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SOME TLC FOR K.C.
Some life lessons for living well with a paralyzed dog K.C. was our family’s Doberman. She was a fabulously goofy, loving girl that joined my family rather by accident. We were proud to share five years of life with her, and she left a huge mark on our hearts. She also taught our family much about what it is like to live with a dog who is becoming progressively paralyzed due to a condition called Spondylotic Cervical Myelopathy, or Wobblers Syndrome.
By Krisi Erwin, DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVPP Photos courtesy of Dr. Krisi Erwin
Wobbler’s Syndrome is a genetic predisposition to instability in the vertebrae of the neck. The condition commonly affects young Great Danes and older Dobermans. Oftentimes, this condition initially occurs with neck pain. But over time, the ailment progresses to ataxia, which is wobbliness in the back end, knuckling, and stumbling. If the condition continues to progress, the ataxia moves to the front legs and it can end with an inability to walk. While this condition can be treated with surgery, for various reasons we opted to pursue a route of comfort care for K.C. that included acupuncture, rehabilitation therapy, and massage. Here are a few of the things she taught us along the way. It is hoped that her lessons can help other pets in the world as well.
Summer 2017 | www.vamddcdog.com
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