Discospondylitis

“DISCOSPONDYLITIS” - sounds like a made up word doesn’t it? Unfortunately, it is a rather nasty infection. Not to be confused with spondylosis, this is an -itis; an infection. And it is not the easiest of ailments to diagnose as it initially presents like so many more common issues. 

Now meet Fletcher (named after the Ronnie Barker character in Porridge as he is such a comedian). It took multiple referrals and scans to actually find out what was causing him to lose muscle mass and his mobility. 

Despite its cheery name, discospondylitis is an infection of the bone and disc space of the spine which causes inflammation in the vertebrae pushing on the nerves and spinal cord causing acute pain. Not cheery at all. Typical symptoms include weight loss (Fletch went from 36 kg to 31 kg), lack of appetite (Fletch developed paralysis of the gut), depression, fever, back pain (Fletch became quite hunched) and overall loss of mobility. But most of these symptoms can also be seen in many other ailments including illnesses like meningitis. In Fletch’s case, he initially showed these symptoms back in June, appeared to recover before re-displaying them all again 2 months later. 

Fortunately, once diagnosed and treated with the appropriate antibiotics, improvement and recovery is quite hopeful. Fletch is only 3 years old and was a very strong lad running half marathons with his Mum. He has been on his antibiotics for only a couple of weeks now and is already making considerable progress. He is also on Gabapentin to help with his neuropathic pain. 

The reason I was called in was to help with his muscle wastage and to provide some safe exercises which he can do to build him up. He is still a big red Irish Setter but doesn’t have the muscle strength to get his body around with confidence at the moment. He walks like he is tired with small steps – understandable with all that he has been through. 

Fletcher is a wary dog despite being the comedian. He is all about “Ok…I like that, I like you but I’m still not sure so I’ll keep my eye on you if that’s alright?”. It took a few minutes to persuade him to fully lie down on the massage mat but once down the eyes slowly closed….and then opened every now and again just so I was put in my place. 

He adored work on his neck, he liked work on his shoulders, he was Ok with work on his hips and thighs but he was still very unsure about work along his back. The massage part of the session was all about getting those muscles full of the good stuff again (blood, oxygen and nutrients). There were clear limits to how far he could stretch with the passive movements which allowed us to make markers to monitor any progress over the next few weeks. The exercise routine was to help stretch his back safely and confidently. 

He sleeps on a sofa, of course, but it is quite high off the floor. I suggested he might benefit from a cushion to help his climb up and down. Almost immediately after his Mum put the cushion down he eased himself off the sofa, placed his front paws on the cushion, looked at us both with a “There…that’s what I’ve been needing” look, stepped on to the floor and gave the biggest stretch. First time he has done that in a while. Little things help so much. 

It will probably take a while to regain full recovery but hopefully he and his Mum can look forward to those long runs along the beach again in the New Year. 

Aids for daily living in dogs

I’ve always been a firm believer of how simple changes to a dog’s home environment can be beneficial to their mobility. When I first visit a dog’s home I find myself looking around their living quarters not in an interior designer way (I'm sure dogs don't really mind too much about the colour of the walls or curtains) but at their flooring and where the dog might jump down from. 

Any changes don't need to be expensive. Mind you, one Mum of a dog I visited not so long ago took to heart my suggestion that adding carpet to their wooden floor would help as, on the following visit, I found she had carpeted throughout covering all the slippy floors and added matching cushions! When we moved to AchyPaw HQ all those years ago we had lovely ethical bamboo flooring installed. The kids didn't care it was environmentally friendly, it made a great race track for them scooting around the house in circles. Bit by bit we added rugs and runners until we went to IKEA and saw some inexpensive practical carpets which we cut and matched to cover most surfaces. The last thing I'd want is for a dog to come here for therapy only to slip on the way out. 

