Im very touched by your words Mac, you have really discovered what is important in life. You have made me proud! I hope this gets to you because I am sending this without a clue as to what I am doing.

thank you so much for sharing your story, it has been a great comfort to me as my 11 year old Golden Spaniel
(called Blue) has also just been diagnosed with this rare ailment, your story was pretty close to ours and we too have a wonderful vet who also took time to find out what the problem really was.

thanks so much again,

Les

Thanks so much for telling your story and putting it on the web. I have been searching the web this morning for something more on discospondylitis other than very technical medical information.

My best friend's dog was just diagnosed yesterday by Dr. Sission. I cannot believe how similar Tillie's (a lovely faun colored boxer - 2.5 years old) story is to Loretta's. Your account has brought much happiness and hope to what seemed to be a very dim looking future.

I hope Loretta continues to improve. She sounds like she is doing really well. She must be a wonderful little girl. You and your wife seem to be wonderful people and it is so evident that you love Loretta very much.

Thanks again -

Kim

dear mac, what a huge help your story is to me. my 2 1/2 year old boxer was just diagnosed yesterday with discospondilitis by dr.s sisson and knapp at angell. we've been through the exact same trials and worries that you were and i am so relieved that she can be cured. she is my little friend and the thought of having to lose her was devestating. SO, onward and upward. i will continue to watch your website for updates on loretta. best of luck to you all and thank you for sharing your story.

Kim and Jill -- I'm very happy to hear that this account has helped and I'm even happier to hear that you're working with Dr. Sisson and Angell. You're in exceptional hands.

I wish you all the best! Please keep us updated on your friends' progress!

- Mac

Hi Mac: I had a GSD who passed away from discospondylitis December, 2003. She was on an anti-fungal medication (Itraconazole) for about a year. By the time I got her diagnosis, all her discs were shot. I had x-rays taken at the first sign of discomfort and she was on prednisone/acupuncture/chiropractic for 4 months. Then she really took a turn for the worst, I took her to a neurologist and her new x-rays showed irreparable damage to her discs. The next year was touch and go, but I'm glad I had that time with her. I'm glad that you posted Loretta's experience so that others can learn about this infection which isn't very common.

Mac - Your story was so touching.

I have a two and a half year old male beagle (Otis) that was sent to a Veterniary Speacilty hospital because he has been sick off and on since November of 2004. He has had numerous blood test as well as x-rays but our general vet has been un able to determine what was wrong with him. Otie's symptoms include the following:
-pain no matter where he is touched
-fever
-won't eat
-won't move

Each time he was treated with antibiotics, lengths of time running between 2 weeks and 8 weeks.

Two weeks ago, Otis relapsed. He had been well for six weeks, the longest period since November. This relapse was the worst. He was unable to "potty" for three days. He didn't eat for four. I knew things were worse than usual when he woke up from a nap on a Sunday morning and tried to stand up and collapsed. Just an hour earlier he had been able to jump onto the chair. He had been noticeably sore, but it was never debilitating. As the day went on his pain in that leg (back left) got worse. First thing Monday morning I was calling out vet before they even opened in the hope that someone would be in early. I had left Otis in bed sleeping as I got ready for work and his latest trip to the vet. You mentioned Loretta's scream and my heart broke for you. I know that scream. When Otis woke up that Monday morning, he woke up screaming. The most horrible sound I have ever heard. I hope to never hear it again. He had lost the use of both his back legs and he was unable to move.

I finally got him into our Vet and they ran more test, but other than a high white cell count and a high globulin count, the Vet was stumped.

Otis was put on pain pills and antibiotics and sent home. Tuesday morning, he was back to himself...you would have never known he had just been able to move the day before.

The point I am trying to get to is this, we were sent to an Internal Medicine Specialist on Wednesday, 6 July 05.

The specialist, Dr. Buss, believes that Otis "might" have Discospondylitis. I started researching "disco" and the symptoms appear to be pain, stiffness, decreased mobility. In your research did you find much on the symptoms?

Kelly,

First off: I hope that Otis will soon be on his way to a full and lasting recovery. I know these times can be incredibly hard, but he is very lucky indeed to have someone like yourself to care for him.

As you've probably encountered in your own research, much of the online material is frustratingly vague in describing symptoms and treatments. I know the authors of this information are reticent to offer firm conclusions because they don't want get people's hopes up, or, alternately, lead them down an incorrect path. Still, it's very hard for those of us trying to get answers. Unfortunately, now that I'm on the other side I find myself wary of offering firm information (like I noted, I'm not a doctor).

