I have a friend who has a frenchie that is currently having some spine issues. He has lost some use of his back legs and is currently being treated with steroids to get the swelling down. The vets took ex-rays and have sent them to a neurologist who wants to do an MRI. My friend knows this will more than likely get very expensive and is interested in looking at all her and his options. We all know that spine issues are common in Frenchies but does anyone have a vet that practices alternative medicine? Chiropractic, acupuncture, etc.? Or does anyone have any experience with this issue?

Thanks for any and all input and help!!
Gracian

Hey Gracian! Are you speaking of Tegan with the Washington French Bulldog meetup board? If not-she is having some similar problems and may be able to shed some light (I can put you in contact if you don't know her).

I have had some back issues (pinched disc) with my little female but I suspect the problem you are speaking of is a much more serious one.

Hi Kris,
No, it's not Tegan. I don't know her, but I think I have traded emails with her before. Maybe I'll email her later on. My friend lives in Salem and her name is Faye. Since I became a FBRN volunteer I have been getting some advice from them, but I thought I'd give the meetup message board a try too. Faye's little Eddy is doing much better and is on prednisone and crate rest for now. Although he is makeing ALL of his best Frenchie noises to get out :) He goes back for a reevaluation on Thursday to see if he still needs to get an MRI at the neurologists.

Thanks for your input :) I'll post an update later on when I get more information. Have a great week!

Gracian

We use a vet in NE that has a holistic clinic. She's done chiropracty our our frenchie, not sure if she does acupunture as well. She's really great about consulting specialists for second opinions if she feels there is a better option than holistic medicine. She is at Two Rivers Vet and her name is Dr Curran. You may be able to consult with her about what is going on to see how she may be able to help.

Thank you Cece, this is Awesome!!!

Gracian

Hi Gracian,

Joey has just been diagnosed (late April) with GME disease. Non curable. We are treating with steroids and acupuncture along with a variety of Chinese herbs. He is being treated by Dr. Lauren Chattigré (Cascade Summit Animal Hospital in West Linn). Joey's hind legs went out on him last November. I spent a lot of money to find out what the heck was going on. We had a MRI, Spinal Tap and extensive blood work. This was all done at NW Veterinary Specialist in Clackamas, OR. We initially had Dr. Kroll; neurologist. I didn't get a good vibe; I am sure he is a fine neurologist, but felt like all he wanted to do was spend my money. He was not open to other treatments.

By the urging of my primary vet here in Vancouver, the breeder and some other folks who show and raise frenchies, they encouraged me to seek an alternative path. Which we did. In late December we started the Holistic approach with Chinese supplements and acupuncture.

Yes, we have had several relapses, but that is to be expected with GME.

Joey in April came down with a raging ear infection that left him tilted to the left side. My Allergy & Ear vet Dr. Amy Randall in Beaverton (AWESOME - highly recommend her!) did a CT Scan of the brain; working with Dr. Stephen Skinner, Neurologist, he did a full CT scan of the brain and based on all the medical history and what the CT scan presented, has diagnosed Joey with GME disease. We are on a path of treatment - to keep him comfortable - he most likely will remain on steroids for the remainder of his life. I am ok with this.

My advice would be to get the MRI - average cost is $1,500 and up. Go to an excellent neurologist - I recommend Dr. Skinner he is located in Raleigh Hills. I don't know what he would charge, but his fees have been less expensive than at NW Vet specialty in Clackamas so far. More reasonable. Also get the extensive blood work done, this will tell a lot to the doctor - cost about $600, maybe less. They need to find out what is at the root of this issue. Is it an infection or a spinal issue. The MRI would be the best start. Just note, if you are willing to put down the $1,500 you need to be committed to go all the way for treatment. It won't be cheap.

Otherwise surrender the dog to French Bulldog Rescue Network and they will get the dog treated.

I am currently spending $85 for each acupuncture treatment (2-3 times per month; and about $300+ on the Chinese herbs per month. Plus rechecks with the Allergery & Ear Vet and the Neurologist.

Like I said above, if you are willing to do the MRI, you need to be committed to go all the way and spend $$$$ it won't be cheap. If you have insurance, this will help some. I spent close to $10K last year and got back about $3,500 from VIP insurance. So far this year I have spent $3-4K and have gotten back $1,500.

Good luck, feel free to email me if you need more details or info. It has been a long road with Joey in trying to find the right doctors (Vets) that I have felt comfortable with who just weren't giving me lip service nor trying to spend my hard earned money. Believe me there are a lot of vets out there who just see dollar signs!

Best - Connie & Joey

THANKS SO MUCH CONNIE. IT WAS NICE TALKING TO YOU ON THE PHONE THE OTHER DAY. ARE YOU A MEMBER OF FBRN TOO?

GRACIAN

Hi Gracian - so sorry to hear of your friends' pup's trouble. I have had two frenchies with spine trouble (hemi vertebrae, butterfly vertebrae, arthitis and assorted disk problems. Both lived to fairly ripe old ages (almost 10 and almost 13) and never had to have surgery, thought the one who lived to be 13 got pretty crippled up her last few years. In their cases it was diligent vet care, rest when they seemed to have trouble coming on and a little aspirin when they were hurting. No jumping on furniture! Ever!

It all depends on the issue. main thing is to get them on crate rest. If they go down in the rear - VET! QUICK! Download the FBRN frenchie anesthesia protocol off the frenchbulldogrescue.org website if they have to have surgery. Accupuncture sometimes help if the problem isn't too severe/advanced.

My vet, Jordan Nuccio of Two Rivers Vet. on North Williams in Portland has lots of holistic vet experience (including accupuncture) and has a bulldog with spine trouble herself. I would highly recommend her. I also sometimes use Greg Takashima of Parkway Vet. Hospital near Lake Oswego. He did accupuncture on my dogs (for spine and allergies) and I admire and would recommend him - though he is not specifically a bulldog vet. He has also been generous and given discounts for the vet care of my FBRN foster dog.

good thoughts going out to your friend,
charlotte