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Old November 24th, 2007, 01:17 AM
sadsam sadsam is offline
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Paralysis in Shih-tzus

I am trying to find any help asap.. for anyone that can help me with the biggest decision so far in my life. My dog is in an vet hospital as of this morning, last night he lost all motion in his hind legs, he was a jumper always bouncing around only 2 years old. He had been on antiinflammatory medicines a few weeks ago the same vet saw him, said he jumps around too much and probably hurt himself. He has been fine for the last few weeks until yesterday when he started limping and whining late into the night he lost all use of his hind legs just OUT OF THE BLUE my lil guy was draggin his legs behind him the vet said that we were going to be looking at thousands of dollars for cat scans mri's and a surgery that couldn't guarantee that it would fix things, we went to see him tonight and he doesn't look like he should be put to sleep, that is what the vet said might be the answer, I am beggin anyone out there that believes in their heart like I do that there might be an alternative to this awful finalty. I don't want to put my doggie down, my daughter is a mess, my husband is a mess, I want to get the cat scan to see if it has to be operated but the vet thinks that its a waste of money because the outcome will be that surgery will be needed. over 6,000.00. I am beside myself, it was just so random that this happened, I am praying that tomorow will be a better day we have left him at the vet so that he would sleep and be pain free he still has feeling in his left leg very painful but the right one has no feeling, I am just WONDERING if anyone has heard of this or has any suggestion on how I can save my doggie without a vet? If there are alternative ways human beings come back from paralysis why can't my little doggy? I hope I get a reply.. please feel free to email me if you can help. I am in Canada 10:15 pm now on Friday night I am just reaching out trying to find some answers.. they say he has a ruptered disc in his spine, but they are assuming this as an xray showed nothing but the syptoms show everything, the vet couldn't get a good xray only a side view and the only other way was to send him to critical care for the 2,000 xrays and 175 consult ?? I didn't mention that I just recently lost my job 2 weeks ago 4 weeks before christmas and so far all my savings for christmas are going to the vet.. I would do anything for my dog, but being without a credit card doesn't give me many choices.. why does this happen? anybody have any advise I would be forever thankful if you want to email me.

Thanks you very much

Last edited by Capt. Jack; November 24th, 2007 at 02:02 PM. Reason: Sorry, personal e-mail addresses are not permitted on the open forum.
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Old November 24th, 2007, 01:30 AM
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pbpatti pbpatti is offline
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So sorry

that your doggie is ill. my suggestion is to have another opinion, I know that vet bills are not easy but your baby is only 2 years old and could have a long life ahead. please talk to your neighbors and friends for a recommendation for another vet, you never know it could be a virus. my heart and thoughts are with yu what ever decision yu need to make. Patti
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Old November 24th, 2007, 03:37 AM
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mummummum mummummum is offline
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Here's the straight truth:
We aren't Vets and can advise you on nothing.

If your Vet is saying further tests (MRI) are needed to determine whether it's a ruptured disc or ....? then, from what I've read of your dog's history and what I understand about the ambiguity of xrays when it comes to spines, that seems to be a pretty reasonable thing to suggest.


Talk to your Vet about payment plans.
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Old November 24th, 2007, 04:18 AM
sadsam sadsam is offline
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Thank you for your kind replies we are going to try and get a thousand dollars together to get a positive analysis. I know you are not vet's I think I stated that in my message I am just looking for experience and similar situations you never know what someone has heard or seen or gone through like myself. Thank you again
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Old November 24th, 2007, 07:30 AM
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BusterBoo BusterBoo is offline
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so sorry your baby is ill, I really don't have any idea of what you could do, except to either get a second opinion (yes, I know that's more money) or try to raise some money (friends, family, maybe the breeder you got your dog from?). Some Vets will allow payment plans or they usually have applications for credit (relating to pets).

Is your tzu at a hospital that has specialists? Not sure where in Canada you are but there are also some Vet Colleges that might be able to help out.

I know how you are feeling, I lost my Harley in August to an unexplainable illness (seizures and blindness) and did spend the thousands to see if we could do anything. In the end, I couldn't watch him suffer anymore and sent him to the Bridge.

