This blog post explores the connection between discospondylitis, a painful spinal condition in dogs, and the sudden development of thunderstorm phobia in three case studies, including my own dog, Oakley. Diagnostic challenges, including the limitations of X-rays, are discussed. Treatment, involving antibiotics, pain management, and reduced activity, led to behavioral improvements in all three dogs, though recovery timelines varied.

The case study of A, a 2.5-year-old Feist mix, illustrates how persistent behavior issues often have deeper, underlying causes. Despite extensive training, A continued to struggle with aggression, pulling on walks, and inconsistent eating. A key observation of A's unusual hind-leg skipping led to further investigation. This was when a Dynamic Dog Assessment, an approach that considers the whole dog's physical health, behavior, and environment, revealed subtle discomfort signals that changed A’s life.