However, here's what I can tell you about Loretta's symptoms: they came on *very* quickly and they were probably heightened by steroids. Her initial problems included lethargy and some pain. Early on, she only screamed when touched in a very specific part of her hindquarters. Over the course of a few days her condition worsened: her lethargy turned into immobility and her screaming increased (she let out a howl anytime she moved).

Again, these were the symptoms that we observed in Loretta. I honestly have no idea if they are common to Discospondylitis.

As I remember it, the key to Loretta's diagnosis was careful analysis of her spinal x-rays. A radiologist and a specialist are probably the best people for this job. Loretta's initial x-rays, which were examined by a couple of vets, didn't reveal Discospondylitis, but it was soon found by Dr. Sisson, who knew exactly what to look for. Again, I am by no means an expert, but I got the impression that spotting Discospondylitis from an x-ray requires some serious skill.

One question: Did the specialist prescribe a course of treatment for Otis?

Please keep us posted. And, more importantly, please accept my heartfelt best wishes for both you and Otis.

- Mac

As I said in our email exchange, Otis is being treated with a an antibiotic, Cephalexin, for two months. He is on a 250mg pill, that he takes three times a day. He was on this pill once, when he first got sick and I am concerned because he had a bad spell while on this medication. Only time will tell this time around. As of today he has been on this course of medication for eight days. He has had one "bad day" in the last week. Other than being noticeably tired, he seems to be doing alright so far.

If, while on this medication, he relapses we are do go back in for a spinal tap and more blood work.

If he comes off the medication and gets sick again, then he goes in for the spinal tap and more blood work.

It is comforting to know your baby girl is getting better and I am hoping Otis will do the same.

Thank you so much for your care and concern. Otis has a mother and father that would be deeply hurt if he doesn't get better, as well as two sisters (lab and beagle) and two brothers (both beagles). We have a house full to comfort him.

Thanks again!

I have an eight year old Leonberger that was fine 5 weeks ago - I noticed a slight limp and took him to the vet who did xrays and suspected discospondylitis....he sent me for an ultrasound of his prostate which was fine and an orthopedic specialist put him on dexamethasone....a steriod...He got much worse, not himself, peeing etc on the steriod...we took him off and he immediately got a fever - he had a very high lyme titer, so we are treating him with cephalexin and doxycycline and deramaxx for pain. He has not eaten anything in three days and just lies on the floor - he can get up and walk, but it is obvious he is very uncomfortable... We are scared...

Beverly Travis,(Anyone)

Try not to worry too much. I myself have heard that scream. As Mac said it usually happens to big dogs. I have a 9month old Newfoundland, who woke in the middle of the night 3 months ago. Screaming, it seems to be how everyone describes it. I myself am no doctor, however. To anyone who has heard that awful noise, that makes you feel so powerless. There is always hope. My beautiful boo (nickname), there was something seriously wrong. I have had many dogs, I have never heard any dog make that sound that goes straight to your spine (no pun intended). We got lucky, Our Trixi girl was diagnosed early. She lost 1 disc, only. It was a difficult time to watch her. Three months later, we Trixi and I are swimming in the bay, playing with her new newfie friends. To me she still looks stiff sometimes. Other than that, I am so happy to have my puppy back. I was afraid too. As far as I know Trixi will be fine! I could not bare to lose her. I would like to thank you guys for posting, who knows it could very well help alot of dogs. Again, Thanx and good will to all who cannot speak for themselves, may they're owner be kind and attentive, so they may speak for them! Kelly M

Mac, My 22 month old English Bulldog Daisy was diagnosed 5 days ago woth discospondylitis. Daisy was released from Tufts Veterinary School Hospital two days ago. I had taken Daisy to our vet twice in the previous two weeks for a progressive inability to climb stairs and finally walk. However, she was not correctly diagnosed. Within a week and a half, she was also pitifully screaming. Tufts was also wonderful. It took them a couple of days to diagnose her but they took excellent care of her and communicated twice a day with me. Daisy is on two antibiotics for the next month. Unfortunately, she is barely able to stand and has pain in spite of a narcotic patch. It's very difficult to see her this way as she is also normally a very active little bulldog. Reading your account of Loretta's illness and recovery has been very helpful. It is very similar to our story. Thank you for sharing.

