Danny

Exercise for the Veteran Irish Wolfhound

It is necessary to keep in mind that exercise for our veteran hounds is vital. Notably, those hounds who have suffered an injury, such as our Danny, but also, those experiencing an overall loss of muscle mass with a weakening of the hindquarters that gradually worsens over time. In many cases, the latter is often diagnosed via digital radiographs or M.R.I. as spondylosis, aka arthritis of the spine, which can be minimized with drugs such as anti-inflammatories, such as steroids. However, the disease is not reversible. Also, I use systemic enzymes such as WobEnzyme that are beneficial for addressing inflammation. Even more, holistic supplements can be utilized such as Shark Cartilage or Green Lipped Mussels purchased at Wholistic Pet Organics which increases synovial fluid levels and hopefully rebuild cartilage and elasticity.

As far as exercise, I am not necessarily referring to free bounding and galloping in the fields. Although his form can be both liberating, toning, and otherwise healthy; it can be harmful because many older hounds will overdo it and can injure themselves or further aggravate a pre-existing injury. I recommend leashed exercise for older hounds who will benefit from this method of conditioning of reserved but nonstop action.

If a hound has not been exercised previously then one should begin slowly with daily 20-minute sessions in a regular beat -- as my canine physical rehabilitationist refers to it as a "don't stop and smell the flowers" pace. This type of exercise is a regular body conditioner that can strengthen muscling, for example, the gluteal muscles responsible for extending and abduction of the hip and limb. As the veteran sighthound gets accustomed to the daily walks over two weeks or so, you can build up their distance by 1/2 mile or 10-minute sessions in the proceeding weeks, gradually building up to 2 to 3 miles daily. You will see and feel a difference on the hound, and hopefully, this training, and possibly the use of an anti-inflammatory steroid such as Methylprednisone, along with laser therapy, and the natural supplements I discussed above, can prolong their lives with us.

Continuing Canine Chiropractic Update

Whew!!

Like I said it has been busy. Too busy for my tastes but sometimes life throws curveballs at us, so what are you going to do? Anyhow, more updates on Danny, the veteran eight-year-old wolfhound male who is recovering from an injury that compressed his 7th & 8th cervical vertebrae. He has had three chiropractic adjustments and manipulations and also at the last visit he also received therapeutic laser.

He seemed to appreciate the laser therapy as he relaxed the entire time. Next week he begins physical rehabilitation using an underwater treadmill to build back up his muscles in his hindquarters. Time will tell if these alternatives prove to be helpful. We remain concerned as he continues to lose weight, gradually. On the date of the injury, Danny weighed 187 pounds. The first week of chiropractic care he weighed 183 pounds. The second week Danny weighed 181 pounds. The third week he weighed 179 pounds. His appetite is excellent which means that he is losing muscle mass, the most concerning of all.

 

 

Canine Spinal Injury Update

In my earlier post from June 24, 2016, I described the injury my 8-year veteran male wolfhound sustained while roughhousing with his littermate. In my efforts to provide what may be valuable feedback on our experience, I will continue to update the therapy, instead of surgery, that our male, Danny, has and will be undertaking. 

He had his first chiropractic consultation and treatment last week. He is a patient at The North Country Veterinary Referral Center located in Glens Falls, New York. Some may ask what is certified veterinary chiropractic care? The chiropractor is certified with either the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA). Both institutions are nearly interchangeable regarding their requirements for certification. More information about these programs is found on their appropriate links. It is important to find the services of a certified practitioner, and for giant breed owners, especially a doctor who works on horses. It goes without saying that doctor's who have worked with equines in chiropractic care state early in their diagnosis and examination of an Irish Wolfhound, "Well, it is like working on a horse." Those were the first words my veterinarian chiropractor stated as she pulled, massaged and worked my 183-pound male wolfhound, who by the way, has lost at least 5 pounds since his injury due to muscle loss. 

It is important to note that the geographical location in the mountain resort in which we live dictates the ease of which I can access Certified Chiropractic care for my wolfhound. The care is available but at some distance being nearly one hour and forty minutes each way, albeit closer though than my other Board Certified Specialists who are 2 hours distant. As such, I cannot commit to two weekly sessions per week but only one. Danny's first session involved a thorough gait analysis and treatment in which the chiropractor manipulated his cervical muscles which were inflamed and a lengthening process of his spinal column. Due to the ataxia (incoordination) in his hindquarters as a result of the injury, she strongly recommends hydrotherapy in the form of rehabilitation of the muscles on an underwater treadmill. This physical rehabilitation center is located at the same facility, and she suggests two sessions per week, however, one visit each week for 6-12 weeks could be beneficial. I have agreed to this arrangement and will combine both the chiropractic therapy session and the underwater treadmill rehab on the same day with back-to-back appointments. 

After Danny's first chiropractic session I noticed a moderate improvement in his forequarters and movement of his neck. His rear remains weak and uncoordinated but, we can hope that in time during his hydrotherapy, this too may improve. On a side note: he is not incontinent. Importantly, we have decided to try chiropractic care first along with the hydrotherapy before adding the methylprednisone (a potent anti-inflammatory steroid) protocol. Time will tell if this will work but for those who may find themselves in similar positions, my updates and reports should be beneficial.

Some may be wondering what the costs are related to these therapeutic treatments, apparently not inexpensive but at this point, a fraction of the costs associated with surgery and hospitalization. The chiropractic care for the initial appointment was $215 with subsequent weekly treatments at $115 each for a minimum of 4 weeks. The physical rehab package of 12 visits is $750.00. 

The next or second therapy appointment is in two days, so I will post an update then. 

Ch. Ballyhara Danny, 3 years