My Story of Loki
Loki is a nine year old, full breed, 15” beagle who is mildly overweight and is being treated for a low thyroid.He has also been battling degenerative disc disease since he was three.Loki’s first instance caused excruciating pain. Our veterinarian at the time practiced conventional medicine and ordered x-rays, steroids, and pain medication.The x-rays did not show much, except for a possible area that may be affected. The steroids and pain medication were able to bring Loki back to normal again.However, we did not discuss possible long term treatments.The issue was left at the statement that he had the same chance of slipping a disc again that he had originally.
Not more than six months later, Loki experienced another slipped disc.This second occurrence lasted a bit longer than the first.Loki was in pain and there was nothing we could do to make it better for him. At this point, back surgery was mentioned as an option for treatment, however there was no guarantee he would not slip a different one. We discussed the possibility of surgery, but my husband and I decided we wanted to try a less invasive approach.
The third instance hit again, not more than six months after.We could barely stand seeing our dog in so much pain with so little that we thought we could do.This third time lasted even longer than the last.The steroids did not seem to work as well. My conventional vet mentioned to me the benefits of chiropractic help.
I contacted this new, chiropractic veterinarian.The initial visit was rough. Loki was still very tender from his last episode and he did not appreciate the doctor manipulating his back and hips.After a few months of the adjustments, Loki started to act like his old self again.He was not exhibiting any residual effects from his last episode and we felt we may be on the right track with treatment.
The fourth episode hit with a vengeance. Loki attempted to jump on the bed. This was all it took to compress his spine.Once again, we used the steroids and pain medications, but this time those treatments were coupled with adjustments and acupuncture. This episode lasted the longest and was the most painful to watch Loki experience. We decided we should investigate the back surgery.We received a referral from our first vet and had Loki evaluated.Immediately, we were not comfortable with the procedure and the potential side effects.It was at this point that the emergency vet suggested hydro-therapy. Loki’s primary chiropractic vet, having arrived back in town, agreed with the hydro-therapy but also suggested we look into a physical therapy program to assist with immediate strengthening his core and back muscles.
Loki immediately began seeing an animal physical therapist.She walked us through exercises and games that we could play that would work to loosen and strengthen his muscles as well as train him to carry his body differently.The therapist also prescribed homeopathic pain medications to begin to reduce his exposure to chemical medications and used the cold ultra-sound on his back to assist with breaking up his scar tissue. Loki responded very well to this treatment.By the time six weeks had passed, Loki appeared to have almost fully recovered from his last episode.It was also at this time we discovered his thyroid issue and began to treat this as well.
Once Loki’s physical therapy was concluding, we began taking him to hydro-therapy appointments. During all of this time, we continued chiropractic adjustments at regular intervals.Loki has been on this long term treatment program now for the past four years.He has not had another episode and he acts as he did before he ever had an issue with his discs. Even though we have moved between cities and states, in each location we seek out a holistic veterinarian that will continue this treatment with Loki.We strongly believe that if we had continued a conventional approach to his treatment, he would have continued to have back problems.This holistic approach has been what has kept and will keep Loki healthy for years to come.
Erin Csepeggi