An overenthusiastic night of boogying down, an exercise move that went wrong, or even just sleeping in a funny position can all result in back pain. Imagine what might happen to your dog when it turns around too swiftly when you call, takes a too-sharp left turn to avoid the cat, or does something else to aggravate its back. Add to that the fact that many dogs are prone to back problems, even without prior injury, due to their breeding and genetics, and you’ll understand why back troubles are so prevalent in dogs.

Dogs can suffer from slipped disks, called intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). These may lead to muscle spasms, as well as pinched nerves. “They do not get sciatica, per se, but often face vertebral malformations, vertebral luxations (dislocations), fractures, cancer of the vertebrae, and even pain-causing changes in the structure of the vertebrae,” says Aaren DuMont, DVM, a veterinarian practicing in Raleigh, N.C.

Dogs Most Prone to Back Problems

Back problems are most common in low, long dogs. Very active dogs are also prone, especially those that do a lot of jumping. Some specific conditions are more readily seen in certain breeds. According to Dr. DuMont, Dachshunds are the most common breed to develop back problems, usually facing intervertebral disk disease. Basset Hounds can also develop this disease.

Great Danes and Rottweilers are prone to Wobblers disease, marked by vertebral structure changes in the cervical region or neck. “This disease causes them to have a wobbly gait, which is how it got its name,” explains Dr. DuMont. Toy Poodles are more apt to develop vertebral malformation in their neck, which unfortunately is difficult to treat and therefore carries a poor prognosis. Large breeds, especially German Shepherds, are likely to get lumbosacral disease – a change in the vertebral canal’s lumbar region, which causes painful pinched nerves.

Signs Your Dog Is Experiencing Back Pain

How are you to know if your dog is having back troubles? Dr. DuMont suggests that you look for these possible symptoms:

• Gait changes
• Looking uncoordinated, such as if your dog is carrying its tail differently, knuckling its paws, and/or arching its back when walking or laying down
• Acting uncomfortable when sitting or laying down (for instance, they may continuously fidget and adjust their position, as if they can’t get comfortable)
• Having trouble urinating or defecating

Action to Take When Your Dog Is Hurting

If you notice any of the possible symptoms, restrict your dog to a cage or obstacle-free room as soon as possible, and seek veterinary care. Until you and your vet can determine what could be wrong, Dr. DuMont recommends, “Try and prevent your pet from jumping on furniture or running upstairs. Leash walk only, and make sure your animal gets plenty of rest.”

Treatment For a Dog Back Pain

As with humans, how back pain is treated in dogs varies from patient to patient. Sometimes the course of action may be conservative, while other times, it may be aggressive, according to Dr. DuMont. Simply confining your canine to a cage for a few days or more may do the trick in some cases. In other instances, using anti-inflammatory medication and/or muscle relaxants may be necessary. Or your vet may tell you that your dog needs to lose some weight to alleviate the pain.  If this sort of intervention does not help, surgery may be considered, but it depends on the condition and severity of your dog’s problem.

Preventing Doggy Back Troubles

The number one cause of back problems in dogs is most likely obesity, so keep your pet well exercised and don’t overdo it on the food, treats, and especially table scraps. Many experts believe that vitamin and mineral supplements are ineffective and can upset your dog’s delicately balanced nutritional requirements. Instead, buy reputable pet food that is nutritionally complete and balanced. Calcium and phosphorous are often linked to bone and back issues, so check them out on labels to ensure the balance is right. There should be 1.1 to 1.4 parts of calcium for each 1 part of phosphorus in your dog’s chow.

Article written by Author: Kathryn Waide

If your dog is a sled dog racing over icy terrain, a weekend warrior chasing balls, or any other kind of canine athlete, there’s a chance that your dog will overdo it. Since now more than ever, we include our dogs in our sports activities and exercise routines, there is a higher risk of physical injury. Experts say that strained muscles and tender paw pads are common minor injuries. At the same time, more significant hurt can include shoulder instability, back problems, and a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (similar to the knee injury that plagues human athletes).

So how can you tell if your dog’s sports-related injury is treatable at home with some TLC or if it needs immediate veterinary care?

