Can French bulldog hemivertebra worsen from massage, bathing, stairs?

Thank you for more information on Boogie! Hemivertebrae can be common in brachycephalic (short nosed) dogs such as the French Bulldog. It is when the bones of the spinal column are abnormally shaped. This leads to the bones not aligning correctly with their neighboring bones, and this in turn causes damage and compression of the spinal nerves. This isn't something that correct itself as he grows unfortunately. It most commonly affects young dogs because the problems arise as their skeleton grows. Without surgery, the skeletal deformity is permanent. It is best that Boogie has the MRI as soon as possible so this condition can be definitely diagnosed and he can be treated. This condition can severely limit both the quality and length of life, so it's important to have it diagnosed early so it can be treated as needed. I hope this helps!

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.

Poor Millymoo! Your best option is to take her to an emergency clinic and if she is in that much pain or distress, I think you should go. If you cannot get her to an emergency clinic tonight then things you can do at home include a gentle massage for five minutes. You can do this two to three times. You can also apply a warm, not hot, compress twice. This can help to relax the muscles. If you have any omega-3 fatty acid supplements for dogs, this can act as a natural anti-inflammatory. It will not be as strong as the medication from your veterinarian but it may help. The key is to be gentle and not stress her. Also, she needs strict exercise restriction. So no walks, running, jumping, stairs or getting on the furniture. Do not walk her on a neck lead, only use a harness. Best of luck.

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.

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.

Many French Bulldogs have abnormal confirmation and can have divots in their lumbar area, especially near their pelvis. This is just a consequence of their breeding. I would monitor him to make sure he doesn't show any problems walking or back pain, and if he seems normal, it probably isn't causing him discomfort.

If an emergency vet is an option, I would take Nelson in. Brachycephalic dogs (the short-nosed breeds) are prone to developing intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) which could cause these types of symptoms. The vet will do a thorough physical and neurologic exam, and may recommend x-rays to determine what is going on and to select the best treatment plan.