I have a lab mix male, Oso, that is 4 1/2 years old and was diagnosed with discospondylitis a little over a month ago. He began limping ever so slightly on his right hind leg, then about a week later he started running a fever, he never lost his appetite, thank goodness. Our Vet took xrays, ran blood work, and basically found nothing. He started him on clavamox, just because of the fever. In a couple of days Oso started pacing and I could not get him to lay down. He stood or paced for almost 3 days. I would force him to lay down, but as soon as I let go he would get up. Finally after 3 days he calapsed, and couldn't get up. Our Vet sent us immediatly up to Texas A&M University Small Animal Hospital. After a battery of tests, xrays, ultrasounds, and spinal tap, they diagnosed him with discospondylitis. He was there for a week, and was walking when he left. I came home with 3 different antibiotics, Cephalexin, Doxycycline, and Clindamycin, and 2 different pain meds,Tramadol HCL & Carprofen. Oso was taking 21 pills a day, and we continued that regimen for a month. Clinically he had improved immensely. He was walking well & feeling fairly well. I was very optimistic about his one month recheck. When his Dr. first saw him he could not believe it was the same dog. And then they took an xray. To everyones surprise the disease had progressed significantly. His Dr. decided to keep him on all the meds he was previously taking, and he added another antibiotic, Enrofloxacin (Baytril). So now, poor guy, is taking 31 pills a day. I'm so hoping that the Baytril does the trick, because if not, the next step is a bone culture. He hesitates to anesthetize Oso any more than he has to, because Oso also has a congenital neurological condition. I am going to take the list of meds that Loretta was taking, to the Dr., so I thank you so much for listing them. I also want to thank you for this websight. It helps so much to read how others have made it through this horrible disease. I had never heard of discospondylitis before it happened to Oso. As Loretta is to you, Oso is so very important in my life. Hopefully we can all beat this thing.

We've got you and Oso in our thoughts! -- Mac

Thanks so much for sharing your story. My 6 month old Boxer (Osmar) was diagnoised with Discospondylitis yesterday. Thanks for giving me the hope to look forward to him making a full recovery.

Lisa
x

Thank you for this post, my 5 month puppy lost all control of her limbs. The vet says there is a chance of the spine infection, and he seems to think tumors. He elected to not do surgery since the outlook is grim. He gave us the option of euthanizing or bringing her home and do 10 days of antibiotics to see if it is indeed just all infection. We left her overnight I will be sure to bring up I saw this post and may request another night. Pray for us and thanks for your post, it added a glimmer of hope.

Vinny

I happened across this page through a Google search and wanted to tell Zoe's story. In the spring of 2001, Zoe, our energetic and healthy Dalmatian puppy, was spayed. Shortly after her surgery, Zoe became very sick. She would not eat, could not lay down, would not drink, and cried every time we touched her. She would lean against her bed and moan in pain. We took her to the vet numerous times, only to be told she must have some muscle soreness or strain. She was put on steroids. We took her back many times only to be told they could not find anything wrong with her. We knew something was wrong with her, but we were getting nowhere with the vet. Each morning we felt as if she would not make it through the night.

Finally in the fall of 2001, we convinced the vet that Zoe needed help. They tried several rounds of different types of antibiotics. She would improve and then within a day or two after the antibiotics stopped, she would go back down hill. We began to give up hope.

She was referred to an internal specialist who diagnosed her with Discospondylitis and began a three times per day antibiotic treatment immediately. The specialist felt that Zoe must have developed an infection during or after her spaying. Within a short time on the medication, Zoe began to improve. She started eating and drinking, she returned to the happy puppy we missed so much. We were so thankful the vet finally listened to us and our concerns.

Several times over the next 2 years, the vet had us take zoe off the antibiotics only to see her immediately return to the painful state of not eating, not laying down, not drinking,and moaning in pain. At one point, only one dose of Zoe's antibiotics was skipped and she was in the hospital for three days in critical condition.

After these attempts to take her off the medicine failed, the specialist and vets decided that Zoe should continue to take the antibiotics twice per day for the rest of her life in order to maintain a constant dosage of Cephalexin. Once this dosage has been maintained, we are happy to report that Zoe is a happy and healthy dog. She has not had relapses since 2003. We are so happy that for almost 4 years she has not had to deal with the pain associated with Discospondylitis. She is having a wonderful, happy life thanks to the specialist and vets who listened to our repeated concerns and took them to heart. Zoe is a precious and special pooch!

We lost our battle. My puppy was diagnosed as having cancer in her spine. The specialist said it was agressive and cancer was what was going on. We spent time with her and it was a very hard goodbye. We held her as she was put to rest, one of the hardest days me and the wife have had to deal with. Thanks for your blog though....for a few hours I was filled with hope my dog could make it.

Vinny -- I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts are with you.