Minor injuries for homecare include:

• Tender pads 

Rest is likely in order. Try to keep your dog off rough, irritating surfaces for a while so that its pads will get a chance to heal.

• Soreness or stiffness 

If your dog seems a bit sore or stiff, rest again might be the ticket. Ice can offer some relief if you’re patient enough to sit with your dog for about 15 minutes. Dampen the area you’re icing and apply a thin, damp towel warmed with slightly heated water, instructs Paulekas. Then apply the cold pack. Wrap it with an insulating towel for compression. Pet and reassure your dog, offering the occasional treat. Allow your dog to rest easy for the next few days so that it may recover.

Pay special attention (and keep your veterinarian’s phone number handy) if you notice your dog:

• Refusing to bear weight 

If your dog can’t hold weight on a leg or is continually lifting a paw, it’s best to see your veterinarian, as this could indicate a ligament tear or other damage to a leg.

• Continuing to limp or cry 

Dr. Becky Paulekas, a Garden City, Idaho veterinarian with canine rehabilitation expertise, suggests visiting your veterinarian if, after several hours, your dog is still noticeably lame or cries when you touch an injured part of its anatomy. Persistent lameness could mean damage to a joint or another serious problem, rather than just a bruise or muscle soreness.

• Bobbing head 

Shoulder injuries can be subtle. If you notice your dog bobbing its head or moving its shoulder excessively, visit your veterinarian. Affected dogs might also not lift their paws much when they walk.

Knowing your dog well and being observant about its health and personality are the best defense against sports injuries, says Paulekas. For example, your dog might be so eager to earn your favor that it will keep fetching a stick over and over, ignoring a muscle strain or exhaustion. “The dog wants to please you,” Paulekas says. “The dog has no concept of being sore the next day.”

It can help research what sorts of activities your dog’s breed was initially intended to perform, says Seth Chodosh, founder of Running Paws, a Manhattan-based dog-jogging service, and canine athletic club. After all, a tiny Pomeranian isn’t likely to make an excellent jogging partner, and an energetic Border Collie probably won’t enjoy sedate, leisurely walks around the block.

Without a doubt, exercise and physical activity are enjoyable, essential components of your dog’s life. But it’s up to you to understand your furry friend’s limits and to recognize when your dog has overdone it. Dogs are generally more durable than people, says Chodosh. He adds, “The most important part to remember is an injury can happen to any dog, from a Chihuahua to a Great Dane.’’

It’s best to avoid these injuries in the first place since they can affect your pup for life.

Here are some factors that could place your dog at risk for a sports-related injury:

• Your dog’s weight 

“One of the biggest risk factors I see is obesity,” says Jennifer Hill, a canine physical therapist in Helena, Mont. “That extra poundage just puts so much more stress and strain on joints.” Activities that involve sharp turns and jumping could significantly add to that strain.

• Your dog’s age 

Activities involving jumping or running might place too much strain on a dog suffering from arthritis, which can develop as your dog gets older.

• Your dog’s confirmation 

Your dog’s build can predispose it to certain types of injuries. Dogs with large frames and slender legs, such as English Bulldogs and Pit Bull mixes, are at risk for ligament tears and other leg injuries, says Chodosh. Dogs with long backs, such as Corgis and Dachshunds, have a predisposition to spinal injuries.

For these dogs, merely jumping up onto a couch might cause a back injury, adds Hill.

• Your dog’s conditioning

You can’t turn your couch potato puppy into a distance runner overnight, although your dog likely can build endurance faster than you would, says Chodosh. If your dog isn’t in the best shape, it’s not a good idea to suddenly start an intense exercise program. The same holds for us humans. For example, do you remember your aching muscles after a weekend of softball, tennis, or golf that you weren’t quite in shape for? It works the same for your dog. Hill says weekend exercise often poses problems because “the dog puts his heart into it, goes and goes and goes and ends up paying for it that evening.”

Article written by Author: Kim Boatman

Tails are wagging, noses are in overdrive, and the local park is abuzz with canine activity. Your furry friend is in its element, charging around like a shopper on a big sale day, bounding through long grass and dirt and relishing a few delectable smells. All is good in the doggie world until you notice your dog is suddenly limping.