Good luck.....
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Old November 24th, 2007, 07:39 AM
Toonces Toonces is offline
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Hi there, first off let me say how sorry I am about your dog. My sister in laws dog is going through the same thing she is a 4 yr old german shepherd. She was fine and then all of a sudden no feeling or use of her back legs. She spent two weeks in Ottawa and the tests could not find anything, no trama, tumors or injury to the spine. She was tested for every disease out there and got a clean bill of health. The only thing they thought it might be is coonhounds disease, she has had some improvement in her one hind leg but the other one seems to have lost all of its muscle mass. She has been this way for 3 months now. My SIL uses a sling to help her get around and use the bathroom and exercises her legs for her to see if they can build up some muscle, she has also changed her to a raw diet. here is a link describing this disease, I had never even heard of it before.

http://www.bobmckee.com/Client%20Inf...oneuritis.html

Good luck with your pup
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Old November 24th, 2007, 08:39 AM
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Ii am so sorry to hear about the suffering your doggie is having! I know you must be scared because we all love our animals...Everyone has given you some great advice here so there is not much to really add other than it seems overwhelming and scary but listen to your heart. If you think there is no hope then I guess you have the answer!

Most vets will take an arrangement. You could also apply for a credit card? I know you said you are out of work but thats really what a credit card is for right? Personally I would worry about my dog before the $$..

Without a clear x ray how does your vet know for sure it is a ruptured disc? maybe he was playing hard? another vet may be able to get a x ray to see for sure? Please let us know how you make out whatever you decide...We are hear for you..

Cindy

By the way welcome! we would love to see pics
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Old November 24th, 2007, 10:50 AM
the gang the gang is offline
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i wish you good luck,i have told this story before!!!!! i have min pins and 1 of my min pins were parillzed he had a slipped disk no------------ movement at all!!!!! in the back legs,[thanksgiving weekend 4 yrs ago] he did super heavy duty meds for 3 weeks and quiet, they wanted to do surgey, but they said a 50-50 chance he would get better he was 5 than, both hubby and i deceided to take him to the chryo, it took awhile for him to come around, but now he walks with a little limp, but runs plays, he is now 9, and we just found out a diabect, so do your homework and i wish you the best to you and your pup, brenda and the pins.
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Old November 24th, 2007, 11:04 AM
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I have way too much experience with Dachshund paralysis, treatment with steroids (and 2 week cage rest at vets - this was before surgery became an option) - and then finally the surgery (2 different dogs - same major problem). Dachshund disc disease is a little different, but the bottom line is that your dog will need to see a neuro - they do the MRIs etc. and determine if surgery is a viable option. There are absolutely no guarantees though - and very strict cage rest is definitely required post surgery. I understand what you mean about the young age of you dog - my first guy was 1 year old when he first paralyzed - and then 2 more "events" by 1 1/2 - that is when he had full body surgery - he was a real fighter which helped. The $6,000 you were quoted is unfortunately close to what it would cost. You could certainly have the X-Rays and the neuro consult done and see what the neuro says. At this point I don't know if massive steroids and strict cage rest will solve the problem - there are different stages of disc disease - it might just delay the inevitable for a few months. I am sorry that you have lost your job and now this has happened. Your post did not mention where you are located in Canada. We are in Toronto - but had to rush our second guy to Guelph for midnight surgery. If you are near Guelph you might try for a consult at the Small Animal Clinic - they are absolutely wonderful there. At Guelph though, you have to pay 50% up front - just wanted to let you know this. I think I would go for the consult, and if surgery is recommended see if you could qualify for the pet line of credit "Care Credit" - not sure of name - but you use it just for pets. Please let us know how things turn out.
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Old November 24th, 2007, 01:39 PM
joeysmama joeysmama is offline
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This sounds so much like the situation that first brought me to pets.ca. Our 7 year old shih tzu was losing his ability to walk. Hind legs weren't cooperating. The MRI was going to be 1700 but the doctors (yes we had 3 opinions) thought it was a herniated disc and that crate rest was the way to go. In retrospect we wish we had had the MRI done right away. When the crate rest clearly wasn't do the trick we knew something was wrong but were told to give it some time. He suffered needlessly and in the long run we spent A LOT more than 1700 dollars.

Unfortunately Joey had a tumor but by the time he was diagnosed he had passed the point where he could have been made stable enough to operate. We kept pushing the date off another week in order for him to get another transfusion, to gain some strength, etc. I have so much guilt over this. In my heart I feel that if we had taken a more aggressive approach, been more insistent we would have been able either save him or allow him a more peacable end.

Ask about Care Credit or deferring payments. Some vets can be very compassionate and will set up a payment plan or work with you to reduce costs.

Keep us posted.
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Old November 24th, 2007, 06:56 PM
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Luba Luba is offline
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What was the reason for the antiinflamatories and what were they? How long has / had he been on them for what purpose and what dose?

