Conservative rehab for cervical disc disease

[Guest guest]

I am treating a 10 year old mn Newfoundland. The patient had left patella

surgery 8 years ago and has been doing well until the past month. A presumptive

diagnosis of Degenerative Myelopathy and osteoarthritis was given by a local

orthopedic surgeon based on rapid onset of left hind limb cp deficits and mild

left hind limb ataxia. General lab work wnl. No further diagnostics performed

and clients declined referral to a neurologist. I have seen this patient twice

in the past two weeks. I have found crepitus in the right stifle, reduced

extension bilaterally in both hips, mild cp deficit in the left rear and pain on

the left side at C5-6. Although food motivated, patient will not turn to the

left for treats and resists passive manipulation of the neck to the left. I am

suspecting a cervical disc lesion with mild left side ataxia and CP deficit, not

DM. Again clients are declining a neurological referral. I have been doing

manual spinal manipulations, myofacial trigger point dry needling along the

neck, left forlimb and both hind limbs and epaxials. Patient has been on

Rimadyl. I have added gabapentin and have started adequan for the presumed

osteoarthritis. I am doing hind limb strengthening exercises but am wondering

what else I can do as conservative treatment for a possible cervical disc

problem. I have the client apply a warm compress to the neck twice daily but do

not feel that I am getting adequate relieve of the neck pain. I feel comfortable

in the treatment of the osteoarthritis and muscle strengthening plan. The CP

deficits have decreased and the clients feel that the patient is moving around

better. Any suggestions?

[Guest guest]

Hey !!Good to 'see you' here!So... you can do this! These guys are great... I treat tons of old Newfs!Mobilize to the NON-PAINFUL side (side glides). Do lots.Add traction to your regimen - and show the owners the same. Do lots.Do you have laser or ultrasound to add?If you are needling already, I would add in the "Extra Neck Points" (as I learned them from my human acup training) - needle at each transverse process (or relative region).Best of luck... let me know if you need more information!Cheers,Laurie

Laurie Edge-, BScPT, MAnimSt(Animal Physio), CAFCI, CCRTCEO,Four Leg Rehab Inc.Canine Rehab Educational ResourcesWWW.FOURLEG.COMCheck it out!!

I am treating a 10 year old mn Newfoundland. The patient had left patella surgery 8 years ago and has been doing well until the past month. A presumptive diagnosis of Degenerative Myelopathy and osteoarthritis was given by a local orthopedic surgeon based on rapid onset of left hind limb cp deficits and mild left hind limb ataxia. General lab work wnl. No further diagnostics performed and clients declined referral to a neurologist. I have seen this patient twice in the past two weeks. I have found crepitus in the right stifle, reduced extension bilaterally in both hips, mild cp deficit in the left rear and pain on the left side at C5-6. Although food motivated, patient will not turn to the left for treats and resists passive manipulation of the neck to the left. I am suspecting a cervical disc lesion with mild left side ataxia and CP deficit, not DM. Again clients are declining a neurological referral. I have been doing manual spinal manipulations, myofacial trigger point dry needling along the neck, left forlimb and both hind limbs and epaxials. Patient has been on Rimadyl. I have added gabapentin and have started adequan for the presumed osteoarthritis. I am doing hind limb strengthening exercises but am wondering what else I can do as conservative treatment for a possible cervical disc problem. I have the client apply a warm compress to the neck twice daily but do not feel that I am getting adequate relieve of the neck pain. I feel comfortable in the treatment of the osteoarthritis and muscle strengthening plan. The CP deficits have decreased and the clients feel that the patient is moving around better. Any suggestions?