This article originally appeared on my ongoing series of articles for
Flexcin International, Inc as
Can FlexPet help a German Shepherd Dog with Degenerative Myelopathy?
At Flexcin, we’re committed to the health, comfort, and mobility of both humans and pets. To best engage our customers, we’ve created a
tool on the FlexPet website where you can ask me, Dr. Patrick Mahaney, pet health questions.
The site has been buzzing with questions and I’m taking this opportunity to share some of the conversations that may benefit you too.
Question
I received one such inquiry asking if FlexPet could help a senior German Shepherd Dog suspected of having Degenerative Myelopathy
(DM) in combination with a ruptured disc (often associated with Intervertebral Disc Disease). The owner wanted to know if FlexPet supplementation could be beneficial in conjunction with Prednisone, a steroidal anti-inflammatory drug prescribed for his condition.
Answer
From my experience I would say yes, this dog can benefit from taking
FlexPet. As he is a senior, large breed dog, it is likely that there is arthritis in multiple joints (hips, shoulders, elbows, etc). Small joints called facets support the spinal column and permit flexibility and range of motion. Around the site of the herniated disc and in other areas in the back, these facets can be inflamed or have progressed to a more severe condition known as degenerative joint disease (DJD).
FlexPet contains natural ingredients to safely promote improved joint health and reduced inflammation. As Prednisone has significant short and long term side effects, FlexPet can be used as a means of reducing a pet’s reliance on this medication. Prednisone should be given as directed by a veterinarian, but the ultimate goal is to reduce the dose and frequency while maintaining comfort.
Here is
further information on Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) so you can have a better understanding of this condition.
DM is a chronic, degenerative nervous system disease that affects the spinal cord’s ability to provide sensory or motor nerve impulses to muscles. As a result, a pet’s muscles atrophy (shrink), and both feeling and movement capabilities are diminished. Middle aged and geriatric dogs of medium to large size are most commonly affected.
Diseases that compromise spinal cord health, like Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), can have a similar clinical presentation to DM. Getting a thorough examination and series of diagnostics from your veterinarian is essential. A blood test for DM is also available.
Check out
The Top 5 Most Common Reasons Your Pet Will Develop Joint Pain for more information on conditions that can affect your dog or cat’s mobility and the role FlexPet can play in improving a pet’s quality of life.
Feel free to email your pet health questions to
vetadvice@Flexcin.com
Thank you for reading this article. Your questions and comments are completely welcome (I’ll respond).
Please feel free to communicate with me through Twitter (@PatrickMahaney) and follow my adventures in veterinary medicine by liking Patrick Mahaney: Veterinarian Acupuncture Pain Management for Your Pets on Facebook.
Copyright of this article (2012) is owned by Dr Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Republishing any portion of this article must first be authorized by Dr Patrick Mahaney. Requests for republishing must be approved by Dr Patrick Mahaney and received in written format.