Firstly xrays of spine and neck. Pinched nerves 'can' be seen on regular xrays and so can other abnormalities. Has anything happened to his neck recently? Did he fall down the stairs or jump off the bed?

I'd like to know more about the antiinflamatories. Had he been on them before?

I would suggest an immediate referral to a vet that is a neurologist so they can do evaluation. Is there any sense of feeling in the legs?

I've seen a great dane nearly crippled because of a gentle leader putting stress on the neck. Dog could barely move. I suggested they not use the leader anymore and put him on a harness. Almost immediately the pressure and strain from the leader dissapated and the dog walks completely normal now.

That's why I ask, because if it's both legs it's probably nerves imho. Something is pressing on the nerves. Does he pull hard on the lead (I'd take his collar off too just incase, any small amount of pressure would aggrivate).
Do you tie him up at all? Could he have been pulling on his neck?

Aside from a neurological consult, there are vets that specialize in chiropractic care and management. I'd get xrays and take them and your dog to a chiropractor and a neurologist.

The only thing you have to do is ensure that your dog in the meantime isn't injuring himself and you may have to assist in bowel evacuation. You 'must' ensure the dog has bowel movements or an obstruction and compacting of bowels will make the situation 'worse'

I"m so very sorry for all of this but don't give up hope. There are a lot of dogs who if they don't recover from paralysis have harness carts with rear wheels that support them and they can still walk around just fine. So let's take one step at a time and find out the 'true' problem first.
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Old November 24th, 2007, 06:58 PM
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Also, 'where' are you in Canada??
Some of us may know places / specialists we can give you names/addy's/tel numbers. Where are you located?
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Old November 24th, 2007, 07:02 PM
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Quote:
I am praying that tomorow will be a better day we have left him at the vet so that he would sleep and be pain free he still has feeling in his left leg very painful but the right one has no feeling
Does your vet have someone on staff 24/hrs a day? If not get your dog out of there and get somewhere that 'is' a 24hr facility. Anything can happen to him overnight and I'm sure he's terrified if he's there alone.

There is pain present even if one leg this can be a good sign that the spinal cord has not severed. If this vet has not yet done a series of xrays I consider this highly negligent. The slightest movement the wrong way could cause permanent paralysis. They can immediately view the xray and change the angle of the dog to take better views.

MORE XRAYS NOW is my first suggestion but seriously not something to fool around with. Specialist!
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Last edited by Luba; November 24th, 2007 at 07:06 PM. Reason: add on info
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Old November 24th, 2007, 08:16 PM
sadsam sadsam is offline
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Firstly to all of you here thank you so much for your advise and for having to go through sharing your stories again to me. I am sorry for any pain that you have suffered as I am now.

Luba: to you.. answers to your questions. The antinflammatories were given around October 31st, when my dog tried to go upstairs and whimpered loudly so I bent down as I was behind him and tried to feel his leg to see if he was hurt, as a result he turned around and bit me punctured my hand in 4 places I had to get a Tetinus shot even though he has all his shots but he was clearly in pain. I took him to the same vet..she is a respected vetenarian I did my homework, and very kind, very busy Vet. We have hundreds of them where I live in Port Coquitlam British Columbia..she examined him and took his vitals at this time, and said that these little dogs jump off couchs/sofas beds etc (which mine did all the time) he is very ALPHA Male not a good thing but he would always sit up on top of the couch, and very bouncy dog, looks like a little bunny rabbit when he is hopping through the park she gave him a shot of this anti inflammatory its quite common med. Medcam? or something like that I don't have it with me, it is 24/hr a day medicine. She said to keep him off the couch and rested up which we did, in about 3 days tops he was back to his normal self.. for weeks, until 3 days ago, he started whimpering again, I didn't see him fall? I didn't see him slip? I didn't see him hurt his neck? he loves the car, sticks his head out the window with Mummy all the time when I drive. But he is a jumper. I asked the first time if we should do any x-rays and she said that he was very sore, and that she would like to see if the anti... meds would work first before she put him through an x-ray. Of course as I mentioned he got better, and until like I said 3 days ago he was fine, I gave him the same medicine the other day in the morning, he was sore.. then he was ok, then came night time, and he was bad, I gave him more medicine (probably shouldn't have given him more but it had been 13 hours since the first dose) the vet said that was ok I didn't do anything too wrong! It didn't help he was in so much pain that night it was now after midnight all of sudden he looked drunk?? he started draggin one leg behind him twisted then the other one.. I freaked out, he had to go to the washroom so we took him outside and he fell over I was freaking out we would have taken him to the emergency but (the emergency vet closest to us the only one I know (we didn't have a good experience with when we took one of our cats in for an injury), so I literally sat up stroking my dog until 7am in the morning upon that time I took him back to the same vet, they took him in and told me they would let me know what to was going on as the vet didn't get in until 9:30am. Anyway she called and said that she would recommend critical care as he clearly had No FEELING left in his right side.. but on that note she would do an xray at the office, but she might not get a good picture because she didn't want to MOVE him around too much as it could be dangerous but TIME WAS OF THE ESSENCE and that she recommended critical care which would result in an MRI Cat scan and most likely surgery.. Luba I can't express to you how hard it is to get a credit card believe me I have tried, unfortunately we have no savings, I had a bad year health wise put us back a year in income from my end.. so we are not doing so well financially so for someone to throw 7,000.00 min at you to find out that your dog may or may not recover from the surgery.. and the invasiveness of the surgery was not easy to swallow.