Similarly, the entrance to our garden via the therapy room involved climbing a couple of stairs. With our Sarah starting to get stiff, we decided they needed adaptations too. Luckily Chris is rather handy and with a few bits of wood we had around, we made Sarah's Stairs. Since initial installation we've added more half-steps. The tops of the steps are sanded or covered with rubber so they are not smooth and slippy. 

As you can see in the video, Sarah now has her own set of small steps to get up or down to the garden plus a ramp if she's feeling extra lazy. Then another step to get into the conservatory where a 'senior half-step' brings her indoors. Finally carpets into the living room means paws don't get caught. 

Apart from the car ramp (which she refused to use as a car ramp but now loves using the 50p plywood off cut that Chris made as a ramp this weekend), all these aids cost less than a tenner. Equally important to helping her get in and out of the garden safely, is the fact that as she climbs the small steps she's actually exercising. And she doesn't know it!! A good result for a tenner. 

Meet Hamish

I know….I’ve done it again. Hamish is a cat. How did this come about? Have I changed allegiances? No…just broadened my horizons. 

A Mum of one of the dogs I see, told me of her friend who has a cat that is suffering from arthritis and wondered whether I could do anything to help? OK…they are built similarly to dogs, why not give it a try? I’ve got 5 years of experience working with arthritic dogs helping them with massage and giving advice to Mums and Dads on any adaptations they can make to their house to make life easier for achy older dogs. Should be the same with cats shouldn’t it? 

It turns out that Hamish’s Mum is already a human massage therapist and aromatherapist so it would be simply be a case of finding the techniques that cats would appreciate and would be beneficial for arthritis and teaching her an appropriate routine. I did my usual research to check up on the anatomical differences between cats and dogs. Cats are not just small dogs but have a number of physiological differences largely around diet and internal organs. Interestingly, they are also better drinkers and anyone with a dog knows how useful that would be. Cats are also different socially preferring to be alone rather than in a pack. They can jump and climb whereas dogs tend to be earthbound (except when that squirrel goes up a tree). Apparently dog training is easier than cat training (yeah right!). Claws and teeth are different too but skeletally and muscularly they are pretty similar (see picture). 

I prepared a workbook for the training session going back to my AchyPaw Canine Massage workbook thinking which move would work for cats or be good for arthritis. I then replaced all reference of ‘dog’ with ‘cat’ (whoo hoo for Find and Replace), found some images and there we have it – a workbook for Massage for Felines. 

Some of the moves I thought would be beneficial were not Hamish’s favourites. He preferred the petrissage (kneading type moves) rather than effleurage (stroking moves) but with some adaptations we built a good routine. It was more a case of Hamish’s Mum learning to massage him with intent rather than simply petting him, using her existing skills for therapy on her own cat. 

It was fascinating to see him process the techniques in the same way as a dog with the same “Oooo…what is THAT? I LOVE that move” expression his face that dogs give when first therapeutically massaged rather than petted. 

Here we are then, second feline case. One with mobility issues and another for arthritis management. Horizons broadened, skill set increased, new workshop written.

Meet Miss Multimodal

Well…yes…I know…it is our Sarah but…there is a story behind this.

Since I started AchyPaw I’ve been an exponent of complementary therapy.  When Marion and Dan kindly came up with the suggestion of AchyPaw as the name of the new business, that seemed all encompassing.  It didn’t suggest we only worked on one issue or one technique but all sorts of aches and pains.  I could have called the business AchyPaw Remedial Massage, Myotherapy, Acupressure, Education, Exercise, Advice, Maintenance, Rehabilitation, service but that would that never have fitted on my tee shirt.  What we do is not a single technique based therapy but a multimodal approach. 

So what is the story?

A few months ago, our Sarah developed very sudden onset of idiopathic rear leg muscle wastage.  Of course she was getting daily massage but that didn’t seem to help.  We started to add more complementary therapies to the mix.  These all started with a visit to the vet of course.   

Our shopping list now reads :

1. Laser therapy.  Our vets, Coastway, had just started laser therapy.  We were one of the first to try it out.  Sarah now loves her Uncle Jay who zips and zaps her on all sorts of settings for 30 minutes.  We just think it is cool wearing the green laser-proof goggles.

