor lad he really did cry...but when he woke this morning he could not get up for a few seconds, infact i actually had to carry him down the stairs ...i was thinking of athritis in his joints but vet dont think so, i guess all i can do is wait until tomorrow afternoon & see what come up in xrays, i love my boy to bits my 1st homebred showdog so has a very special place in my heart & felt terrible leaving him at vets tonight, his poor little face !!!!!!!!  but know he can't go on in pain so is in the best place, i can't help thinking something sinister will come up in all this but hope i am wrong & hope he will be fine...he is eating fine & drinking water as normal, but don't have that usual sparkle in his eyes...
    will update tomorrow afternoon when i have information.
           shirley

Oh that's awful, I really hope he's going to be okay.  Our lab Molly has just had her 3rd operation on her legs & it is heartbreaking leaving them there, but as you said they are in the right place to get help!  Pls keep us updated...

hi there, i have rang the vets & they say tucker is having a problem with the top vertibrae from his neck & 1 on his chest between the disc & his shoulder blades well thats what vet said anyway & tweeking the nerves at times around there when he moves thats whats causing the yelping , ...also as i suspected a touch of athritis they say nothing can be done apart from giving him anti inflamitories & i will look into getting something for him online regarding something herbal or an additive i could give him, i have used corta flex in the past & swear by it, vets say give him a couple weeks & see how he goes to see where we go from here,
any advise would be greatly received
          shirley

might be worth picking up the xrays and consulting chiiropractor, know we have used one in the past to great effect, or asking  the vet for a referral to an osteopath (should insurance and or finance allow) who will have more ideas.
justi

we went to pick tucker up from vets earlier & the vet we spoke to there says he has spondilosis, i have been doing a lot of reading about the condition so know a lot more about it now, i did know a little but not as much as i know now about it, they have given us more metacam for him & see how he goes, they want to see him back in a week or so time
poor fella is still sleeping off his anasthetic & dont look a happy boy at all, makes me feel guilty seeing him this way but at least i now know the reasons for his lameness & discomfort
    at least now i can begin to help him in ways i can to help he be a little more comfortable & less painfull
  shirley

Shirley

I know its hard but dont feel guilty. You have done everything thats best for your boy and when he has got the anesthetic out of his system, Im sure he will show you his appreciation. The trouble with dogs is that they have this fabulous knack of making you feel guilty with big soulful eyes. Im sure he will milk it for all its worth (and im sure you will spoil him rotten :) )

I hope he starts to perk up soon and im sure that with your love he will do that sooner rather than later.

Caroline x