UPDATE: today we went to see Furby his name is Furby he is beautiful. .I will try and post pictures. I took him some chicken his favorite because they said he wasn't eating, and we feel after visiting him last night that it doesn't seem right? We don't want to put him down? But we prayed, and we hoped, and today we visited him, not good news both legs now paralyzed, HOWEVER.. when just my daughter and I were in the room and it was quiet, I started poking him from mid spine towards the legs and down, I went down the right leg which both were extended in ahorrible way (cleary he didn't have any control over them), I was poking him, and there were 3x that he actually turned around and looked at me poking him and lifted his leg up slightly not a muscle spasm but a real lift.. WAS THAT A SIGN?? My dog has no control over his bowel movements, or his urine, at this time, but I am hoping he will make it. About the wheel chairs/carts, that is definitely an option although I didn't want him to have that quality of life, but who am I to decide? I don't wanna lose him OMG I am crying again! I can't even think about it.. both my husband and my daughter are working and I will be working January full time I got another job. Critical care here in British Columbia does not accept payment plans at all, I asked. But I will try BECAUSE TODAY I asked for a referral to the specialist the NEURO so as soon as they can see him he is in there. We have decided to leave him at the vet (and they do not have 24 hour care) but they have so many animals in there, that they keep and care for, but they are there every day even sunday, they have been kind to let us sit with Furby for as long we want in a private room.. they said we can come whenever we want.. There is no place here that has 24 hour care isn't that wierd they don't even have PET Cemetaries here in BC which I am highly considering opening. Anyway.. I will go back tomorrow and bring him more treats.. and stroke him, he is very dirty right now they have done their best they cleaned him up 3x today as he has a bad tummy they shaved his bum area to keep him clean as possible, believe me I will do anything I can to save my dog, short of selling my body (Just Kidding) nobody would want it lol but I will come back tomorrow and let you know whats going on. I am gonna keep working that leg I can deal with most things, but I don't think having to work his bladder for him, and bowels for him is honestly something I can do or that we have time for as we are all working f/t. Believe me our animals have a great life, but I know that we would be gone alot which wouldn't be a big deal if he at least had control of his bowels and bladder that concerns me? What type of life is that, you have to know my doggie to realize he is so hyper and outgoing like his mom as for my animals I have one outdoor cat one indoor/outdoor cat and Furby. Thank you again.. Samantha
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Old November 24th, 2007, 09:09 PM
the gang the gang is offline
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yup i know my min pin was crazy, i hope for you and the pup the very--- best, brenda and the pins.
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Old November 25th, 2007, 02:08 AM
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Luba Luba is offline
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Quote:
and they do not have 24 hour care
That is NOT a good place for your dog pure and simple. If this were me, I could never ever leave my dog overnight alone, unattended for hours on end while they are sick and suffering. Anything can happen to him #1 he has pain #2 he could have a reaction to pain meds #3 if he's hooked up to IV he can rip it out #4 he could get into a compromising position and not be able to get out of it because of the paralysis #5 he's probably terrified and really really lonely. Vets like this are completely irresponsible and someone 'should' be there overnight attending to the animals.

I cannot express to you how often pets 'die' during these unsupervised overnights suffering so horribly and nobody is there to help them. Simply because the dog is in a building and it happens to be at a vets makes them less safe then even being at home with you.

I am really really sorry of your financial and health problems. I am in the very same boat and was also when my dog became very ill with cancer.

