Frenchie puppy hemivertebrae: Will rear leg weakness improve with age?

These activities could aggravate a back lesions if you are causing your pet to move roughly or excessively. Always be gentle when manipulating, rubbing or washing pet's backs and necks. Hemivertebra are generally detected on radiographs so if you have concerns that your Frenchie has a problem, have some x-rays done. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If the blood results and x-rays were normal, it could be a problem with a nerve or with the spinal cord. It may be worth to rest Nacho for a few days (only short walks on a leash) and use painkillers. If after 3-4 days this treatment does not help, you should consider more advanced imaging of the spine, for example contrast x-ray, CT or MRI scan. French Bulldogs do suffer from spinal problems, like slipped disc, vertebral instability, vertebral body maldevelopment and more. Plane x-ray is not useful in diagnosis most of these problems, therefore the only sensible way to go is advance imaging.

Hip dysplasia can only be positively diagnosed with x-rays. There are certain indicators that can be noted on a physical exam, but they can only be considered supportive of the actual radiographic diagnosis. I would have his leg looked at and examined for fractures, evidence of soft tissue injuries, or as you have mentioned, evidence of hip imperfections. Based on the nature of the injury, the solution to the problem maybe something as simple as rest or medical therapy, or as complex as surgical procedures. Hope this helps.

Poor guy. Your pet Chuck has severe hip dysplasia and possibly even early signs of arthritis. It is so severe that the femoral head doesn't even appear to be in the socket, creating a subluxation appearance as well. I would highly recommend having your vet send Chuck to an orthopedic specialist to get a treatment plan to help stabilize these joints for Chuck so that he does not succumb to a permanent debilitated state due to this defect. I am so sorry that you had to go through so much with your pet and I am glad that his condition is at least stable for now. Here is more information on hip dysplasia in dogs and some of the procedures that can be done to help manage this condition--> https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952203 Best of luck with Chuck moving forward and I hope that you are able to manage his hip dysplasia condition well. Take care.

Hello, sorry to hear about Sasha. She does indeed have some changes in her spin consistent with spondylosis deformans. However, another potential cause of her back pain could include a herniated disk also known as Intervertebral Disk Disease. This can be a very painful condition and cause patients to have nerve deficits, back pain, and become unable to walk. Rest and pain medication will help in about 30-40% of the cases of dogs whom are not able to walk. In. dogs who still are able to walk, they may recover with strict rest and medical management. Strict rest should be instituted for at minimum of 4 weeks with no running, jumping, or rough housing to be allowed. If Sasha does not improve, her pain seems worse or if she is unable to walk, then she needs to be evaluated by your veterinarian or even a neurologist. Please contact your veterinarian to have her evaluated. Hope this helps and best of luck.

The hips look ok (hip dysplasia is possible on the right hip joint, but the positioning isn't perfect, which is required for that diagnosis). She does have significant issues with the vertebrae in her thoracic spine. I cannot tell exactly what is going on from these x-rays (it is much easier to evaluate them in-person), but they are likely causing significant discomfort. Lulu may need pain medications for life. A second opinion from a veterinary orthopedic surgeon would be a good idea to see if there is a surgical option to provide pain relief.

This is a congenital vertebral abnormality, which can lead to pressure on the spinal cord. This pressure results in pain, and progressive loss of hindlimb function and incontinence. This pain can be severe, and losing hindlimb function and control of bowels can be distressing for them. This condition can severely limit both the length and quality of a dog's life. If Patrick is severely affected by it, he will need surgery to prevent a permanent and major disability. Unfortunately, even with surgery, some dogs are still so disabled that euthanasia is best for their quality of life. I'm sorry Patrick has this condition! I would discuss with your vet how severe his symptoms are, and if there are any treatment options available to him.