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Hi Laurie & group,

I was wondering, in your experience... can cauda equina be treated conservatively or is surgery a must?

I’m preparing to have a talk about it with owners tomorrow and want to make sure I give them the best advice.

I think the GSD I talked to you about last weekend has cauda equina. Definitely not DM... I initially Dx as IVDD, which I guess he could have simultaneously but the pain on his tail is unbelievable!

I’ve never seen a dog scream like that before and it only takes barely touching the base of his tail. I hardly even get to feel the skin before he starts squealing.

Thank you in advance!

EF

I have treated these conservatively. It would be my first line of treatment. I use acupuncture, lots of laser, shockwave, tail pulls, flexion mobs, any traction as tolerated. Plus anti-inflammatory meds and/or pain management. Oh, then abdominal strengthening (I like planks, 3-leg standing with abdominal stimulation) and eventually work towards extensions - starting with pelvic tilts in sternal.

Laurie