Casper is back from the vets, and diagnosis has been confirmed. We had concerns for a while regarding his lower spine and hips, so have had a couple of visits to the vets with Xrays under a GA today. He has an ankylosing spine, meaning his lower vertebrae are starting to fuse, combined mild hip dysplasia. I think I am still in shock and my heart is breaking for him. The vet was wonderful, all of the staff were, when I said I was there to pick up Casper, the receptionists face lit up. He has that effect on people. I feel so bad, the thought he has been suffering, and we didn't know. The vet described Casper as stoic.. Anyhow, still trying to process everything I guess. His condition is probably as a result of a number of things, being confined (evidence of this in thickening around his knees), poor nutrition, and likely trauma to his back. The good news is now we can treat him, firstly with painkillers to keep him comfortable, and yumove plus for his hips. Restricted exercise, can't remember how long for....and possibly acupuncture. Going forward when we have a better idea of how he is responding we can look at hydrotherapy. They also did a complete blood panel, and that was good news, kidney, liver function etc....all OK. We are back in a week to see how Casper responds to the painkillers. He is very dopey tonight bless him, legs all wobbly, he has been sick a couple of times but now seems more comfy.
Poor Casper. He is in good hands. Wishing your news was better, but glad you know and have good advice x
Poor man and poor you. It must be heartbreaking but we all know that you'll be doing absolutely everything to make him as comfortable as possible.
Ah, Kate. I'm so sorry to hear the not so great news. But Casper is a lucky boy, he has an owner that will go all out to find the best programme and regime for him, and he'll live well and happily in your care. Very best of luck with it, wishing you all the best.
Poor Casper - I hope his painkillers are effective & he is soon comfortable. It's a tough time for you, but he is so lucky to have you looking out for him.
I am so sorry to hear your sad news, poor Casper and poor you. Reading your post he sounds in excellent hands. It's so comforting when you have a good vet. Xx
Oh poor Casper like everyone has said, he is so lucky to have you, you will do everything you can for him so he will be comfortable and happy. Hope you are ok xx
My old dog had this (the fusing spine issue, diagnosed at about 5 yrs) and he had an active life till 14. So with proper management it may not impede Casper much at all. Eventually when he was 13/14 my dog's back was noticeably less flexible (was harder to get his back legs underneath him when running) but otherwise you would not have known. The good thing is that now you can make Casper more comfortable. I'm sure it'll take a while to digest the news, but it sounds like you're in good hands and have a plan.
Hope Casper feels better tomorrow. He'll have a very good chance of a comfortable life with your care, although it's disappointing news.
Ruth and I are sorry to hear about Casper. I know that he's in good hands and will get the best of attention.
Very sorry to read this, but on an encouraging note I had a GSP diagnosed with this and she lived until she was over 14 years.
Gosh, that was a shock to me. Poor chap; let's hope all the treatment makes a big difference for him.
Really sorry to hear this. Hope he's over the effects of the anaesthetic by today and keeping my fingers crossed that the pain meds enable him to lead a happy life.
Hope Casper has recovered well from the GA and that the pain meds are helping him. It's always such a shock when you receive news like this but we all know Casper is in good hands with you and he will have a long and happy life. Try not to be too hard on yourself that you didn't know Casper was in pain, I did that with Juno and her ED. The vet described her as stoic as well. It would be so much easier if our dogs could tell us when something hurts. Anyway, thinking of you and Casper - hugs from me and licks from Juno
Thank you for your lovely comments....I really consider you lot as part of our "team" Casper is still rather woozy..although he doesn't really know it, so the humpy back hoolie around the garden earlier was rather interesting! I do wonder how much his constant low grade pain has to do with his on lead reactivity, will have to explore that one later.
I am so sorry to hear about Casper's diagnosis. Poor chap. Now you know what the problem is you will be able to help him as I know you will.
