She's BACK!

[LaMouffette]

29. What a sweet pup! So happy to hear she did not have a shoulder injury! However . . .

and I hate to be a party pooper here, but you might want to be mindful of activities that lead to her jumping into the air, like going after high frisbees and balls that bounce high in the air. Our girl German Shepherd (may she rest in peace!) love, love, loved chasing and jumping for her Kong ball, but one day she came down hard and ended up with a spinal injury. If memory serves, it was called spinal stenosis. She needed surgery and had to go to Great Falls to a vet who specialized in spinal stenosis. Cost us several thousand dollars and months of recovery for her.

Before her injury, I had no idea that playing ball could lead to a serious injury. I mean, you see pups on TV doing all kinds of acrobatics in the air during Frisbee competitions and agility. But Dr. Schaumburg in Missoula and the specialist in Great Falls said it was pretty common.

Anyway, just felt the need to share what we learned the hard way! Here's wishing your lucky pup (lucky because she has you for her human!) many long and healthy years ahead!

What is lumbosacral stenosis?
Lumbosacral stenosis is a neurological condition where nerves at the base of the spine are compressed by a bulging disc or other tissues. The lumbosacral disc is the last disc in the lower back between the seventh lumbar vertebra and the sacrum. Ageing may result in dehydration and degeneration of this disc which may then bulge (protrude) and compress or ‘trap’ regional nerves. The resultant narrowing of the canal in the spine (the vertebral canal) or the exit holes between the bones (the vertebral foramen) is referred to as stenosis. The underlying cause of the disc degeneration and bulging is unclear, although in some dogs it is associated with instability of the bones of the spine.

Large breeds of dogs are more commonly affected with lumbosacral stenosis than smaller breeds, and German Shepherd Dogs and Border Collies appear to be particularly prone to the condition. It is an uncommon complaint in cats.

https://www.ndsr.co.uk/specialist-referral-service/pet-health-information/neurology/lumbosacral-stenosis