Danny's Cervical Neck Recovery Update

For some people, these health updates are necessary as they may have a beloved companion who has also experienced cervical neck injuries and rather than considering the unthinkable because surgery was not an option, they have another alternative being a physical rehabilitation protocol.

If you recall, back in June, Danny suffered a compression of the 6th & 7th cervical vertebrae in his neck. Subsequently, the pain radiated not just into his forequarters causing lameness which is most likely permanent but also ataxia in his hindquarters. The latter ataxia is not benign and is the most concerning and pressing symptom. If the ataxia were left unheeded, he simply would have lost the use or locomotive faculties of his hindquarters.

Fortunately, my Board Certified Neurologist has an open mind, and because surgery was not an option, we immediately proceeded with Chiropractic care on Danny. Also, we utilized cold laser therapy and underwater treadmill exercise. You can review all of these therapies in my previous posts.

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Danny is still doing well. He completed six weeks of hydrotherapy accompanied by cold laser therapy and approximately 8 Chiropractic adjustments. This past Monday he had another readjustment since he had not had one in over three weeks and it was very much needed. However, because we are rigorously adhering to our exercise program, his ataxia has diminished somewhat and is now kept in check. At 8.5 years of age, Danny walks a minimum of 12 and up to 14 miles per week, and although the ataxia cannot be eradicated, we can keep Danny comfortable and happy. As a result of his exercise, his hindquarter muscles are in excellent condition which is crucial to his being able to lift himself up off the ground.

As a result of our physical rehabilitation, laser, hydro, and chiropractic experiences, I can confirm that these indeed are valid alternatives to costly M.R.I., and surgery for older dogs. Obviously, cases studies and results will vary but in the event that you may find yourself in a similar position one day; let it be known that there is another option rather than euthanasia for your wonderful friend. 

Danny's Ongoing Physical Therapy Session Update and Video

On Monday, Danny our Irish Wolfhound began his first Physical Rehabilitation therapy. I have embedded the video of the last half of the 10-minute session in order that others with dogs who are injured or who have a neurological issue can see the process for themselves. These underwater treadmills are state-of-the-art machines that are basically built into the floor with underground water lines coming up from beneath supplying heated H20 that is 85-degrees Fahrenheit. The benefits of the hydrotherapy machines, as advertised by the manufacturers, are that they provide a low-impact treadmill workout to help increase muscle strength and endurance without the damaging effects of land-based exercise. Water provides resistance throughout the range of motion, providing a closed-chain, hydrokinetic exercise. 

Danny did very well for his first session and immediately afterwards, he had approximately a half-hour of cold laser therapy. See my previous posts with photos showing Danny receiving such with his Chiropractor. This time, cold laser therapy is included with the physical rehabilitation. Additionally, after laser therapy, Danny began basic balance exercises on large soft, squishy plastic balls called Balance Doughnuts and others similar for core strengthening exercises. Quite similar to the benefits of yoga, these along with his homework exercises are meant to recondition and strengthen his core muscles to offset the ataxia. For those who are curious about costs: each physical rehabilitation session is 1 1/2 hours long and ideally should be done twice weekly. Packages can be purchased for 12 sessions or 6 sessions -- approximately $760 for 12 and $375 for 6 sessions. For Danny, unfortunately, we can only attend one weekly session per week due to geographics. All told it is a minimum of 6 hours out of my day so, we have homework that we perform daily to strengthen him. These include walking backwards exercises for 30 feet and base standing exercises in addition to leash walks for 20 minutes daily.

My 8-year-old Danny is a trooper and we will continue with his chiropractic care as well which is ongoing on a weekly basis. I'll keep you posted so check back for more!