Need your thoughts on Hijinx's treatment

[juliette]

Well, it's been exactly two weeks since we spotted Hijinx's symptoms, and if I'm honest about it, I don't think she's any better after a steriod course and enforced rest.

I decided today, against my vets advice, to take her to my brother who is a chiropractor. The bro found a definate spinal issue located at the absolute top of her neck (where the head meets the neck). The vet had not found any sites on her spine. Bro adjusted her three times to bring the affected vertabre back into alignment, and has proscribed light exercise and massage for the next three days, with gentle massage of her neck twice per day.

I don' t know if I'm imagining it, but she definately SEEMED to walk out of the vet with a cockier attitude - but she's back to resting in her bed now.

Has anybody gone the chiropractor route with back issues? I don't want her to continue to be in pain - and that's all I've seen in her eyes for the past two weeks. I know MY life is so much better due to chiropractic, and I certainly only want to do what is best for her but I need to know the thoughts of the group here.

I know that I'm lucky, she's not a "down" dog, but I really want to do everything possible to help her to health again.

[blazeman]

I don't know what to tell ya... I have never been to a chiropractor... but if it's helping... more power to her!

:rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: for Jinxie

[minicooper]

I have heard good reports about Chiropractic treatments (both human and canine) but I have never used either.

When Mini went down, Rover's breeder advised me to get her to a chiropractor. My vet strongly advised against it! She recovered from her paralysis, but I think I would try Chiroparactic if I ever needed to again.

If you can see an improvement in Hijinx, I would probably continue with the treatment.

More :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: for Hijinx!

[Mark]

Chiropractic is not our *thing* . . . but if it works . . . :)

Lotsa DBB Healing RAYZ to Hijinx :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[yolanda]

used Chiropractic treatments on three different dog. However this was after the surgery on two of them and Miss Sassy.

Sassy has a blood clot and did not have surgery, she will "lockup" her front shoulder and the Chiro will undo it.

Both Farfel and CharlieDog, had the Chrio treatment long after surgery to help straighten out the spines.

I have been told IF there is any possibility of "pinched nerves" in the spine not to do the chirp treatments. However, I have a great Holistic acupuncturist I trust and usually follow her advice.

I do know that gentle massages using the T-Touch system does wonders and I highly recommend it.

[Heidismom]

were the only thing that helped my sister be free of back pain many years ago. I have not used it myself, but it definitely worked for her, and a couple of my closest girlfriends also go to a chiropractor. If it works, I say, "go for it". Julia B.

[TessieMom]

I had good results with chiropracters and my lower back, however, my brother had a vertebra cracked by one a couple years ago. I think it can help, but you have to have a good doctor.

[juliette]

Thanks folks. We are seeing a higher level of activity from her this evening, so hopefully that is an indication that her pain is reduced.

Yolanda - where can I get information on T-touch massage?

Cheers.
J

[dutchman]

Well I've been debating just what to say since you first ask this afternoon. I don't have any personal experience but I tend to look at chriopratic treatment more like a type of physical therapy or massage therapy. They have their place and can help many things but if there is an underlying medical problem such as IDD especially any chance of a disk rupture then it's tie to seek traditional professional help from a good neurologist.

A couple of questions / comments on your vets treatment plan. First what test did they do to decide it was a neurological problem? X-rays, ...? Second the conventional steroid treatment can take some time to show much improvement. Every case is different some respond very fast others take time.

What ever course of treatment you choose to continue you know you have my best wishes and rays for a full recovery.

[lotsadox]

I took Amanda to a chiropractor with her latest bout of back troubles. It took weekly adjustments for about 3 weeks and she was doing really well. I could see an improvement with every adjustment. Now she seems to be holding the adjustments and hasn't had any problems for several weeks.

[juliette]

Tom - thanks for the input. The vet didn't do x-rays - she hadn't "gone down" fully, it was the long weekend, and his feeling was that no matter what the xray showed, he would have treated her the same way - steriods and crate rest.

She completed her steriod treatment last Friday - and we saw no substantive improvement, other than eating her head off. I'm withholding full judgement, but my initial impressions are that she seems looser and more relaxed tonight - she rolls over for belly rubs as always, but tonight she kicked her feet out and wagged her tail - something that she hasn't done in two weeks.

I'll keep you all updated.

[Heide]

I dont have any experience with Chiropractors myself, but if it works and Hijinx seems better, than I also agree go for it.
WE just want our furbabies to be fine.
It sounds as tho she is doing better since her 1st treatment.
Sending mega DBB/MS healing rayz:rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[quavec]

No answers but lots of good luck rayz for you both!:rayz: :rayz:

[baying briars]

Juliette - chiro work does help, but may I add a bit more to it? Massage and hydrotherapy. I've taken training and am a certified Animal Care Specialist, I also own "Animal Massage". I've used massage and hydro work on my dachsies when they have gone down in their backs. Kia's story is on my website
Baying Briars (http://www.bayingbriars.com)
With Chiro work, the muscles need to be retrained, as they have adjusted over time to compensate the injured area. After chiro work is done, the muscles tend to try and go back to the supportive position that decreased the pain. Massage work helps retrain these muscles to stay in their proper position. The hydrotherapy work assists in keeping the tone while crate resting, and also aids in maintaining circulation flow.
If you would like more information, I would be glad to supply you with what sources I have.
Please keep us up dated!
Missy

[juliette]

Update - well, it's 24 hours since Jinxie's first chiro treatment, and I CAN'T believe the improvement in her! She's still in some pain that is obvious, but she is actually interested in play, bones and doing more than just cuddling up and sleeping.

We've started massaging her neck a little bit (thanks Yolanda for the T-touch info), and she will go in for her next adjustment on Friday a.m.

I'm not saying she's 100% yet, but she is definately much better than she was two days ago!

[TessieMom]

That is fantastic!!!:bounce: :bounce:

[Heide]

wonderful news.
So glad to hear that she is getting better, with the chriopractic therapy.
Just so awesome.
:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: