Cross Breeds

Neck problem in greyhound query?

My 9 year old retired racing greyhound has had a neck problem for past year. now vet wants to refer him for surgery. I am not sure what to do . As well as being very expensive (not sure insurance will cover whole cost) he is a very sensitive dog and i dont think he will cope very well. Has anyone had this type of surgery on their dog ? The vet thinks it is a disc problem, he also has very shaky legs (?canine wobbler syndrome). I dont want to put him through all this if the end result is poor but i do love the dog and want to do the best for him. have been giving him glucosomine with no effect really just wondered if there are any other treatments that may help. He did get metacalm for pain fromn vet but had to stop it as he had an intestinal bleed from it. Can anyone help?

Public Comments

1. I've had to make big surgery decisions twice for my greyhound. I just weighed the pros and cons and made the best choice I could. My vet was knowledgeable about greyhounds so I wasn't worried about the anesthesia part (as much...) AND he was willing to work with me on the payments so I didn't have to let the cost be such a huge part of the decision. You know your dog best; if you don't think it's worth it (if it'll help and how he'll come through in the long run), go from there. Surgery is always last option, IMO. Especially with greyhounds. Have you thought of acupuncture?? I know it sounds odd, but it helps and I've seen pet specialists.
2. He is fairly old to be going through surgery if it's not at all necessary, Can he not have steroid injections instead and hydrotherapy? My local vet does alternative therapy for these kind of problems before electing for surgery. I would look around for a vet who offers these things then get a second opinion before putting you dog through such a trauma. Where are you I might be able to find a vet that offers hydrotherapy etc for you?
3. http://petsurgery.com/wobblersyndrome.html this might help a bit
4. I have a dachshund, who had a neck surgery to remove a disc.It was about a year and a half ago.We tried first, just to treat him with drugs and rest.The pain came back, and i agreed to have the operation.My dog is much better.But:He was only 5 years old, when he had this done. Did your dog have an MRI?X-rays don't show enough detail when you are trying to see a disc! Go to this website:www.dodgerslist.com A lot of nice people are involved, to help and educate the public and other dog owners about spinal problems in dogs. They helped me a LOT!
5. I've had a Borzoi, so I do know a bit about Sighthounds. They often do not do well under anesthesia and it's even more complicated with an older dog. I'd make that a last resort, even if you can afford it. Walk him on a harness, if you're not doing that already. Raise his food and water bowls so he doesn't have to bend or stretch his neck. I'd try canine acupuncture and massage, with someone who really knows what they're going. Ask people who compete in Agility Trials in your area if they know anyone good. Their dogs often have injuries that require homeopathic treatments. You can find the Agility clubs on the www.AKC.org website. If that doesn't help, I'm afraid that my personal recommendation, as sad as it is, would be to put your friend to sleep rather than the stress and expense of a surgery that may not help. Glucosamine can help joint problems, but I wouldn't expect it to help a spinal issue.
6. Predisone was a miracle for my whippet with a pinched disk in his neck. It worked for friends with an older whippet with similar problems as well- Other friends had chiropractic care pull of miracles These probably should be tried first before surgery....