Ask the French Bulldog Veterinarian - Disk Disease, or just a sprain?
lorihuntdvm July 11th, 2008
I just came from the vet hospital today after Frankee, my female French Bull Dog suddenly seemed different after her playtime in the park yesterday with her brother Bubba. She plays quite hard all the time with Bubba and loves her ball but I felt maybe she might have strained her back running down the hill after her ball. I got quite scared today when she couldn’t jump on the chair today or jump up on my leg to say hi…..After having a consult with this vet doctor who persisted that I see a neurological doctor and then told me she could go paralyzed if I didn’t have her checked …he become a bit much when he stressed it more than four times in the 15 min consult…I tried to also reason the fact that she did play hard and could have easily strained herself chasing the ball down the hill…but he was quick to assume this was the problem.
Quite surprised at his hasty presumptions and guilt trip…I asked him to prescribe a pain med to see if that would help ..he prescribed tramadol…I then spoke to my good friend who has many years of Bullie experience. She calmed me down to also tell me that Frankee could have easily just strained herself when she slipped rolling down the hill running after her ball…..also she did say that Frenchies commonly do have back problems….Anne mentioned getting steroids for Frankee to relieve the inflamation…do you think I should just get her on steroids as opposed to the meds…
I want to do the right thing here….please advise.
Dr. Lori writes -
Hi there. I don’t think your vet was being an alarmist. Quite often frenchies can have back issues that very quickly result in paralysis, and you don’t have much time to change the course of events. So his being adamant was with good intention.
If she is walking well and not limping and seems comfortable, then the pain meds may be enough. Steroids can be helpful in resolving inflammation of any kind, but can also delay healing, so if you are not sure what is causing the issue, it is best not to run and grab the steroids.
I would advise watching her VERY closely and any change in activity or comfort level should prompt an immediate return visit to your vet.
Good Luck.
Lori Hunt, DVM
French Bulldogs d’Assisi
Editor’s note: We’ve had a sad follow up from Frankee’s owner:
I appreciate you forwarding this but I had to put my Frankee down …on Tuesday …she had too much nerve damage including her bowels. I could not see her suffering like that or coming back wearing diapers etc.
Our deepest condolences on Frankee’s passing.
Here are some helpful links to additional reading on intervertebral disk disease -
, which have all of this and then some. This may help provide natural antioxidants and antiinflammatories that may help him cope. Another thing I would highly recommend is hydrotherapy, either by swimming or an underwater treadmill.
