- Location
- East Sussex
So glad he’s getting better, must be a relief to you. Hope he continues to improve.
Finn is in pain
- Thread starter Anne123
- Start date
- Location
- Malvern Worcestershire
I am very surprised that your vet did not x-ray his back, no point in giving pain relief unless you can know the cause of it. The poor lad seems to have been in considerable pain, pleased he is a little better.
- Location
- Vlaardingen, the Netherlands
She mentioned the x rays. She also mentioned that X-rays are out and that nowadays ct-scan is used for diagnoses. I didn’t want him to have that. For us it has no consequences for we didn’t want him to have an operation. We have been there with our Euan, who got ct-scans and mri and an operation. He never recovered from the back pain. Perhaps if he didn’t react to his medication and still in a lot of pain our opinion would have been different....For me the main thing was to get him treated for his pain. We wait and see what the next step will be
- Location
- Malvern Worcestershire
Maybe it is different in the Netherlands, but my vet certainly does not have a CT scanner. X-rays would be helpful in the first instance at least! I am sorry that Finn has to suffer pain.
Jacqui-S
Moderator
- Location
- Fife, Scotland
Xrays only show you the bones, don't really give an indication of disc and nerves around the spine, and if the vet thinks this is an issue then it makes sense not to do the xray.
I guess it's a difficult call. Good not to do investigations that aren't going to change management plans. We mustn't forget that xrays particularly if needing sedation, have their own risks.
I guess it's a difficult call. Good not to do investigations that aren't going to change management plans. We mustn't forget that xrays particularly if needing sedation, have their own risks.
- Location
- The Hague, The Netherlands
How is Finn today? Has the Novocam given him pain relief? X
- Location
- Vlaardingen, the Netherlands
Yes! There is a massive change in him. When we came down after our sleep we were happily be greeted by Finn. There is also a change in his reactivity. He is much calmer, don’t bark when we encounter other dogs!! So a huge difference!! We are so glad. We think that he was in pain for a long time......
- Location
- Sydney, Australia
Oh just catching up with this, so sorry to hear Finn has had this happen. Glad he is improving
- Location
- Canberra, Australia
Well done on making sure he got the care and treatment he needed 
Great job.
Great job.
I’m glad he’s doing so much better, what a relief.
Personally I’d be wanting the CT scan though and a clear diagnosis, so you can work out a plan going forward, even if that excludes surgery (which I understand). If you know what is causing the proble, and something obviously is, then pain relief will only mask that, while the underlying problem may just get worse.
Personally I’d be wanting the CT scan though and a clear diagnosis, so you can work out a plan going forward, even if that excludes surgery (which I understand). If you know what is causing the proble, and something obviously is, then pain relief will only mask that, while the underlying problem may just get worse.
- Location
- Vlaardingen, the Netherlands
I don’t want him to have a ct scan. The risks of sedation and the fact we won’t have an op makes this decision for us! Been there, done that. That he is without pain is the main goal for us!
- Location
- Canberra, Australia
It might be worth considering a dog physiotherapist. They can help with exercises that improve spine/limb flexibility and movement. We used a physio with our first dog, Nicolae, who had spondylitis. The exercises focused on his back and limbs. Legs/shoulders etc can get sore from compensating for a stiff back so that’s why it was a whole of body approach. Anyway, might be worth having a chat to the vet about that option, if there’s a good, qualified canine physiotherapist in your area.
Naya
Moderator
- Location
- Bristol, UK
Glad Finn doesn’t seem to be in pain. Harley has a massage every 5-6 weeks and has really helped stop the stiffness she kept getting in her back legs. The lady comes to our house and Harley loves getting her massage. Do they do anything similar where you live?
- Location
- Essex, U.K.
So glad to hear that Finn is improving. I hope he continues to get better and is not in pain.
- Location
- Vlaardingen, the Netherlands
He continues to feel good. Only yesterday when we met one of the pugs I saw he was still in pain. He was grumpy and wouldn’t let him tough him. Today is his last day on novacam
Emily_Babbelhund
Mama Red HOT Pepper
- Location
- Regensburg, Germany
I realize there are many levels of severity for spondylosis, but just wanted to add that Brogan was diagnosed with it via x ray and no anaesthesia needed. Also surgery was never recommended, just awareness and management.
I hope Finn continues to feel better even with today being his last day on novacam.
I hope Finn continues to feel better even with today being his last day on novacam.
As far as I understand, spondylosis is the spine’s way of stabilizing itself. Yes, it’s painful. But once the vertebrae are fused, the pain should subside, with some painful episodes to be expected. With careful management, Finn should be able to be comfortable without meds. What kind of management does your vet recommend? For Snowie, initially it meant no sharp sudden turns, which meant absolutely no chasing of balls. But otherwise he was free to run calmly in a straight line, which meant the spine wasn’t twisting.