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  1. #1
    Puppy
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    Lumbosacral Instability (Stenosis)

    Hello,

    My 7 year old labrador was just diagnosed with lumbosacral instability. After he yelped jumping on couch, jumping on bed and refused to go upstairs I knew something was wrong. He had trouble rising from a lying position and wouldn't even get up to eat food, right there I knew something was wrong. After consulting with a Neuro Vet Specialist and an MRI done, the diagnosis was confirmed. The Neuro Vet Specialist recommended surgery and emphasized the sooner, the better. Has anyone else's lab been diagnosed with this condition too? How did you treat the condition, or did your dog have the surgery? Does anyone know if this is a hereditary, genetic or congenital condition? Apparently my pet insurance claims it is and will not cover the cost of surgery.

  2. #2
    Senior Dog Maxx&Emma's Avatar
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    I don't have any experience with this, I am so sorry you are dealing with it.
    I do not understand your pet insurance not covering the cost of surgery. When I was researching insurance for Maxx I didn't find any that did not cover things like ED, HD, etc which can be considered genetic. The insurance I chose required an examination and notation in his file that Maxx did not have luxating patellas or the condition would be excluded for the first 6 months and covered thereafter. I find the answer you were given very disturbing. If you don't mind me asking, who do you have your insurance with? It really makes me wonder if I need to do some serious research.

    Sending good thoughts your way.
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    Maxx and Emma Jean

    Ozzy - 10/2002 - 06/2011 - Rest well my sweet boy. You are forever remembered, forever missed, forever in my heart.

  3. #3
    Puppy
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    I have my insurance through ASPCA. My dog has been insured since we first got him as a pup from the breeder. He had a complete physical examination required for insurance coverage and for our own sense of wellbeing. Every year my dog gets a physical examination. In the early stages of trying to figure this whole insurance coverage situation. Other than this, I am very happy with my insurance.

  4. #4
    Senior Dog Maxx&Emma's Avatar
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    I am not familiar with that insurance, I have Pet Plan and have only had to use it twice for yeast ear infections for Maxx in almost 3 years. We have had to use it many more times for Emma. She is 8 but the useage has only been in the past year. We had a tumor removed and follow up treatment as well as laser treatments, etc for spinal and hip arthritis. They have been great to work with, prompt reimbursement and outstanding customer service.

    I hope you are able to get this worked out. After paying for the insurance for so many years it is very sad to hear they may not be there for you in your time of need. I really hope you are able to get this worked out and your dog is on the road to recovery very soon. The alternative is just heartbreaking.
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    Tammy
    Maxx and Emma Jean

    Ozzy - 10/2002 - 06/2011 - Rest well my sweet boy. You are forever remembered, forever missed, forever in my heart.

  5. #5
    Senior Dog Berna's Avatar
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    No experience, but personally I would like to know (ask the vet) what is the % of success with that surgery and what are the risks. I would also discuss other options, and that is managing the pain and whether the dog would benefit from physical therapy.

    Best wishes sent your way.
    Cookie Black Snowflake
    July 12th, 2006. - May 25th, 2023.

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  6. #6
    Senior Dog Snowshoe's Avatar
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    Because it was in a different location, more the middle of her back, my girl's back problem was called spinal spondylosis. As far as I can figure it's about the same thing though. Jet was 12.5 years old, we discovered it after an acute episode same as you. We managed with strong, and ever stronger pain control but I was told surgery would be required should she have another acute pain episode.

    I googled up your dog's ailment and apparently it can be congenital but not necessarily is.

    Lumbosacral Stenosis (Cauda Equina Syndrome) in Dogs

    Sorry your boy is going through this. The pain seems to be very, very bad, at least it was for Jet. I wish you luck with however you do decide to proceed. For something so serious I think a second opinion might be a consideration BUT, it might involve sedation and more Xrays at a different Vet's.

  7. #7
    Senior Dog POPTOP's Avatar
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    So sorry your pup is going through this. Melody had spinal arthritis and overgrowth of bone, but the same as what you are dealing with. She was around 12 so was managed medically.

    I would definitely get a statement from your vet about his good health and no signs of problems and get back to insurance. If surgery is involved, it's going to be a big bill so insurance is going to fight you on this one.

 



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