3288. INTERN. Spondylosis in 2 older dogs (a 12-year-old and an 18-year-old)

Singapore is a busy metropolis with too many malls for shopping. There are more food and beverage outlets opened every year.

Over 80% of the 6 million residents live in high rise apartments.

Many lead hectic lives and have little time for their older pets. Both pet owners and pets do live longer nowadays. It is common to see men and women over 80 years old nowadays.

Many dogs live very long years as in this case. As in old people, they have difficulty getting up or walking. Many Singapore residents lead hectic lives. However treatment of the dog with back pain is necessary as the dog may lose appetite and become emaciated or malnourished.

WHAT IS SPONDYLOSIS? (Read the X-ray text)

Dog is 18 years old

In 2017, after the X-rays showing spondylosis, the dog could stand up and walk. She walked a bit slow but had no pain symptoms.

However, in Sep 3, 2018, the dog screamed in pain after falling down and so consulted Dr Daniel Sing of Toa Payoh Vets. No X-ray was taken.

Blood test showed high blood urea of 25 mmol/L (4.2-6.3) and creatinine 204 umol/L (89-177).

ALT/SGPT 126 u/l (Haemogloblin 11.7 g/dL (12-18)

Red cell count 5 (.5.5 - 6.5). The dog is anaemic.

TREATMENT

Most old dogs are given painkillers. They can live a normal life with medication.

This dog was prescribed painkillers. On follow up 7 days later, the owner said the dog was walking and was not in pain. 

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Another case of spondylosis confirmed by X-rays



https://2010vets.blogspot.com/2015/04/spondylosis-l2-l3-12-year-old-shih-tzu.html