Hi,
We have a 6 month English Mastiff. He is in critical care right now. We are waiting for the results of the MRI and spinal tap. The doctors suspect Discospandylitis. Fortunately he is at Angell in Boston with Dr Sisson. We are hopeing that if it is this infection that our JayJay will be helped and come home soon. Right now he is unable to walk and has severe pain in his back.
Thank you for your web-site......it has been soooo helpful and is giving us hope that Jayjay will survive.......
Thank you,
Jackie

WE HAVE A 8 MONTH OLD AMERICAN BULLDOG, WHO SOUNDS LIKE SHE IS SUFFERING DISCSPONDYLITIS. SHE SCREAMS OUT IN PAIN AND HER BACK IS ARCHED. SHE HAS LIMITED MOBILITY IN HER HIND QUARTERS AND HER NECK. WE ARE GOING FOR A SECOND OPINION TOMORROW. SHE HAS BEEN TREATED WITH AN ANTIBIOTIC SO FAR SHE IS COMING ALONG SLOWLY HOWEVER WE HAVE NOT GOTTEN ANYTHING CONCRETE IN REAGRDS TO A DIAGNOSIS YET. I AM VERY GLAD TO FIND YOUR SITE IT HAS BEEN VERY INSIGHTFUL

REGARDS,
KARYN WOOD

Mac,
How long did it take before Loretta responded to the treatment once diagnosed?
We are now 10 days in post diagnosis and whilst Khai's pain levels appear to have been alleviated, there has been no change in his mobility ie: his mobility has been severely impaired.
Your article has been so very helpful in shedding some light on a very grey matter.
Cheers.
Kelly.

Kelly -- It's been a while so my memory is hazy, but I seem to remember that Loretta's recovery was quite slow. She was gimpy for 6-8 weeks and it was a good three or four months before she seemed back to her old self. Even today, years later, there are odd moments when she seems to "re-gimpify" for a day or so.

Hope that helps. My thoughts are with you and Khai!

-- mac

Thanks Mac. You've given me more of an understanding of how long I can expect before I start to see Khai back to his normal self. Most greatly appreciated.
Kelly.

What a helpful post. I have a german shepherd that is not even two years old who has just been diagnosed with discospondylitis. My heart just hurts so bad for this amazing little guy. I had never heard of this condition before now. My vet is optimistic, but I can tell he just doesn't know if or when these antibiotics will start kicking in. He has suggested all the things you've spoken about in your post. He told me that this should prove to be a lengthy healing process and I told him I didn't care, as long as I can bring him home and help him get through this. He has now been in the doggie hospital for 5 days. Although he looks like he feels better and is moving his hind legs slightly and sort of wagging his tail when he sees me, he still cannot get up on his own and they are having a hard time getting him to eat. They have them on the "patch" and a double dose of pain meds. It absolutely kills me to see this. But reading your story I was amazed at how similar yours and everyone's stories are of how rapidly this takes over the dogs ability to move. It just doesn't seem fair. I am more than willing to do whatever it takes to get him back on his feet and back with his 2 year old beagle sister, Macie. It breaks my heart to see her run around the house looking for Sarge. It is just really nice to see some success stories. Thank you so much for your post. Please update on how Loretta is going if you get a chance! Thanks again!

Loni -- My thoughts go out to you and Sarge. I certainly hope his story plays out like Loretta's. It's now been almost three years since Retta suffered through discospondylitis, but I'm happy to say her recovery is complete and she's as active as she's ever been.

-- mac

Yor are lucky. I have a dog, irish setter. her name is natasha and she is 11 years old. she has Discospondylitis (from an infection after surgery). after 2 munth of treatment with many antibiotics there is a little improvement. she still suffering, has problem walking and it doesnt look like recovery at all. so you have any advice?
thank you for your happy end story,
dana gillerman

Mac -

Thank you so much for your story! We have a 10 month old English Bulldog that has just been diagnosed with Discospondylitis. The symptoms you described sound exactly like Manny's. Terrible screams, stiffness & very little activity. Our local vet referred us to Iowa State University Animal Hostipital in Ames, Iowa. We took Manny up there Tuesday and he has been there ever since, he gets to come home tomorrow.

After 2 very long days of the doctors not knowing anything, they called us yesterday and told us of his condition and also said it was treatable. We were fearing the worst but after reading your story I can say that I feel much more postitive and realize recovery is possilbe. Once again thank you very much for your story, by far the most helpful one I have found on the internet!

Jerry

Jerry: I'm glad it helped! Here's hoping Manny experiences a similar recovery to Loretta's!

nice work man 10x

nice work man 10x