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Jordan | 5 years ago
I Have An 8 Year Old Dalmatian That Out Of The Blue Started Crying Out In Pain …

I have an 8 year old Dalmatian that out of the blue started crying out in pain when lying down or getting up as well as being unable to shake his head to itch ears. Emergency vet has suspected IVDD as likely problem. He is not dragging, going to the bathroom fine and seems energetic but cautious because of pain. I just watched a video by Krista Magnifico on IVDD recovery without surgery should I be crating him as much as possible for time being? The doctor sent him home with anti-inflammatory, steroid and pain meds.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    My advice for these patients is to treat them like an IVDD dog even if I am not sure what the cause is? I start with strict cage rest for 3-5 days (as long as nothing else is worsening and they are eating and drinking normally. If they worsen at anytime or aren’t better in a few days I have them come back for a recheck. If I am still not sure what is going on I refer to a specialist for help. Best of luck.

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Pawbly | 10 years ago
I Have A Dalmatian Who Has Been Limping On His Front Left Paw For About…

I have a dalmatian who has been limping on his front left paw for about 2 weeks, he still plays and runs, but I noticed he limps and when he’s at a resting point he favors it. How can I know if its just growing pains or something more?

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  1. Anonymous

    i gather this is a puppy?  has he been seen by a vet for this yet?

  2. Alexis E

    He is 11 months old and he has not yet seen a vet yet, considering that I was trying to wait and see if it is growing pains.

  3. Anonymous

    i’d get him in. better to be safe than sorry, you know? i don’t think i’d have pushed it more than a few days of consistent limping.

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Diedra Cardamone | 12 years ago
My Dog Maizie Is A Mix Chocolate Lab Dalmation. She Is Going To Turn…

My dog Maizie is a mix Chocolate Lab Dalmation. She is going to turn 14 in a month. Over the past year she has lost most of her muscle and her back legs look especially thin and wobbly. She has a large living room to live in and is let outside through a door with a very small step. What can I do for her to help her body be as strong and safe? Also, she eats best when her dry food is mixed with a little canned food, is that ok?

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,

    Thanks for your question.

    Congratulations on all of the things you must have been providing and giving to Maizie to get her to an astounding age of 14! Did you know that most labs and dalmatians only live to about 12? 14 years old is amazing!

    There are many things that you can do to help her age gracefully and maintain her strength, stamina, and vigor.

    Diet is a great place to start. Ask your veterinarian about which diets they like and recommend for her. I like Science diet J/D. The "J" is for joint. I also like a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement like Dasaquin daily. I have a 16 year old dog and I encourage her to eat by mixing a great dry food with an equally high quality wet food. I make great efforts to keep her eating well, like feeding her twice a day. I have also begun using a dog food gravy to make her food even a tiny bit more exciting. Muscle mass is lost because of two reasons, not enough exercise, and not enough dietary protein.

    Most of the older dogs that I see are losing peripheral hind limb muscle mass from chronic dis-use. They aren’t getting enough exercise to maintain muscle mass because it hurts too much to move. So after a thorough physical exam I discuss x-rays, and bloodwork and an NSAID. This is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. it helps many dogs feel better and takes away some, or even all, of their pain. At 14 years old I think it is very important to make the remaining days, however many they may be, comfortable. I also think that a thick (about 6 inches), orthopedic bed helps on those bony achey joints.

    I recommend twice yearly exams to better monitor and manage the aging process. Blood work, urinalysis, radiographs, and thorough physical examinations will help keep Maizie happy, healthy, and mobile for her days yet to come.

    Wishing you and Maizie continued longevity. If you would like to set up a geriatric exam with us we can be reached at Jarrettsville Veterinary Center in Jarrettsville MD.

    Sincerely,
    Krista Magnifico, DVM
    Owner Jarrettsville Veterinary Center
    Jarrettsville MD
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