2. Hydrotherapy. This is a new addition to the mix.  Sarah doesn’t really enjoy the stretching parts but loves the swimming with Auntie Kimberley at Coastway.  Three sessions in and the difference is beginning to show. She will never make the Doggy Olympics but she is a darn good paddler.

3. Massage.  Of course this has to be added.  Throughout the day I sit with her and work on this bit or that bit –  the bit of leg and shoulder that she is not lying on.  When I design a tailored massage routine for my clients, I try to make it short and do-able while being beneficial.  I know that if I give them a 60 minute routine, it won’t get done.  But make it 10 or 15 minutes and it will.  The same with Sarah – a little often seems to keep her happier.

4. Acupressure.  After my acupressure course there are a couple of really good acupoints that are guaranteed to make her sigh and relax.  She adores her gentle massage along the Bladder Meridian and then working on her BL40, BL60 and KI3 points.

5. Adjustments to daily living.  The house is already ‘foamed out’ with foam mattresses at places where they might just want to jump and crash land.  New memory foam beds.  Our lovely bamboo floor is now covered with IKEA carpet pieces – not chic but oh-so-much-more-comfy for slippy legs.  Food bowls are already raised off the floor so no back aching stooping down to eat or drink.  We’ve upped her glucosamine and chondroitin tablets which complement the turmeric and omega 3 she already gets.  In the garden there are hand-built steps to ease any jumping.  I think this is the true definition of a ‘dog friendly house’.

6.  Energy healing.  Sarah loves her visits from her Auntie Lou (of Touch of Reiki).  She just lies down and sleeps through the entire session with a big fat soppy grin.

7. Rehabilitation.  This is the latest addition.  She is now moving well enough to try a few exercises.  She can be a bit lazy (editors note : a bit!!!  That’s an understatement) so exercise has to be fun and stimulatory.  When I visit a dog client I always leave behind a personalised and tailored exercise plan.  I now had to devise one for myself.  Lou suggested that Sarah liked to walk over poles.  Instead of splashing out on expensive cavaletti poles, I searched around our shed and garage and found brooms….lots of brooms.  Who knew we had so many brooms?  It was almost as if we had bought them in advance for this purpose.  As shown in the pictures, our garden looks like a scene from a Harry Potter Quidditch game with all sorts of brooms on the grass.  We started with simple lines then added in large and small circles.  Add into that an ‘exercise slope’ (made out of an old car ramp) and we have our very own AchyPaw Sports Field.  And she loves it.  As soon as she hears me open the dried meat treat jar she is ready at the bottom of the exercise slope and prancing round the poles.

The moral of this story – adding several complementary therapies to the multimodal mix can be more powerful than a single therapy.

"Look Dad...I'm swimming"

 

Sarah copies Dad walking over the poles

How to turn 6 brooms into an exercise field

Sarah's Step and Sarah's Slope

The Magic of Massage

Sometimes in a massage session magic happens. It may not be stuff you are taught in a textbook or by PowerPoint presentations but it happens all the same. 

Today was a Magic Session. 

I was visiting Luther for his maintenance therapy and his newly adopted brother Hugo just got off the sofa (which is where he usually spends the hour) to get down on the massage mat and laid his head on the side of his brother. Even when we turned Luther over to work on his other side, Hugo simply raised his head, waited until all was settled then plonked himself down again to snooze. 

He obviously felt Luther relax and wanted some of that. The trust our dog friends give us is awesome. 

I haven't just got the Best Job in the World but the Better than Best Job in the World.

Hugo on Luther

Video of a workshop

We put together some of the videos and pictures that were taken over the weekend of our first Relax HAOK9 Massage Level 2 module that we designed and delivered for the Healing Animals Organisation. The video shows the many elements of this course. You can find this video here :  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=js-Mx9aDxbc

The video starts with the therapists consolidating their new 19 techniques in a full massage routine. You’ll spot some effleurage, kneading and ear massage. Notice how focussed all the practitioners are during the session. 

