Friday, May 16, 2025

4739. VET CASE STUDY: Degenerative Disc Disease in a 19-year-old dog

 

 Physical examination1. Altered gait - lameness 2. Palpation and joint manipulations - pain levels


Hunched painful back, altered gait, hind legs spread outwards, hip pain  for around 3 months
X-rays

 Causesof back ache and pain in this 19-year-old female Shih Tzu1. Intervertebral lumbar disc degeneration is likely  due to ageing.2. Spondylosis or bony spur formation likely due to ageing.

 

 3. Left femoral head necrosis likely due to ageing or neoplasia.

 Treatmentof back ache and pain in this 19-year-old female Shih Tzu1. Pain killers.2. Physiotherapy - a combination of exercises, manual therapy, and other modalities.

3. Good diet.4. Walk more on non-slippery floors to prevent muscle atrophy.

 TIPS FROM DR SINGAs the 19-year-old Shih Tzu X is very old, ensure she has good nutrition to prevent malnutrition. Provide her with non-slippery areas to walk to prevent further muscle atrophy of the limbs. Some pain killers may be needed to make her comfortable.

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 For More Information:TOA PAYOH VETStoapayohvets.com+65 6254-3326+65 9668-6468judy@toapayohvets.com99pups@gmail.com

 UPDATE:https://2010vets.blogspot.com/2025/05/vet-case-study-degenerative-disc-disease.html

 

 Thank you for watchingVet case study: A very old Shih Tzu X in Myanmar has back aches and back pain - Disc Degeneration Disease & Spondylosis.

 

 

 

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VET CASE STUDY: Degenerative Disc Disease in a 19-year-old dog

1. Physical examination. Aged dog.
1.1 Pain level - Press on specific areas of her back
1.2 Muscle strength - Muscle weakness or shrinking --- nerve damage or DDD.


2. Imaging scans like X-rays, CT or MRT help diagnose the alignment of your disc.

3. Treatment for back pain in the dog.
3.1 Medication
3.2 Walking to strengthen back muscles and relieve some pain
3.3 No spinal surgery

  • Physical activity. Low-impact activity like walking or swimming can strengthen back muscles and relieve some pain.
  • Painkillers
    No spinal surgery. 

 

 X-ray imaging of a dog's vertebral column, or spine, is a common diagnostic tool used to evaluate the bones, ligaments, and soft tissues surrounding the spine. It's typically used to identify issues like fractures, arthritis, infections, and spinal deformities.

 

 SPONDYLOSIS

1. Changes in walk

Instead of smoothly swaying from side to side, you may see your dog’s back stiffen and fail to move freely. A stiff gait is not just a sign of leg pain, but can be a common symptom of a sore back. Your vet will perform a physical exam to localize pain if your dog has changes in gait.

2. Change in movement

Your dog’s back may seem rigid, and they may avoid ambitious movements like jumping up or rolling over. You may notice your dog reluctant to turn his head from side to side, or having difficulty maneuvering to reach certain parts of the body.

3. Change in comfort level

If your dog’s bone spur grows large enough to pinch the delicate nerve roots along the spinal cord, he may show signs of pain in dogs and be very sensitive to touch along his back. Some dogs will whine, yelp, or even snap if painful areas of the back are touched.

 

 

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  • When did the pain start?
  • Where do you feel pain?
  • What activities cause the most pain?
  • What activities decrease the pain?
  • Did you have an injury or accident that led to pain?
  • Do you have other symptoms, like tingling or numbness?
  • How far can you walk?

 

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 Degenerative disk disease occurs when the cushioning in your spine begins to wear away. After age 40, most people experience some spinal degeneration. But the condition doesn’t always cause symptoms. When it does, neck and back pain can be intense. The right treatment can lead to pain relief and increased mobility.

 

 Degenerative disk disease (degenerative disc disease) occurs when your spinal disks break down. Unfortunately, it’s just a natural part of aging. When these disks wear out, you’ll typically experience back pain and stiffness. For some people, home remedies like hot and cold therapy can decrease pain. When the pain is severe, you may benefit from spinal injections or spine surgery. A spine specialist can help you determine which treatment is best for you.

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Intervertebral disc disease - The Spine Practice of J ...

Intervertebral disc degeneration in the lumbar (lower back) region is a common condition characterized by the breakdown of the intervertebral discs, which cushion the vertebrae. This wear and tear can lead to pain, stiffness, and potentially nerve compression. The most common symptoms include lower back pain, which may radiate to the buttocks or legs, and pain that worsens with sitting, bending, twisting, or lifting. 