You don't even know what is really wrong yet, you haven't had him to a neurologist. When is he going to the neurologist? Your dog needs to be seen immediately by a specialist. You had a bad experience with a 24 hr vet/hospital near you but what other options do you have for him right now?

If there is another city close to you, how about Vancouver? Go there, take him there. The doctor can sedate him for the trip.

I am sorry but you're putting too much faith and trust in your current vet who was an idiot to give you metacam without knowing the problem to begin with. AN xray shoulda been done 'then'. Get your dog outta there before he ends up dead is my strong suggestion.

Review the list below.
All you have to do is call the vet and ask them to fax a referral to whomever will see him FIRST. But I would want him in a 24hr facility pronto!
Both board certified neurologists that I found in BC are at that Canada West Vet specialists and critical care hospital.

If you are reading this now, whatever the time of day, please for your dogs sake I am begging you to call them and tell them it's an urgent situation, your dog is paralized and is in a vet's hospital that doesn't have 24 hr care, and he needs to be seen asap by a neurologist. Please please do this for your dog, he deserves a chance please! Borrow the money if you need to, but he deserves you to care for him properly to find out what is the cause of this.
It could be something very minor, or not but you need to do more to help him then just trust this vet whom you obviously like but from what you tell me, I don't. Your vet should have insisted he be 24hr supervised even if they asked YOU to pay for the assistant to stay over night as an additional fee.


http://accg.com/page141.htm

Canada West Veterinary Specialists
& Critical Care hospital
1988 Kootenay Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada V5M 4Y3

Phone: (604) 473-4882
Fax: (604) 473-4898


HOURS OF OPERATION:
Although we are a 24 hr. critical care hospital, our hours available to clients are:

Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m.– 8 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m.– 8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.



I found these as well:

CANADA

British Columbia

vancouver

Dr. Scott J. Schatzberg
Canada West Veterinary Specialists & Critical Care Hospital
1988 Kootenay St.
Vancouver, B.C. V5M 4Y3
Tel: 604-473-4882
www.accg.com



Dr. Nicholas J. H. Sharp

Canada West Veterinary Specialists & Critical Care Hospital
1988 Kootenay St.
Vancouver, B.C. V5M 4Y3
Tel: 604-473-4882
www.accg.com
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Old November 25th, 2007, 06:29 AM
sadsam sadsam is offline
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Luba thank u very much for the research u have done for me u are right Can west is where he is going the referral ws faxed today. I am going to borrow the money. Hearing that my dog might die at the vet is a horrible thought he is seeing a neurologist and I am in complete agony tonight now 3:20 am worrying if he is ok.. I am going to call them Can West first thing in the morning I love my dog and I am doing what I can right now I will have an answer asap. There is no 24 hour care except can west but the vet assured me he is ok where he is. I know he is probably terrified I spent hours today with him as I mentioned I am not abandoning him he is my best friend..I am praying that it is not a back problem in my heart I don't feel this is it for himthis vet is highly respected trust me. I understand what u said about the fact we think leaving him in a vet is not something we should just assume is ok, however the condition he is in he needs their care. If he was home he would not be comfortable. I am dealing with this on Monday he will see a neurologist. I have a question Coonhound disease maybe what he has, as we have a racoon problem and he may have been in contact with racoons as they are always on our porch or in the backyard.. do u know anything about this? I will be talking to the vet tomorow. I am beside myself cant stop crying my dog does not deserve to die or suffer and from what I have seen they are taking good care of him, he has no control over his bowel or bladder so they are keeping him clean and warm.. I am not going to let my dog die.. I will be at the vet in a few hours again.

thank u again
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Old November 25th, 2007, 12:50 PM
SnowDancer SnowDancer is offline
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Your vet is keeping him at the clinic despite 24 hour care to ensure that he does not move about - including dragging himself by his front paws. When our first Dachshund had his first paralysis "event" steroids were the real only options (before that Dachshunds were put to sleep with this condition). Dachshunds were kept at the vets (they closed at 7:00 -someone came in at midnight to do meds etc.) and as feeling returned were moved to increasingly smaller cages to prohibit excess movement. Each of our 3 "incarcerations" lasted 2 weeks - and when as much movement as possible returned, our guy was sent home and had to remain in a crate for another couple of weeks only being taken out to do his business - this was VERY hard, but necessary. After the 3rd event, surgery was becoming a viable option - and his, the only one. With out second guy it was straight to surgery at the neuro's. Hope all goes well, but time is most definitely of the essence. Please try not to encourage movement of your dog when you see him. Also sometimes you think that when you touch him he is moving, but he really isn't - it is more like a body shake. My uncle was totally paralyzed from the neck down and he would do this. Best of luck at the neuro's office.
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Old November 25th, 2007, 01:52 PM
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Sadsam... you've been given some great advice and support. I just wanted to have a ~ you surely do need it.
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Old November 25th, 2007, 03:44 PM
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Luba Luba is offline
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Just wondering if there is some reason you can't call Can West now and have him there today? Atleast he'll receive round the clock care.

