Congenital Spinal Dysraphism

[Guest guest]

I was contacted about a 3 year old SF Golden Retriever with a presumptive diagnosis of congenital spinal dysraphism.  The referring veterinarian just took over this case when the client switched clinics, so she has not been involved in this dog's history.  The owners have had since it was a puppy and it has been seen by an orthopedic surgeon who ruled out hip dysplasia.  The dog sounds to have the classic bunny hopping hindlimb gait of a dog with congenital spinal dysraphism.  The owners do not want to proceed with an MRI and do not want to euthanize either.  The dog gets tired very quickly due to the hindlimb gait and so the owners can't take it for walks or do any normal activities with her.  Does anyone have experience with working with these dogs?  Can they be strengthened through focused exercises and maybe underwater treadmill?  Any experience with acupuncture?  Do they do well in a cart?  I would like to try to help this pup and its owners but am not sure what our expectations can be!  Thanks for any thoughts on this!

-- Beck, DVM, CCRT, CVABacklund Animal ClinicCanine Rehabilitation and Wellness

2616 South 158th PlazaOmaha, NE 68130Phone Fax