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My dog has spondylosis. What non-pill options & wheelchairs help?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Fila Brasileiro | Female | spayed | 10 years and 3 months old | 132 lbs

My dog has spondylosis. What can i do to help her besides pills. Could a wheelchair help her?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on May 30th, 2019

Wheelchairs are generally indicated when a pet has trouble walking and can no longer use the back legs very well. If this is the case for Sara, then a wheelchair may be beneficial. Otherwise focus on providing pain medication and joint supplements. Also focus on daily, low impact exercise such as a daily walk and swimming which will help to maintain muscle mass and stability. If you have additional questions, please feel free to post.

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hello. I am so sorry for Sara's condition. Spondylosis is actually a fairly common problem found incidentally on x-rays, & the presence of this condition does not always correlate with spinal pain & neurologic deficits. Most times there is some other underlying cause rather than the spondylosis. Regardless, if Sara is in pain, then anti-inflammatory medications like NSAIDS & gabapentin are appropriate. If her neurological condition warrants an assistance cart, then that is OK too. You do not indicate how the diagnosis was made in Sara since you are in Aruba, but sometimes it takes more than x-rays to diagnose chronic pain in a pet, such as myelography, or CT/MRI scans. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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