Monday, January 30, 2012

Arwen has Arthritis


Arwen's particular type of arthritis is more specifically known as spondylosis - osteoarthritis of the spine that causes bony spurs to grow on the ventral side of the vertebrae.  These kinds of bone spurs result from trauma, or from a familial predisposition.  Since Arwen hasn't had any trauma, she must have had this lovely characteristic passed down to her from her family.  We knew she was starting to have some discomfort from seeing a prior xray, but this most recent visit to the vet for pain symptoms, showed us how very bad the condition was becoming.  Here are her x-rays:


See where the arrows are?  Those are the bone spurs - ugh!

The arrows up show those nasty bone spurs.  The arrow down shows how much poo the poor girl wasn't able to pass because those spurs were pinching her nerves!


The bone spurs were pinching the nerves that tell Arwen that it's time to poo.  My poor girl was painful from her spine AND uncomfortable because she couldn't pass a bowl movement.  She was grumbly, panting and couldn't get comfortable.  Now I understood why. We started her on a canine NSAID, Metacam, and she was back to normal in a couple of days.  

To get her off of prescription meds, I've been advised by her vet to stay on fish oil at high doses, and start tart cherry juice supplements.  We've also started Dasuquin, a powerful joint supplement. I just started her on the tart cherry supplements.  I'll let you know how that goes.  I'm also considering acupuncture.  

Arwen is still playing, jumping and walking as well as she always has, but there are subtle changes.  She sleeps on her back mostly and while playing, she's pretty guarded with the other 2 jumping around her.  She rarely sleeps through the night on her bed, which is something she's always done.  Now she's changing positions more and often leaves her bed for the flat floor in her crate.   Lest you think she's become weak and frail, she still runs the Pack with an iron paw.  Discipline and leadership can't take medical leave!










23 comments:

  1. Oh I am so sorry to hear about this but it sounds like you have a great vet willing to work with you!

    Stop on by for a visit
    Kari
    http://dogisgodinreverse.com

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  2. Poor Arwen. That sounds very painful. We too use Dasuquin for one of our dogs and it has done wonders. I've also heard good things about the tart cherry juice. I keep meaning to try it. Sounds like Arwen is in good hands because she looks like she not ready to give up the crown yet! :)

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  3. We are so sorry to hear about Arwen.:(

    Love,
    Teddy Bear & Sierra

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  4. feel better arwen--you are in good hands with the people who love you! xoxo britt

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  5. At least you know now what is causing the problem now. Not fun, but it sounds like you have a great vet who'll help give her the best care possible. We'll keep Arwen in our prayers. We're sending her Sibe Vibes!

    jack & moo

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  6. So glad that you know what the problem is and have a plan to ease the pain. Sounds like it's working. :o)

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  7. Sorry to hear that. Glad you are managing it so well.

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  8. Oh this news gave me a lump in my throat! Poor Arwen! And poor you having to watch her suffer. I'm so glad you've found a way to ease her pain. I hope she continues to heal. And great she's still a strong leader.

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  9. I'm sorry to read this. :-( I had a dog with the same condition. It is very difficult to watch. Sending good vibes to Arwen...

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  10. Sending White Dog healing energies to Arwen. White Dog has a nerve empingment and we are firm believers that the supplements and holistic compound help alleviate nearly all of the pain. Sending positive thoughts that Arwen, too, will find relief from the protocol.

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  11. poor Arwen. We have a human friend that has that
    Benny & Lily

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  12. We're so sorry to hear about the sickie, Arwen!

    Paws crossed and good thoughts are on the way to Arwen.

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  13. Thinking of you Arwen! Gibson is on Dasuquin & fish oil as he is quite large and has trouble moving about...and I just started Harley on Dasuquin (as a preventative now that she'll be turning 7 in March). Another good thing to check into is the K-Laser Therapy. It made a world of difference in Gib. He went from not being to get up and dragging himself to hip-hopping all around! Check with your vet, it's really good for arthritis issues. Here's my link to a past post about it: http://fivesibes.blogspot.com/2011/12/holistic-healing-of-husky-through-laser.html. Feel better, Arwen! Husky hugs to you!

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  14. Aw! Sorry to hear this. Glad there is some relief.... I'm on Welactin (oils) and a few other things for some hip troubles... I still do run and play, but try to do more long walkies and less jumping.
    Keep us posted!

    Big hugs,
    Sierra Rose

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  15. Sounds like Arwen had a wonderful vet helping to watch over her and help ease pain. It is hard to have our furiends/family/furkids go thru problems like this. She is in good loving hands. We will keep paws crossed and send good thoughts your way.
    ernie,sasha,chica,lucas

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  16. We hope the meds and tart cherry juice really make a difference. It so sad that one has to endure so much discomfort. We are thinking of you.

    Nina, Myshka, Sasha, Betsy, Lucy, Phoebe and Lily

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  17. Aw Arwen, that's no good huskerboo. Hope the Dasuquin helps. My sisfur gets monthly injections of adequan to help her arthritis, it does amazing things for her- maybe something to ask your vet about. be well Arwen,

    RA

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  18. My K (and I) have spine problems like that. For K, we give an injectable form of glucosamine every month called Adequan. It seems to help a lot. We can actually see the difference after each injection.

    Now that K has osteosarcoma, the vets aren't sure if we can continue the Adequan. There's some minor concern that it might conflict with the cancer treatments.

    I hope that Arwen keeps feeling good and perhaps improves even more!

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  19. Just checking in to see how Arwen's feeling?

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  20. Awwwe poor Arwen...My pitbull Motley and I hope everything improves for him...we will keep him in our puppy prayers

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  21. OH noes!! So sorry Arwen was having so much pain! So glad things seem to be improving!

    Woofs & hugs, <3

    ~Bailey (Yep, I'm a girl!)

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  22. Sorry to hear about Arwen, we are all hoping that the cherry juice, fish oil and the supplement to the job.

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