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 my local areas. All this walking was good for us both and Barney had a great way of life. He would go to work with me each day, meeting new pals and loved to travel around in the Happy Paws van. And guarding it of course!!!

However, little did I know that Barney has Degenerative Disc Disease, which was diagnosed in June 2008. Barney's very active lifestyle can to a sudden halt, when he suddenly became paralysed and was obvuiosly in pain. It happened very suddenly (just like us slipping a disc) so.... a visit to the vet for help. After an x-ray, then an MRI Scan, he was admitted to Downs Veterinary Practice in Bristol as soon as possible as the MRI scan confirmed it was Degenerative Disc Disease!

We took the decision to have surgery to remove the discs, he ended up having 5 removed which would give him 95% chance of getting back to normal. The surgery was a great success, and he was walking around the next day! Amazing really!! Although the day of the surgery was possibly my worst day ever it was worth it all - the quicker the better and less stress for him!

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, due to his hydrotherapy and 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.

- 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.

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