cauda equina syndrome

[dreams529]

Hello, I’m brand new hear and looking for info/advice for my dog. I have an 11.5 year old Boxer named Julie. She has been having a lot of issues lately. Our vet has just diagnosed her with cauda equina syndrome & I'm little confused & don’t know if any of you may have some experience with this.

The vet's diagnosis is coming from her weakness in the back legs & her loss of control over her bladder and occasionally bowels especially when sleeping. The only outcomes I have seen with this revolve around the dog having surgery but with her age & the fact that she is not doing that great surgery would not be a good option. What happens if this condition goes untreated is my biggest question.

Any advice/info any of you may have would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much!

[Goldfields]

A breeder friend of mine had this problem with an ageing Australian Cattle Dog. I tried to phone her to get you some information but she must be out, I'll try again later. I might be wrong but I reckon her dog didn't have surgery.

[dreams529]

Thank you so much! Any info she may have would be so helpful. I have no idea what to expect going forward & its scary & frustrating.

Thanks again!!

[MaxaLisa]

CES diagnosis can be tricky. It is supposed to be a very painful condition. Sometimes it can be confused with other back issues.

I would support with joint supplements, acupuncture, and chiropractic (www.avcadoctors.com), herbal anti-inflammatories, and prescription anti-inflammatories a the next tier (with liver support). After evaluationg reponse to that, I would consider the following: http://www.greyhound-data.com/dir/39...l_Stenosis.pdf

It's really tough to see this happen, I'm so sorry

[Goldfields]

I'm sure MaxaLisa has covered everything there. My friend kept her old ACD going for 18 months with careful use of Metacam.

[MaxaLisa]

I wasn't ure if metacam would help, that's good to know. I hate these degenerative conditions.