Quote:
Coonhound disease
What is this? Something like from raccoon roundworm?
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Old November 25th, 2007, 03:49 PM
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Luba Luba is offline
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Did your dog recently have vaccinations?

http://www.bobmckee.com/Client%20Inf...oneuritis.html


Coonhound paralysis is suspected to be associated with an overstimulation of a dog's immune system, which may be secondary to contact with a raccoon (and especially raccoon saliva) or another stimulating agent such as a vaccination, a viral respiratory infection, or a viral or bacterial gastrointestinal infection.



http://www.petplace.com/dogs/acute-p...sis/page1.aspx

The cause of polyradiculoneuritis is unknown, but it is believed to be an immune mediated or autoimmune process, which is associated with inflammatory cells (white blood cells) attacking the nerves. The immune system normally protects against infection by attacking organisms that are foreign to the body. In immune mediated diseases, the immune system targets and destroys its own cells, in this case the nerves.
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Old November 25th, 2007, 03:53 PM
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IF it is this neurological disorder this is a good pdf document you may want to save and print off:


http://www.cvm.umn.edu/academics/Cur...0the%20Dog.pdf


Also, if your vet thinks that this is what it may be it's all the more reason for him to be in a 24hr facility as this condition can rapidly change and deteriorate to the point of the dog needing to be on respirator.


Seems like Rabies vaccine can be culpret as well as raccoon saliva. But to be honest I can't see how your dog could come in contact with raccoon saliva, stool yes but saliva?


Did the vet check your dog for tick bites and ticks in the skin?
Then there is botulism poisoning. Did he get into any spoiled food?
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Old November 25th, 2007, 03:59 PM
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Next questions:

Has the vet done a CBC complete blood count, including looking for lyme disease and elevated white blood cells. If there is elevated white blood cells this will show there is infection of some sort the immune system is trying to fight off. Also I'd check for ANA (antinuclear antibodies)

Has the vet done urinalysis and cultured it for bacterial growth?

Has the vet done stool analysis and cultured for bacterial growth or gram stained it looking for fungal/bacterial growth? If not, he should!

Remember 'culture' to 'grow' any organisms present!



Look at this page, they can transport your dog safely in an ambulance for you. I'm sure they'd let you ride in the ambulance with your dog to keep him calm, someone can follow in the car behind but this can keep him stable and prevent unnecessary movement.

http://www.accg.com/main.jsp?page=123
Pet Transportation

Canada West Veterinary Specialists and Critical Care Hospital uses Peace of Mind Pet Transport to transport patients from hospital to hospital, to and from the ferries, and to and from the airport as needed.

Peace of Mind is owned and operated by certified Animal Health Care Technician Julie Bryson and is fully equipped for transport of unstable patients.

Peace of Mind Pet Services
1356 W 23 Street
North Vancouver BC V7P 2H7
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  #24  
Old November 25th, 2007, 04:48 PM
Hogansma Hogansma is offline
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I am so sorry to hear about your poor guy! I live in Burnaby and there are emergency care clinics in your area. One is:

Central Animal Emergency
812 Roderick Ave.
Coquitlam BC

604 931-1911

There is also one in Vancouver on 4th Ave but don't have the name. Any vet office would know it. These places are expensive though. They are really just to get you until the next day when you can see your normal vet.

I've used both of these for emergencies. I wish you all the best.
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Old November 25th, 2007, 05:09 PM
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Some causes of rear leg paralysis I am searching for you:



CANINE DEGENERATIVE DISK & SPINE DISEASE

Most dogs with degenerative disk disease are 2-7 years old. It is just a spontaneous event that may be controlled by genetic factors. Certain breeds, notably the Dachshund, Poodle, Pekinese, Lhaso Apso, and Cocker Spaniel have a high incidence of disk disease. Other breeds, such as the German Shepherd and Doberman Pinscher, also have disk disease but with a lower incidence. Many breeds never have degenerative disk disease.


How is a disk rupture diagnosed?