The great outdoors (and sometimes even indoors) can present many perils for dogs and their owners. Becoming familiar with your dog’s paws and aware of potential hazards will help both you and your dog with any potential paw problems that may arise.

The Problem Is Clear (Sometimes)

While a glass-induced gash may be evident, tiny shards of glass piercing the foot can be hard to see. “Usually, soaking the feet in warm water will assist in pushing the glass out,” says Jason Fusco, DVM, ACVS, an orthopedic surgeon at New York’s Animal Medical Center. If your dog is still limping after the warm water soak, bring it to a veterinarian for further assistance.

A few times a year, Dr. Fusco will see a dog with mysterious lameness, which generally turns out to be caused by a piece of chewing gum stuck in the hair between the pads. In addition to chewing gum, escalators can pose problems for dogs’ paws. “We have seen instances of inch-deep cuts, and even giant parts of feet sliced off from escalators,” Dr. Fusco says. For this reason, try to avoid taking your dog on an escalator. But if you must, carrying smaller dogs could help prevent this problem.

Weather to Walk Your Dog

In colder climates, salt on the sidewalks and roads presents a winter challenge, as ice and snow can become lodged in the crevices of the paw and cause your dog pain. Louise Murray, DVM, director of medicine for the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, learned just how painful winter walking could be for dogs when she fostered a young Pit Bull named Sophie.

“She couldn’t walk more than a few steps before her paws hurt so much that she would stand there and lift them one by one and stare at me,” Dr. Murray says.

You can help prevent this paw pain by avoiding prominent areas of salt. Some other alternatives are to put boots on your dog’s paws or use musher’s wax to protect the feet, suggests Dr. Fusco.

During the summertime, be aware of hot surfaces. For example, Dr. Murray notes that black asphalt will be hotter than a light-colored sidewalk or patches of grass.

Dog Nail Care

When dogs spend most of their lives indoors, their nails can grow so long that they dig into their pads, catch and tear, and even make it difficult for the dog to walk. Dr. Murray recommends getting advice from your vet on how to clip your dog’s nails or having the vet do it for you.

The dewclaw — a residual thumb — can grow into your dog’s foot and should be watched carefully and trimmed, Dr. Fusco says. He warns owners of older dogs to be alert for a nail falling out or getting pulled off since this can be a sign of cancer.

Itching and Allergies

Like us, dogs can suffer from allergies. While we exhibit symptoms through respiratory problems, dogs tend to get itchy skin, particularly itchy paws. A dog with an allergy will lick its paws incessantly, causing the paws to turn a reddish-brown color from the red dye in the dog’s saliva. A vet trip is in order if you observe such symptoms, especially since they could also be linked to an inflammatory disease called pododermatitis. Dr. Murray notes that this can be attributed to several factors, including a bacterial infection, an allergic reaction, or even an overactive immune system.

In the Breed

Certain breeds can be prone to particular problems.  Greyhounds and Rottweilers are susceptible to sesamoid disease, a non-specific lameness that’s difficult to diagnose, Dr. Fusco, says. Greyhounds also are prone to corns from abnormal weight-bearing on the toes. “Removing the corns will only cause them to come back if the weight-bearing is not adjusted,” he says. Controlling weight gain through feeding with restricted calorie commercial pet foods and monitoring consumption amounts is one-way owners can keep weight-bearing problems in check. Surgical procedures may also correct more severe, chronic conditions.

According to Dr. Murray, grooming is even more critical for curly-haired dogs, such as Poodles and Bichons. “If they’re not kept well-groomed, the hair can get so matted that it gets tangled around their legs and can cut off their circulation,” she says. “When that happens, the dog can lose the lower part of the leg or the foot.”

A Final Word

As we can see, dogs’ feet are complex. This makes breed issues, hair between paw pads, and overgrown nails challenging to detect. Keeping an eye out for signs of discomfort and staying on top of day-to-day care can ensure your dog is happy, healthy, and eager for its next walk.

