My Chow/Samoyed mix, 15 years old, was diagnosed with spondylitis about a year ago and seems to experience a lot of pain. (FYI, his hearing is gone in case you need that info). He is currently on Tramadol and another pill which I can’t remember right now (I believe one of them is a steroid). He doesn’t sleep at night, he walks from room to room, scratches the carpet and goes in and out of the house.
He sleeps during the day but when he’s awake, he keeps his back end and tail down and has trouble rising from a lying position. He seems to be in a lot of pain a lot of the time and the meds don’t seem to help.
I was wondering if there are any other things that can be done to help handle this condition?
Thanks
Make sure he’s on an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug)
Add Duralactin and Cosequin
He probably has arthritis/ degenerative joint disease. Spondylitis is rarely if ever painful.
Philip McHugh, DVM
Park Veterinary Hospital
Durham, NC
I have found acupuncture to be the most effective treatment for this condition. The lack of negative side effects bodes especially well for geriatric patients.
Dr. Jonathan Salkind, DVM
Yes……..
Find a vet who does acupuncture in your area, use glucosamine, alpha-lipoic acid, and fish oil will help too.
Dr Basko
All Creatures Great & Small
Kapaa, HI
If you can find a nearby veterinarian with a Class IV therapeutic laser, it is very helpful to laser the joints and spine of such dogs (or cats or horses or humans); the device is commonly used by national sports team for rehab and injuries but has limited distribution among veterinarians due to the cost of the device; there are NO negative side effects. Acupuncture might be another avenue to explore.
Nola Gedeon, DVM
Marcum Road Animal Hospital
Lakeland, FL