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Ask the Veterinarian/Husky Dog has protruding spine

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Expert: - 1/28/2010


Question
Looking at getting a second dog,,, went today and looked at a 3 year old Husky,, seemed playful and loving BUT I noticed I could SERIOUSLY feel its spine all down its back,,, every "knob" of its spine...  I told them I would think about it and come back with our other dog.  Could the Husky have a disease or something wrong with it, or is it possible underfed?  Huskys are so furry it was hard for me to tell.  Thank you in advance

Answer
My first fear would be that this dog is loaded with heartworms. Dogs with stage four heartworm disease prone to be really ribby on top but have a pot belly below.

So find out if he was tested and if he is on heartworm prevention. He could very well be just malnourished, but then again, ask about his stools and how much he is eating.

This dog is a risk but every dog deserves a second chance at love. Don't pass him up if these other things are fixable and he isn't full of heartworms.

Since huskys are prone to mal-absorption problems and require enzymes for life, but it is a small thing in comparison to having a wonderful dog. Ask if the stool are large and whitish with any mucous. That is a giveaway for intestinal digestive issues.

Let me know what you find out.

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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