A presumptive diagnosis of disk disease is made based on the dog's history of neck or back pain, incoordination when walking, or paralysis when there is no history of trauma. The physical examination will indicate that the problem originates from the spinal cord, giving further evidence to disk disease. Another important factor is the breed. If the dog is one of the high incidence breeds, the diagnosis is even more likely.



In some cases, plain radiographs (x-rays) may assist the diagnosis, but they may also be normal since neither the disk nor the spinal cord are visible. If the diagnosis is in doubt or if surgery is to be performed, a myelogram may be done. This procedures involves injecting a special dye around the spinal cord while the dog is under anesthetic. When radiographs are taken, the dye will be seen outlining the spinal cord. A break in the dye column means that there is pressure on the spinal cord.


Vaccine reaction/ vaccinosis:
Rabies/Canine Distemper: ... naso-ocular discharge, ataxia paralysis and pneumonia often reported in particular in live vaccines.



Degenerative Myelopathy
It results in a loss of coordination of the hind legs, which progresses to weakness and then to paralysis of the hindquarters

Sometimes one side is more noticeably uncoordinated than the other. The disease can either wax and wane episodically or progress steadily. It usually takes a few months to a year after onset for a dog to become unable to walk.


Hydrocephalus and encephalitis
Water build up on the brain or surrounding tissue inflamation of the brain



Intervertebral Disk Disease (Herniations of the Disk)

When the spinal cord is compressed by this disk material, the dog or cat experiences signs ranging from mild back or neck pain to paralysis, loss of sensation, and loss of bladder and bowel control

Intervertebral disk herniations are most common in the long, low chondrodystrophic breeds (e.g., dachshund, basset hound, beagle, Cocker spaniel, Shih Tzu, Lhasa apso, Pekingese, and corgi). It is a genetic predisposition due to the animal’s conformation. These low-slung dogs tend to get the bulging extrusions. Large breed dogs are more typically affected with protrusions. The degeneration weakens the disk, allowing it to herniate. However, disk herniations can also be caused by physical trauma (an accident, such as being hit by a car), or the onset of a disease (such as cancer).

Grading of Clinical Signs and Diagnosis

A neurological examination allows the severity of clinical signs to be graded as follows:

Grade 5: normal
Grade 4: ambulatory, but mildly paraparetic (weak/wobbly)
Grade 3: markedly paraparetic (weak/wobbly), but is able to get up on his/her own
Grade 2: severely paraparetic (weak/wobbly); good voluntary motion still present in hindlimbs, but cannot get up without assistance
Grade 1: slight voluntary limb motion present
Grade 0: paraplegic (no voluntary motion present). This grade is further subdivided as to whether or not deep pain sensation is present.





You can search more here;

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Con...?P=C&C=189&S=1
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Old November 25th, 2007, 07:35 PM
sadsam sadsam is offline
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Luba: thank you so much for the time and effort you are putting into my problem. I sense you are angry please don't be.. I can't take my dog into Can-West they need a referral a referral is in place, they should call tomorrow. I had a good day with my dog today.. I am going to ask the vet about these blood tests? I appreciate everything you are doing ..for me.. I love my dog, and last night someone came in @ 10:30 - midnight to clean, medicate, love the animals at the vet.. I was there all day today. I am going to go talk to the vet tomorrow and my doggy will be going to have all the tests done. He is being looked after just fine today he has made progress.. I will fill you in later ok.. and to the girl in Burnaby I know about those emergency places didn't like them.

Have to go.. talk to you after I have read everything
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  #27  
Old November 25th, 2007, 07:43 PM
sadsam sadsam is offline
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Luba: thank you so much for the time and effort you are putting into my problem. I sense you are angry please don't be.. I can't take my dog into Can-West they need a referral a referral is in place, they should call tomorrow. I had a good day with my dog today.. I am going to ask the vet about these blood tests? I appreciate everything you are doing ..for me.. I love my dog, and last night someone came in @ 10:30 - midnight to clean, medicate, love the animals at the vet.. I was there all day today. I am going to go talk to the vet tomorrow and my doggy will be going to have all the tests done. He is being looked after just fine today he has made progress.. I will fill you in later ok.. and to the girl in Burnaby I know about those emergency places didn't like them.

Have to go.. talk to you after I have read everything
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  #28  
Old November 25th, 2007, 08:45 PM
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I'm glad they faxed the referral, I just wonder why the vet didn't call and say I'm sending the dog there 'today'. They were open today, and why wait until Monday. That's what I'm wondering about. He'd be so much better in the 24 care facility, they can begin to run the tests that maybe your vet hasn't done yet. It can take days for cultures to come back, see what I mean.
They would know better how to care for him, would check on him every hour and clean his bedding so he wasn't laying in filth for hours, clean his fur so he doesn't get any sores from the waste bacteria laying against the skin. All the sort of things that need to be done to prevent further problems.