Elaboration:

  • What is it?
    Intervertebral disc degeneration, also known as degenerative disc disease (DDD), is the gradual deterioration of the intervertebral discs, which are the shock-absorbing cushions between the vertebrae in the spine. 

  • Why does it happen?
    Disc degeneration is a natural part of aging, and the discs can lose their height, hydration, and ability to absorb shock over time. Factors like genetics, age, inadequate metabolite transport, and loading history can also contribute to disc degeneration. 

  • Symptoms:

    • Back pain: Persistent or intermittent aching in the lower back. 


    • Leg pain (sciatica): Pain that radiates down the leg, often due to nerve compression. 


    • Numbness or tingling: Sensory changes in the leg or foot. 


    • Stiffness: Reduced range of motion in the back. 


    • Weakness: Muscle weakness in the leg or foot. 


  • Progression and complications:
    Degenerated discs can bulge or herniate, causing pressure on nerves and resulting in symptoms like sciatica. Small bony outgrowths (bone spurs) can also form at the edges of the vertebrae. 

  • Treatment:
    Treatment options for lumbar disc degeneration typically focus on managing pain and improving function, and may include:

    • Non-surgical options: Pain medications (NSAIDs, muscle relaxants), physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. 


    • Injections: Epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation. 


    • Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be needed to relieve nerve compression or stabilize the spine. 


Living with DDD:
While there's no cure for DDD, many individuals can manage their symptoms and maintain an active lifestyle with appropriate treatment and lifestyle modifications.

 

 

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Spondylosis in dogs, also known as spondylosis deformans, is a non-inflammatory, degenerative condition of the spinal column characterized by the formation of bone spurs along the top, bottom and sides of the vertebra. These spurs develop due to the body's reaction to damage or instability in the intervertebral discs and joints, often as a result of aging, injury, or genetic factors. 
Symptoms and Causes:
  • Symptoms: While many dogs with spondylosis are asymptomatic, some may experience stiffness, reduced flexibility, sensitivity to touch, or pain, especially if the bone spurs irritate nearby nerves or tissues. Symptoms can include limping, back pain, or altered gait. 
  • Causes: Spondylosis is most commonly associated with aging and the natural degeneration of intervertebral discs. Trauma (both minor and major) can also contribute, as can a genetic predisposition to bone spur formation. 
  • Common Locations: In dogs, spondylosis frequently occurs in the lower back (lumbar spine). 
Diagnosis:
  • X-rays:
    Spondylosis is typically diagnosed with X-rays, which can clearly visualize the bone spurs.
  • Other Imaging:
    CT scans or MRIs may be used in some cases to assess the extent of the condition and rule out other problems. 
Treatment and Management:
  • Pain Relief: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other analgesics may be used to manage pain. 
  • Physiotherapy: Exercises, massage, and hydrotherapy can help improve range of motion and muscle strength. 
  • Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress on the spine. 
  • Supplements: Joint supplements may be helpful in some cases. 
  • Surgical Intervention: Surgical intervention is rarely necessary and is typically reserved for cases where the bone spurs are causing significant nerve compression or instability

Saturday, May 10, 2025

VET CASE STUDY. A red-eared slider has an EATING DISORDER. Part 2/3 and ...

VET CASE STUDY:
A 3-year-old red-eared slider has an EATING DISORDER. Part 1/3.
Toa Payoh Vets - March 2025 HISTORY OF CONSULTATIONS



In 2025, at the age of 3 years, he weighed around 200g when his sibling weighed 1300 g. He was stunted and emaciated. Why?

Three years ago, on 27 January 2022, the owner consulted me as her juvenile male red-eared slider. His shell length was less than 3 cm and weighing 15 g. This shell length and weight were within the normal ranges.  At this time, he had swollen eyes and no appetite. However, he recovered after treatment with medication. 

The owner provided the two siblings a proper glass tank, UV lights, basking platform area, water filter and clean water. He shared this tank with a sibling.

From 2022 - 2025, he was fed in his own tank. But he ate little as evident by his shell length and weight of around 200 g at 3 years of age in 2025. The owner did not consult any vet although this stunted red-eared slider had an EATING DISORDER.

On 13 JANUARY 2025, the owner consulted me at Toa Payoh Vets. The slider weighed 215 g and had no poor appetite. Why is this 3-year-old red-eared slider emaciated and stunted?

