Hypothyroidism
Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2016 12:19 pm
Dear all
I have been treating a 1 4 y old jack Russell for 3 years. She presented with left hind weakness and mild neuro signs. There was a history of spondylosis osteoarthritis. At time of referral no disc narrowing was seen by first line vet. I pinpointed it down to nerve root impignement and with gentle mobilisations (adjustments) / traction/ acupuncture/ herbal meds the pain subsided. She was seen for monthly check ups for over 18 months and has remained on a spinal herbal maintenance formulation. A few months she presented with new neuro signs left hind. Placing reflex very poor but deep pain and withdrawal good. She would squat happily to urinate and hold. I did not detect any focal pain so I was abit worried about her. The first line vet re xrayed her and the spine actually looks better than two years ago. There was again no obvious disc narrowing. She was in good health otherwise but routine bloods showed hypothyroidism. Treatment was started and I treated her weekly for a few weeks. The neuro signs have completely settled. However over the last two weeks there has been a marked clicking when manipulating the spine. This was initially only palpable/audible to me but now the owner notices it when she walks. With the increased clicking of the TL spine there is also now a progressive weakness. Gentle palpation of the facetjoints and lumbar spine causes her to sit down and she seems generally more sensitive on spinal manipulation. This is a whole new presentation for her so I am a bit baffled because the neuro signs are still much better than few months ago
The only thing that has recently changed is an increase in her thyroid meds. Could this have led to a loss of tone in soft tissue structure? Has anyone had complications like this with a hypothyroid case that was started on meds?
Any suggestions welcome
vee
I have been treating a 1 4 y old jack Russell for 3 years. She presented with left hind weakness and mild neuro signs. There was a history of spondylosis osteoarthritis. At time of referral no disc narrowing was seen by first line vet. I pinpointed it down to nerve root impignement and with gentle mobilisations (adjustments) / traction/ acupuncture/ herbal meds the pain subsided. She was seen for monthly check ups for over 18 months and has remained on a spinal herbal maintenance formulation. A few months she presented with new neuro signs left hind. Placing reflex very poor but deep pain and withdrawal good. She would squat happily to urinate and hold. I did not detect any focal pain so I was abit worried about her. The first line vet re xrayed her and the spine actually looks better than two years ago. There was again no obvious disc narrowing. She was in good health otherwise but routine bloods showed hypothyroidism. Treatment was started and I treated her weekly for a few weeks. The neuro signs have completely settled. However over the last two weeks there has been a marked clicking when manipulating the spine. This was initially only palpable/audible to me but now the owner notices it when she walks. With the increased clicking of the TL spine there is also now a progressive weakness. Gentle palpation of the facetjoints and lumbar spine causes her to sit down and she seems generally more sensitive on spinal manipulation. This is a whole new presentation for her so I am a bit baffled because the neuro signs are still much better than few months ago
The only thing that has recently changed is an increase in her thyroid meds. Could this have led to a loss of tone in soft tissue structure? Has anyone had complications like this with a hypothyroid case that was started on meds?
Any suggestions welcome
vee