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Ateo
Elite Nomad
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Well we took her to a vet in TJ today and are trying to weigh our options. They diagnosed same issue and can do a surgery but also mentioned an IV
treatment that would require her to stay for three days. The USA vet didn't mention this as a treatment so I'm a tad skeptical. Hmmmmmmm. Trying to
find out what's in this IV before making a decision. How could an IV help an issue like a slipped disk/degenerate disc disorder?
She can't move her back legs and it's not looking good.
It's hard for me to believe she was fine a little over a week ago and now she's almost paralyzed.
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DENNIS
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Perhaps you need a fast second opinion.
"YOU CAN'T LITTER ALUMINUM"
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CaboMagic
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Dear Ateo - my heart hurt reading your post ..
In 1996 we were faced with a similar dilemma .. PJ suddenly began to scream/shriek in pain trying to stand .. the xrays and exam produced the same
diagnosis .. we opted for the surgery but 3 days later we made the dreadfully painful decision for euthanasia so that PJ could join the other
fur-babies (ours and 'yours) waiting for him, and be out of excruciating pain ... sadly I think now that our choice for surgery was for us, not for
PJ .
Please accept our heartfelt internet hug ..
[Edited on 8-19-2014 by CaboMagic] edit to try and include a photo ..
[Edited on 8-19-2014 by CaboMagic]
[Edited on 8-19-2014 by CaboMagic]
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vgabndo
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Mood: Checking-off my bucket list.
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So sorry Jon, I hope you find some good news.
Undoubtedly, there are people who cannot afford to give the anchor of sanity even the slightest tug. Sam Harris
"The situation is far too dire for pessimism."
Bill Kauth
Carl Sagan said, "We are a way for the cosmos to know itself."
PEACE, LOVE AND FISH TACOS
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Mulegena
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Urge you to get that second opinion, friend.
Has there been trauma that might have induced this sudden-onset orthopedic issue? Be sure to rule-out other causes for your pup's condition.
Many things to consider in a definitive diagnosis.
"Raise your words, not your voice. It's rain that grows flowers, not thunder." ~Rumi
"It's the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." ~ Aristotle
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SFandH
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Ateo,
Here's a write-up that contains a lot of info and a recovery rate table that may help in making treatment decisions. Small dogs do the best.
http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/nervous_system/diseases_of_t...
Also, perhaps there is a misunderstanding about the IV treatment. According to the link below, the openings in the vertebrae that the spinal cord goes
through are called Intervertebral Foramen, abbreviated IV Foramen.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intra_Vertebral_Foramen
Specifically for dogs:
Link
I'm hoping for the best of outcomes.
[Edited on 8-19-2014 by SFandH]
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Ateo
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You guys and gals are great. Thanks for the kind words, wisdom, and advice. Thanks for taking the time.
Mulegena: The only trauma I can think of that might have brought this on was a 60 mile Baja dirt road we recently drove down, although I seem to
remember her crying when we got her out of the truck while leaving the USA. I can't remember now. We've seen 2 veterinarians now. Both same
diagnostic.
SFandH: Thanks for that link. She's a very small dog so I guess that's good news.
CaboMagic: Thanks for the kind words and internet hug.
Perry: Thanks amigo.
I'll keep y'all posted.
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Mulegena
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Ateo...
Mulegena: The only trauma I can think of that might have brought this on was a 60 mile Baja dirt road we recently drove down, although I seem to
remember her crying when we got her out of the truck while leaving the USA. I can't remember now. We've seen 2 veterinarians now. Both same
diagnostic...
I'll keep y'all posted. |
How is her digestion? What was she eating before the trip, during the trip; is she
eating now? How old is she? Is her tummy hard or soft, painful when palpated deeply? Do you have a stethoscope and listen to her intestines; there
should be bowel sounds. Has she had stomach x-rays or abdominal ultrasound? Is she on any meds prior to this incident? Is she truly paralyzed or
reluctant to move due to pain? Has she had spinal x-rays?
I ask this, not to challenge the doctors' diagnoses, but to broaden the focus of inquiry.
You and your family love your fur-girl, as it should be.
Edited to add, is she running a temperature; should be about 101F rectally. Is she drinking water and staying hydrated, peeing and pooping normally?