Article written by Author: Kim Ribbink

A year ago, when computer programmer Brad Kantor’s eight-year-old Golden Retriever, Goldy, began limping after their long morning walks, Kantor, who lives in Wayne, N.J., figured his once-lively puppy was getting older. When Goldy started dragging his back leg as he walked, though, his owner suspected there was something more going on than just the normal aging process. “I took him to the vet,” remembers Kantor. “She watched him walk and then felt around his bad knee. She suspected he would need surgery.”

Goldy is not alone. Each year, more than one million dogs develop hind leg problems due to what, as it turned out, Kantor’s dog had: a debilitating knee condition called a cranial cruciate ligament (or CCL) deficiency. While surgery is a painful fix, a new, less invasive procedure makes the operation easier on dogs. Below, Dr. James Cook, the University of Missouri-based veterinarian and orthopedic researcher who developed the procedure explains the injury and his innovative solution.

What is a CCL Injury in Dogs?

Human athletes often injure the knee’s anterior cruciate ligament (or ACL), and the CCL problem in dogs is comparable. ACL tears in humans result from one unfortunate accident, like a fall down the stairs or a twist on the basketball court. For dogs, CCL deficiencies are usually due to a degenerative process that develops over the years as athletic dogs leap to catch flying discs, tear around corners, and engage in other high-impact activities. “It’s the most common orthopedic injury in dogs,” says Dr. Cook. “It can occur in any breed at any age, though it’s most common in larger dogs like Newfoundlands, Goldens, Labradors and Rottweilers between the ages of two and nine.”

Preventing a CCL Injury in Dogs

While CCL deficiencies can’t always be avoided, the best way to stave them off is to keep your pet at a healthy weight. “Don’t let your dog get heavy, and keep the muscles around the knee strong with hiking, swimming and leash climbing,” advises Dr. Cook, who points out that the slender Greyhounds belong to the only large breed not afflicted with CCL problems. “You can’t strengthen the ligament, but you can strengthen the muscle around it.”

Dr. Cook also recommends that you make sure to feed your dog food with enough protein. According to the National Academy of Sciences, a minimum of 10 percent of your adult dog’s caloric intake should come from crude protein. “A quality commercial pet food does everything possible for a dog’s overall nutrition as well as the bones and joints. The science that goes into these products is incredible. It’s nice as a vet — we don’t have to formulate anything for dogs but can just advise our clients to feed the commercially available products.” Ask your veterinarian about the healthiest weight for your dog, and get recommendations for a weight reduction formula, if necessary.

Tightrope CCL Surgery

Small dogs that are overweight are sometimes treated conservatively with diet and exercise modifications. The best solution is usually surgery for the larger breeds, more prone to injury. Traditional methods involve cutting the bone, leading to complications — from bone fracture to joint damage. Dr. Cook’s technique, known as Tightrope CCL, relies on drilling and small incisions rather than cutting the bone. Because of the drilling, a dog must weigh at least 40 pounds to be a candidate for the Tightrope technique.

“The other surgeries work well, but I was drawn to switch to Tightrope because the complications are less serious,” Dr. Cook says. “When you cut the bone, and something goes wrong, the animal can be nonfunctional afterward, and it can be severe enough that the dog has to be put down.” He adds, “Also, the public is generally interested in less invasive techniques these days. So, that, too, was part of my consideration in developing this.”

Recovery From Knee Surgery

While the surgery is a cure, without rehabilitation, a dog will not heal. CCL surgeries like Tightrope require 10 to 12 weeks of limited post-op activity. “The dog should be walking short distances and only on a leash. It should be in a crate when you’re not around to monitor activity,” emphasizes Dr. Cook. “Don’t fall for that sad face and let your dog out!”

As the weeks of rehabilitation progress, your best friend will most likely experience a 95 

percent return to full function. It will also be officially arthritic. At this point, Dr. Cook says, it becomes essential to attend to that condition, both with weight management .and feeding foods containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, which are extracts from fish tissue and cartilage that are acknowledged building blocks for canine cartilage

As for Kantor’s dog, Goldy, he’s back in fine form after undergoing one of the older procedures to stabilize his knee. “I don’t throw things for him to jump for anymore,” says Kantor. “But we can still go for slow-paced walks before I go to work.” These are walks that both owner and dog now appreciate more than ever.

