BARNEY'S STORY - Degenerative Disc Disease

Barney was one of the reasons Happy Paws came about. He came to his new home in November 2004 at 12 weeks old, around the same time I started walking dogs for people around the Crewkerne area. It was great fun and Barney soon had lots of doggy friends and it kept us fit. The range of services I could offer soon grew, and Barney had a great way of life. He would go to work with me each day, walking many other dogs, meeting new pals and loved to travel around in the Happy Paws van. And guarding it of course!!!

Little did I know that Barney has Degenerative Disc Disease, which was diagnosed in June 2008. Barney's very active lifestyle can to a stop one Sunday in June when I noticed him having difficulty walking and was in some discomfort. It happened very suddenly (just like us slipping a disc) so we visited the vet the next day. On the first visit it was thought he had muscular pain in his back, but a day or two later it became more serious as Barney began to drag his legs and was arching his back. So our second visit to the vet confirmed it was more serious, so he went for an x-ray straight away. This then led to him needing an MRI scan, so that next day went up to Bristol to Downs Veterinary Practice who specialise in spinal problems. The MRI scan confirmed it was Degenerative Disc Disease!

We had 2 options ... Complete cage rest for 6-8 weeks or Surgery. We took the decision to have surgery to remove the discs, he ended up having 5 removed. The surgery was a great success, and he was walking around the next day, slowly of course, but he was able to go to the toilet normally. Amazing really!! Although the day of the surgery was possibly my worst day ever it was worth it all, especially to see him walking around again in such a short time.

After surgery - His life is a little different than before, no more romping with the big dogs, no more jumping up or jumping off things from a great height! He has wooden ramps in his home which he uses instead of steps. And he has hydrotherapy every fortnight and I have found Acupuncture sessions to be a great help.

February 2009 - Barney is much stronger now, he is still undergoing Hydrotherapy every fortnight as this really helps him to keep him muscles toned without putting any pressure on the spine and he has Acupuncture when needed. He is not on any pain killers at all, but has cod liver oil capsules three times a week, a few raw bones a week and occasionally is given Hypericum and Arnica (homeopathic remedies). He is on Turkey Senior Light by the Natural Dog Food Company which contains herbs to aid mobility. He still comes to work with me each day and mixes with his pals, mostly the older more placid dogs, and can help with the jobs that involve less walking. (Cat feeding and horse care!)

- The people involved in helping Barney were fantastic and I thank them all very much....

Kingfisher Veterinary Practice - Crewkerne

Downs Veterinary Practice - Bristol

Pam at Magic's Pool - Stolford, near Cannington

Acupuncture - Pat Grant B.V.Sc. Cert V.D. MRCVS D.S.H. R.S.Hom

If your pet has also been diagnosed with Disc Disease, please do email me if you want any advice or ideas on how to help your dog. I have done a lot of research on products which may help too.

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I am also gathering information from various sources about Degenerative Disc Disease.

Do email me if you would like to share your doggy story's ... sarah@happy-paws.co.uk

Information on DDD