 

 

 

4736. VET CASE STUDY. A 3-year-old red-eared slider has an EATING DISORDER. PT 2/3 AND 3/3. Diagnosis and Treatment.

 

VET CASE STUDY: A 3-year-old red-eared slider has an EATING DISORDER. Parts 2/3 and 3/3. Toa Payoh Vets - March 2025. DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT. In 2025, at the age of 3 years, he weighed around 200g when his sibling weighed 1300 g. He was stunted and emaciated. Why? Three years ago, on 27 January 2022, the owner consulted me as her juvenile male red-eared slider. His shell length was less than 3 cm and weighing 15 g. This shell length and weight were within the normal ranges. At this time, he had swollen eyes and no appetite. However, he recovered after treatment with medication. The owner provided the two siblings a proper glass tank, UV lights, basking platform area, water filter and clean water. He shared this tank with a sibling. From 2022 - 2025, he was fed in his own tank. But he ate little as evident by his shell length and weight of around 200 g at 3 years of age in 2025. The owner did not consult any vet although this stunted red-eared slider had an EATING DISORDER.

 

 On 13 JANUARY 2025, the owner consulted me at Toa Payoh Vets. The slider weighed 215 g and had no poor appetite. Why is this 3-year-old red-eared slider emaciated and stunted? The owner did not want X-rays. The slider stopped eating and passed away within a month, owing to malnutrition. No autopsy was done to determine the cause of death. This is a rare case of a possible EATING DISORDER in a red-eared slider.

 


 

4735. WILDLIFE SINGAPORE: Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove

SINGAPORE - 11 NOV 2024: 11.16am. The Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove in the Bird Paradise features one of the world's largest sub-Antarctic, cold salt-water habitats for penguins. See the penguins swimming around the underwater kelp forest and the rocky beach with waddling penguins.

 SINGAPORE - 28 JUN 2024: Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove, Bird Paradise.  The King Penguin (2nd from R) and Gentoo Penguin (R) swim in 9 deg C waters. A keeper cleans their home.

 

 SINGAPORE - 28 JUN 2024: 2pm. Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove. The Northern Rockhopper Penguin with yellow eye lashes hops onto rocks, hence its name. It is an endangered species. 


SINGAPORE - 11 AUG 2024: 1pm. Bird Paradise. Caucasian and Asian visitors crowd nearer to the enclosure to watch Penguin Cove's penguins living in the sub-Antarctic, cold salt-water habitat.

 

 CHINA - 31 OCT 2024: Fairyland Ocean Park, Hainan has displays of Gentoo penquins (Pygoscelis papua). Their habitat is in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions. Their numbers are decreasing.

Friday, May 9, 2025

WILDLIFE SINGAPORE SKY: The Red Junglefowl in Singapore

 

 

 

 

WILDLIFE SINGAPORE SKY, produced by Dr Sing Kong Yuen, BVMS (Glasgow), aims to document wildlife in Singapore and educate the young people about wildlife diversity and conservation.

The red junglefowl (Gallus gallus) is a tropical bird. The male red junglefowl has colourful plumate and is distinguished by the white patch at its rump and white ear wattles. The female has dull brown to black plumage.

The male may have one or more female hens wandering on the grass to forage for seeds, fallen fruits and insects.

Undomesticated junglefowl is a source of meat and eggs in some countries.

In Singapore, it is seen roaming freely in some estates like Ang Mo Kio and on the grounds of the Singapore General Hospital and public gardens.

Singapore is highly urbanised with over 80 per cent of the residents living in high-rise apartments.  Its presence in public spaces connects Singaporeans with Wildlife and Nature and
promotes mental wellness.

 

UPDATES:
https://2010vets.blogspot.com/2025/05/wildlife-singapore-red-junglefowl-in.html



TO BUY STOCK PHOTOS:
www.shutterstock.com/g/toapayohvets



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Thursday, May 8, 2025

4733. WILDLIFE SINGAPORE: The Red Junglefowl in Singapore

WILDLIFE SINGAPORE SKY, produced by Dr Sing Kong Yuen, BVMS (Glasgow), aims to document wildlife in Singapore and educate the young people about wildlife diversity and conservation.

The red junglefowl (Gallus gallus) is a tropical bird. The male red junglefowl has colourful plumate and is distinguished by the white patch at its rump and white ear wattles. The female has dull brown to black plumage.

The male may have one or more female hens wandering on the grass to forage for seeds, fallen fruits and insects.

Undomesticated junglefowl is a source of meat and eggs in some countries.

In Singapore, it is seen roaming freely in some estates like Ang Mo Kio and on the grounds of the Singapore General Hospital and public gardens.

Singapore is highly urbanised with over 80 per cent of the residents living in high-rise apartments.  Its presence in public spaces connects Singaporeans with Wildlife and Nature and
promotes mental wellness.

 

UPDATES:
https://2010vets.blogspot.com/2025/05/wildlife-singapore-red-junglefowl-in.html



TO BUY STOCK PHOTOS:
www.shutterstock.com/g/toapayohvets



MORE EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS:
www.youtube.com/c/99pups