[Edited on 8-19-2014 by Mulegena]
"Raise your words, not your voice. It's rain that grows flowers, not thunder." ~Rumi
"It's the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." ~ Aristotle
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Ateo
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Thanks for your questions Mulegena. You are a caring Nomad.
Her digestion is normal. She was eating her normal food before, during, and after the trip. We did throw her a few pieces of carne and stuff while
we we're camping. The Dr. used a stethoscope to examine her body, including the stomach region. She had stomach x-rays as well as spinal X-rays.
She's not on any meds. She is truly paralyzed in her hind legs as far as I can tell. You can see her fighting to use those legs to no avail. No
temperature. We have been keeping her hydrated. She can't dip her head down to get water so we have to raise the water to her. As of right now she
needs us to help feed her, as well as assist in her bathroom activities, which she really has no control over.
It's not looking good. She has gone downhill extremely fast.
Here's a list of the stages:
Stage I disc disease produces mild pain and is usually self-correcting in a few days.
Stage II disc disease causes moderate to severe pain in the neck or lumbar (lower back) area.
Stage III disc disease causes partial paralysis (paresis) and results in the dog walking in staggering or uncoordinated movements.
Stage IV disc disease causes paralysis but the ability to feel is present.
Stage V disc disease causes paralysis and loss of feeling.
I think she has stage IV. This weekend she showed signs of stage III.
[Edited on 8-20-2014 by Ateo]
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SFandH
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Bummer.
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DENNIS
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You need to make a decision soon, Jon. It's what you have to do.
"YOU CAN'T LITTER ALUMINUM"
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Mulegena
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So sorry to hear this.
Love & support her and let her rest as you say you're doing; she had a big, bumpy trip down Baja which she loved as much as the rest of her
family.
Consider treatment options and prognosis.
Our thoughts are with her and all of you.
"Raise your words, not your voice. It's rain that grows flowers, not thunder." ~Rumi
"It's the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." ~ Aristotle
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fandango
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| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
You need to make a decision soon, Jon. It's what you have to do. |
Seems this has deteriorated so quickly. Very sorry Jon.
Love her til the very end.
sbwontoo
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Ateo
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We have made our decision. Such a sad day here for us, but we showered her with love, attention, and joy. Coco is a tough. Always has been. Thank
you all for your thoughts and help.
[Edited on 8-20-2014 by Ateo]
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Ateo
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We celebrated a birthday today amongst the sadness. Happy birthday Lucy.
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CaboMagic
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Greetings of the day Ateo - I cried for you/your family last night .. and now I've asked PJ to welcome your baby and introduce her to everyone there
..
Its just not fair they don't get to live as long as we want them to, and making 'that' decision is awful ..
More cyber hugs to all of you.
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Mulegena
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Blessings to you all, each and every one of sweet Coco's family.
She'll be there to greet you when you, too, walk on and cross over the Rainbow Bridge.
Till then, see you all celebrating her spirit, so joyful in Baja.
"Raise your words, not your voice. It's rain that grows flowers, not thunder." ~Rumi
"It's the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." ~ Aristotle
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Sandlefoot
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Dogs, being the only thing created that loves without bounds or limits, become a large part of our lives. They encompass our hearts before we can
place limits on our feelings for them. Unless you are a "dog person" you might not understand how subtle and strong this connection can be, and there
is a reason! When all things were created they were destined to live to perfection. Now, understanding dogs and how they love, it is easy to see
they are closer to perfection when they get here. So it is only reasonable to see they don't have to live here as long as we do to meet that level of
being perfect. I have lost many "loved ones" through the years, and am a better person for having each one in my life. I like to think I would
aspire to become the person my dog thinks I am! And they all live on through the memories we created together. I understand where you are!
Try to find those Happy Trails again
" Don't find fault, find a remedy; anyone can complain." Henry Ford
If you are not living on the edge...you are taking up to much space!
Just because it may not be a good idea does not mean it will not be fun!!!
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
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| Quote: | Originally posted by CaboMagic
and now I've asked PJ to welcome your baby and introduce her to everyone there ..
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My LuLu will be among the first to greet Coco at the gate. I had to send her on her way just a couple of months back. I cry like a baby just writing
this.
"YOU CAN'T LITTER ALUMINUM"
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Ateo
Elite Nomad
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You guys are great. Thanks for the kind words. I'm going to leave it at that, but just know you helped raise my spirits.
Gracias.
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