Lumbo sacral | Treatment No. : | CD0177 | | Dosage & Instructions: | 15 drops in 15 ml of plain water twice a day,mornings and evenings.
| | Composition: | Rhus tox D4+40C
Bryonia D4+40C
Colocynthis D4+40C
Arsenicum album D7+70C
Hypericum D6+60C
Chamomilla D6+60C
Gnaphalium D5+50C | | Contra-Indications: | None established | | Storage: | Store in a cool and dry place | | Precautions: | Keep away from the reach of children | | Standard Packaging : | 30 ml Drops | | Order Online: | One 30 ml bottle for $79.99
Two 30 ml bottles for $129.99 | Condition Overview: Lumbo-sacral disease is a term used to describe compression of the nerve roots and spinal cord as they pass through the lumbo-sacral portion of the lower spine, which is the lower back near the hips. It may also be referred to as "cauda equina" syndrome by your veterinarian.
There are a variety of causes of lumbo-sacral disease. It can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (developed after birth); thus, dogs may show clinical signs at any age. Lumbo-sacral disease is most common in large breed dogs, particularly German shepherds, and males and females are equally affected.
The disease is characterized by marked back pain, which can become excruciating and severely debilitating, and hind leg weakness. Because the nerves that supply the bladder, rectum and anus pass through this region, urinary and fecal incontinence can result. Veterinary care should include diagnostic tests and subsequent treatment recommendations. Diagnostic tests are needed to recognize lumbo-sacral disease and exclude other diseases that may cause similar symptoms. Diagnostic tests may include the following: Complete medical history and physical examination. Affected dogs are typically painful on palpation or manipulation of the lower spine. If your dog has a history of trauma, and/or a fracture or dislocation of this region is suspected, then minimal and careful manipulation of this region will be done prior to stabilization of your dog for shock and confirmation of the injury with radiographs (X-rays). A neurological examination X-rays can be helpful to define some congenital abnormalities of the spine, some bony tumors and bone and disk related infections. Further diagnostic tests may include an electromyogram (EMG), myelography and epidurography. A CT scan or MRI may also be helpful. Routine blood tests
Treatment for lumbo-sacral disease can be either medical or surgical and depends on the severity of the disease.
Medical management may be most helpful where the compression occurs secondary to infection and may include: Rest, anti-inflammatory medication and antibiotics Strict confinement Surgery, especially if medical management is not effective or the problem is severe
Surgical treatment may be recommended after spinal X-rays, a myelogram, epidurogram, CT or MRI. A fracture or dislocation usually needs to be stabilized with surgery. Other surgical treatments may include: In cases of congenital bony compression, disc compression, ligament compression or pressure from a growing tumor, a window is usually created in the bone to allow freedom of the nerve roots. When possible, removal of the source of the compression may be necessary.Regardless of whether your dog has medical or surgical management of the problem, an initial period of rest and restriction is usually important. Your dog may require assistance to get up, to go outside, or even to urinate. Your veterinarian will usually demonstrate supportive care and physiotherapy techniques when necessary. Follow your veterinarians recommendations carefully to avoid exacerbating the condition.
Excessive weight gain may predispose some dogs to increased stress upon their lower spine. Therefore, do not allow your dog to become overweight.
Most spinal fractures and spinal dislocations are caused when dogs are hit by cars. Common sense and judicious use of a leash should help prevent this occurrence.
The remaining causes of lumbo-sacral disease, for the most part, cannot be prevented. Certain activities such as jumping and twisting to catch a flying disk might tend to jar or twist the lower spine. However, there are no specific long-term recommendations to prevent lumbo-sacral nerve root compression.
It is important that you recognize hind limb weakness or back pain early. Once the disease has progressed to the point where urinary function is affected (urinary incontinence or urine dribbling) the prognosis for recovery is worse than if it is caught and treated earlier, before these signs develop. Early evaluation by your veterinarian for suspected lower back pain, clumsiness, reluctance to go up or down stairs or similar limitations is strongly recommended. |