After the 1 minute mark there are some stills of passive movements followed by a section on active exercises for recuperation, stimulation, prevention, sports preparation or just fun (for both dog and owner). 

 There are some stills of walking around poles to promote balance and symmetry followed by some videos. Notice how all sizes and ages of dogs can take part and not only benefit but also enjoy these activities. At the 1.40 mark you’ll see how even the tiniest dog, with a bit of imagination and the use of an everyday object you might find in the house or shed, can participate so they’re not left out. 

The exercises are designed to restore confidence and movement and enhance front and rear end awareness. They can be used for any dog, not just those with a known issue. 

After the 3.10 mark, there is the clear effect of a lymphatic drainage massage routine which the practitioners learned over the weekend. Convinced now about the benefits of canine massage? 

These dogs certainly are! 

Other canine massage videos can be found on our AchyPaw YouTube channel here :
http://www.youtube.com/achypaw 

Is that a piece of foam at the bottom of the stairs? No…that is a canine house adaptation.

The other week I noticed that there was a large piece of foam at the bottom of the stairs to Maddie’s house. I know that her Mums had put foam everywhere else plus bought a bed without legs after a “Well..Dr Les said…” moment but the foam at the bottom of the stairs was new. This was to help Maddie make the initial turn from the hall onto the stairwell and also just in case she should slip down one day. 

It made me think of all the little things we do, or can do, to adapt your house to benefit your dog and their mobility. 

When Sarah started to look at the 4 inch jump up into our back garden, Chris put on his carpentry hat and built some smaller steps. These are now known as Sarah’s Steps and she refuses to go into the back garden by any other method than up and down HER steps. Sam doesn’t get a look in…..I guess one day we’ll have to build some Sam Steps. But a couple of bits of old decking, a few screws and bingo…we have a canine mobility adaptation device. 

Kyto’s Mum covered up all her prize wooden flooring with rugs and carpet runners to stop his skittering across. This is the top way to keep your dog injury free according to Natalie Lenton of the Canine Massage Therapy Centre (http://www.k9-massageguild.co.uk/the-number-1-way-to-keep-your-dog-injury-free/). When we refurbished our house 9 years ago we had really lush bamboo flooring installed as it was eco-friendly or recycled or something feel-goody. Now….all is covered by grey Ikea rugs. But the last thing I would want is for any dog clients to slip as they come into my therapy room. 

Memory foam beds for dogs are another great idea. I have lost count of how many new beds we have bought our spoilt pair over the past 10 years as the old one starts to lose it’s ‘memory-ness’. We’ve now found that you can buy really cheap offcuts online and put them inside a posh cover. The dogs don’t know any different from the really expensive ones some of the stores sell. They are just happy being comfy. 

Telephone directories! Now who uses them anymore? Well…I recommend their use to help raise the feeding bowl or water bowl if a dog seems to have difficulty stretching down. Again, cheap as chips to help adapt the home environment to help your dog. 

Keeping the dog’s weight under control is possibly a bit harder but can have dramatic effects on arthritis and other issues. Some years back we took our two for a routine vet visit where they were weighed. The vet said that Sarah was slightly…..portly. I took that to mean as a polite way to say she was fat. Over the next few weeks I reduced her food intake by just a few grams each time and she lost 4 kgs in 6 months. I admit she has put her winter weight back again a little and she is now on reduced intake. It is so little though that she really doesn’t know…..well…she does but her tummy doesn’t rumble at least. 

The owners of my lovely Mary have a clever rear end harness for her to help her stand which makes it possible now for her to get out into the garden and even walk along the road where all the neighbours come out to see how she is. But instead of an expensive one, you can always use a towel under their body to support their weight. 

Look around your house and see what things you have done, probably without thinking about it, to help your dog maintain their quality of life by helping ease their mobility. I’m sure it will more than you think.