Consequences of spinal collapse in dogs

Symptoms of rickets include deformation of limbs in an X- or O-shape; toes are widely spaced apart and the soles of the feet are unstable; joint deformation; frequent panting in a quiet and cool environment Rough breath; feet are prone to weakness and weakness after prolonged or strenuous exercise; fractures are prone to occur; adult dogs show irritability, hot flashes, fractures easily, and do not like to run.
When lumbar collapse is severe, constipation, inability to defecate voluntarily, abdominal distension and other related symptoms may occur due to bending and compression of nerves. Collapse of the thoracic spine may be accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty breathing.
The dog's hindquarters sway when walking. In severe cases, the hindquarters cannot stand, the hindquarters are paralyzed, and the dog cannot take care of itself. If the spine collapses due to external force, such as a blow, fall, etc., it will be accompanied by other trauma symptoms. Spinal collapse caused by spinal lesions may cause paravertebral abscesses, intravertebral or paravertebral tumors.

Causes of spinal collapse in dogs

The main causes of this disease are usually rickets, calcium deficiency, vitamin A poisoning, external force, hyperparathyroidism, senile osteoporosis, spinal Caused by lesions, genetic defects and other related problems.
The three causes of rickets, calcium deficiency, and vitamin A poisoning are interrelated. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to calcium deficiency, long-term insufficient calcium intake, and excessive calcium loss. Excessive intake of vitamin A can lead to malabsorption of vitamin D, thereby affecting calcium absorption. Hyperparathyroidism leads to an imbalance in the calcium to phosphorus ratio in the blood, resulting in high blood phosphorus, hypocalcemia, and abnormal bone development. In addition, dogs with genetic defects can also cause this problem in dogs, so be careful not to use such dogs as breeding dogs.

How to care for dogs with spinal collapse

1. Feed the dog food with a calcium to phosphorus ratio of 2:1 for 2-3 months, and after 3 months, feed the dog with a calcium to phosphorus ratio of 1.2 :Food around 1.0.
2. Ensure the dog’s appetite, pay attention to nutrition, and find out the cause of loss of appetite as soon as possible.
3. Subcutaneously inject 50,000 units of vitamin D (one-time), mix in food and feed 0.2-0.5g calcium lactate, 1mg anabolic hormone, testosterone, etc. In addition, estrogen, thyroid can also be used Vitamins and iodine preparations, etc.
4. Place a flat soft pad on the dog to prevent severe bone deformation and new fractures.
5. Reduce activities that put greater pressure on the spine, such as climbing stairs.