Article written by Author: Darcy Lockman

Knowing what to do if your dog has a medical emergency can mean the difference between your dog’s life or death. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, one out of every four dogs may be saved if a pet first-aid technique is used before the injured animal arrives at a clinic. However, less than 1 percent of pet owners have a pet first-aid kit or have been trained in first aid, estimates Thom Somes, Pet Tech owner, a company that trains instructors and teaches pet first-aid classes across the country.

How are your first-aid skills? Aside from calling your local pet emergency hospital or contacting your veterinarian, would you know what to do if your dog faced a sudden medical emergency? If you think your first-aid know-how could use some brushing up, you’re not alone.

Pet First-aid Classes

Increasingly, dog owners are taking classes to educate themselves about medical first aid for their treasured pals. The American Red Cross, for example, offers dog first-aid classes at a number of its chapters across the country. At many chapters, you’ll find dog first-aid kits and a dog first-aid book for purchase.

Dogs are so cherished in Carmel, Calif., that the local Red Cross there keeps a stash of dog biscuits in the cookie jar on the front counter. The chapter’s dog first-aid classes are wildly popular, says Sharon Crino, executive director. “We live in an area where pets are like family,” says Crino. “It has been quite a success.”

The American Red Cross and Pet Tech provide a directory for pet first-aid classes on their websites. Courses include management of emergencies involving bleeding, choking, poisoning, and more. Students even practice mouth-to-snout resuscitation on dog mannequins.

Practical Advice for a Dog Emergency

While experts caution that it’s best to receive training in a class, there are basic first-aid practices you can put to use until you complete the training:

1. Assemble or purchase a first-aid kit

You’ll find inexpensive dog first-aid kits online or in pet stores, but Somes recommends assembling your own so that you’ll be familiar with its contents. (The Humane Society of the United States Web site offers a list of items.) Keep a kit at home and in your car. Ensure your kit includes some way to stably transport your dog, such as a blanket you can use as a stretcher. Include vital information in the kit. You’ll want to have your veterinarian’s phone number, poison control numbers, and the number and address for an emergency veterinary service in your area. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals maintains a poison control hotline at 888-426-4435. (The ASPCA may charge you a consultation fee if you receive assistance through the hotline.)

2. Assess the situation

Too often, dog owners react without thinking. “Make sure you have ‘scene safety,'” advises Somes, who calls himself “The Pet Safety Guy.” Don’t rush into the street to check on a dog that has been hit by a car, even if it is your own. Somes tells the story of a dog owner who was almost hit by a car herself as she raced to help her furry friend. “If it’s dangerous or appears dangerous to you, you don’t want to become a victim as well,” says Kevin Cole, who teaches the pet first-aid classes for the Carmel American Red Cross chapter.

3. Anticipate your dog’s behavioral changes

If your dog is sick or injured, it may snap at you. Read its body language first and approach cautiously. Look for ears laid flat, hair standing up on the haunches, or even a glare. Don’t place your face close to your dog’s face to give comfort. Dog first-aid classes teach muzzling techniques using soft fabric, such as a tie or a length of gauze.

4. Secure your dog

Restraint accompanies muzzling, says Somes. “The dog can make the situation worse by moving,” he says. “A dog will run with a broken limb.” It may take two adults to restrain a dog using a towel or blanket gently.

5. Stay calm 
   

   Dogs note when your heart rate and breathing accelerate or if your voice escalates in pitch, Somes says. If you can’t be calm, have another adult step in.

6. Don’t call 911

   It’s often our first reaction in an emergency, but it won’t help your dog. Unless an animal is endangering people, you’ll get no response.

The best way to prepare for an emergency is to know your healthy dog, says Cole. “Recognize what’s normal in your animal. Then, know how to respond when things aren’t normal.” Finally, understand that first aid doesn’t substitute for veterinary care. First aid is meant to stabilize your dog or alleviate a life-threatening situation before your dog can receive expert medical attention.

Article written by Author: Kim Boatman