There are a lot of things it could be and if he's seeing the neurologist tomorrow that's fantastic. I would like to however suggest that you call can west yourself tomorrow and ask how he should be transported. You don't want him moving the wrong way and maybe a slight sedative will help prevent that. It won't be as easy as picking him up in your arms and carrying him, I'd be so very concerned about the spinal cord. Any additional pressure or movement the wrong way and ..... oh dear I don't want to think of what could happen.

I will pray for your dog and hope that whatever be the cause the neurologist will be there tomorrow to help and make the diagnosis.

You need to be your dogs advocate for care and not just accept what the vet says. It's just like with us, with our own health care we need to research and investigate things on our own, be educated so we can make the best decisions.

I hope when you call can west first thing tomorrow morning you will have luck in getting him there. Best of luck to you, let us know what happens and how it turns out. I'm not angry, but rather annoyed with how your vet didn't get him to can west earlier, instead of waiting all these days when something could have been done meantime. For these past days, what really has been done other then you're paying a bill for him to be there w/o any really investigation happening and he's suffering, you're worrying out of your mind.

Please keep us posted! Ask lots of questions.
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Old November 26th, 2007, 09:04 PM
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I just wanted to see how things are and I am praying for the very best!
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Old November 26th, 2007, 09:48 PM
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Hi everyone I just sat down at the computer and wanted to thank Muuuuuuummmm for the hug sorry I have my head everywhere right now. I have UPDATES LUBA: and everyone: Today is a better day, my dog is at Can West Critical Care Hospital I phoned as soon as they opened this morning, they happened to call me back as I had to wait for them to find me an appointment, they had a cancellation I had 1/2 hour to get there, I got the vet to pack my dog up as Can West said it would be fine to transport him in a blanket and held tight in my lap which I did (I wasn't driving lol), upon arrival we met with Neuro Surgeon very nice man, cost 250.00 for 15 min consult but he examined Furby my doggie (BY THE WAY HOW DO YOU UPLOAD PHOTOS ON HERE?) he told us that there would be 90% chance of him walking in 3 days with surgery that the surgery could go anywhere up to 7,000.00 he has a ruptered disc, or whatever the MEDICAL TECHINCAL TERM IS for it, and that he still has feeling in his tail, that is why he still wags it when he see's us unfortunately he will probably lose this feeling also HOWEVER, he is now there for at least the next 48 hours at a cost of 300/day for 24 hour care, he has sores on his bottom already from urine? they are putting a catheter in him and going to clean him up very well and watch him for the whole time, (YES I SHOULD HAVE DONE THIS WHEN IF FIRST HAPPENED) BUT UNTIL yesterday I had no financial help, I found a man that my daughter works for that kindly offered to pay for Can West visit up to 1500.00 so he is good there for a couple of days. They said that with COMPLETE BED REST NO MEDS he doesn't want Furby on medications as he wants him to feel the pain so that he knows to rest??? no anti-iflamattories, he doesn't believe in that or steroids doesn't think its necessary, he DIDN'T DO A CAT SCAN as it wouldn't unless he was doing surgery and today I couldn't make this decision as I do not have 6,000.00 so without the surgery he could recover and walk again on complete bedrest and yes it will take some work, but I bought a playpen today and blankets from a second hand store, and we decided to keep him at the vet (after he gets back from Can West) during the day and with us at home at night as we will all be working and I don't want him sitting in his wastes. I have CONTACTED THE HUMANE SOCIETY of Vancouver what wonderful people, they are going to post a photo of Furby urgently asking for donations for his surgery, so THERE MAY STILL BE HOPE There are angels everywhere, I offered to pay them back, they are going to do their best to help us get the surgery for our dog. If we don't succeed at the surgery then it may take 6 weeks to 4 to 5 months of bedrest and maybe Furby has a 50 % - 70% chance of walking again. So I need prayers and I need money lol just a lil humor but if you look possibly in the next couple of days for the humane society of vancouver and go their site you should see a photo of Furby as I just emailed one over to them. Tonight I can rest knowing my baby is being taken care of. I will give you more updates. OH no blood tests were required, the neurologist was 98% sure what the problem was and any further tests were not required, he ruled out any type of bacterial infection, ticks everything.. Love you all for being the people you are.. Samantha
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