Fused Vertebrae, Dorsal and Ventral
Tl;dr: I need help caring for a heavy downed dog
Patient: 10-year-old spayed female Boxer/Shepherd/Rottweiler mix (36kg, NY)
Patient was diagnosed via radiographs (attached) with advanced degenerative spinal disease involving dorsal and ventral vertebral fusion/spondylosis affecting multiple thoracic vertebrae. The associated spinal changes are causing chronic pain, reduced spinal mobility, neurologic deficits, and loss of functional control affecting one hind limb.
Current clinical signs include:
- hind limb weakness and instability
- knuckling/dragging of the affected rear paw
- difficulty standing and ambulating without support
- urinary dysfunction/incontinence secondary to neurologic involvement
- muscle spasms
Patient is currently being managed conservatively with supportive nursing care at home (with upcoming transition to a Help ‘Em Up harness for mobility support) and the following medications:
- Carprofen/Flexprofen – 75mg BID for management of spinal inflammation, joint discomfort, and chronic pain associated with degenerative spinal disease
- Gabapentin – 300mg BID for neuropathic pain and neurologic discomfort secondary to spinal involvement
- Bethanechol – 15mg TID to support bladder contractions and improve urinary retention/incontinence associated with neurologic dysfunction
- Enrofloxacin – 136mg (1½ tablets SID) for treatment of urinary tract and vulvar infection secondary to prolonged moisture exposure/incontinence
- Silver Sulfadiazine 1% Cream – applied 2–3 times daily PRN for treatment of urine scalding, skin irritation, friction sores, and prevention of secondary skin infection
One aspect I’m particularly curious about from a biomechanical/progression standpoint:
Several years ago, the same rear limb now most neurologically compromised was clinically diagnosed (observation only; no MRI, advanced imaging, or surgical confirmation) with a suspected cruciate ligament injury. The contralateral rear limb still retains comparatively better functional strength and mobility.
Given the current spinal findings, could chronic/progressive neurologic disease have potentially contributed to that limb dysfunction much earlier than originally suspected, or does this presentation appear more consistent with concurrent but separate orthopedic and neurologic disease processes developing over time?
Additionally, for those experienced with long-term conservative management of neurologic/spinal patients:
- Are there any positioning strategies, mobility modifications, bladder/skin management techniques, or general quality-of-life adjustments that have proven especially helpful for long-term home care?
- Does anything additional stand out on the imaging that may warrant further discussion with the primary veterinarian?
Not seeking a definitive diagnosis over Reddit, mainly hoping for educational insight regarding progression patterns, biomechanics, and practical long-term management considerations.