Poor Raustyk girl * update on pg 5, not too good *

[lv4dogs]

Last night, shortly after I got home from work, Raustyk started whimpering out in pain as she was laying on the couch. She wasn't even moving around or the like. I called her off to see what was the matter. She could barely walk. Her hind end was so wobbly & unstable. It was weird & frightening, she was in pain and so unstable. Like a combination of toxins (except mentally she was sound) and pain/injury. She was like that all night despite pain meds, comfy beds & tlc. So today she spent all day at work with me... at the vets.
She had fluids, blood work, nerve tests, an ultrasound, and some meds. She goes back tomorrow & again Saturday for more fluids, tests, monitoring, etc...
Her bun & cre were high. Her bun has always been a little high, ever since I adopted her at 6 months of age. Now her BUN is 49 and her CRE is 3.1. Everything else was either at a safe level or were not too far off and shouldn't pose a threat. More extensive blood work tests were sent out to the lab as well & we'll have the results tomorrow morning.
I don't know the complete results from the ultrasound but I did speak briefly with the Dr. who did it. I still have to talk to the doctor that is handling this case more tomorrow to get more precise details. But overall, nothing looked too bad. The kidneys are a little small but I guess not small enough to cause this problem or any problem really, but then again it is not good for them to be this small since she has elevated liver & kidney values. I think if we can correct her levels now her kidneys should remain healthy or at least close to it. If not then there is a possibility I am sure that her kidneys will fail & or become diseased faster than if she was healthy. The cause for this is unknown, there are quite a few possibilities though. There was mention of another "non-normal" reading on the ultrasound report but I was unable to read the writing. But it wasn't that bad though. I will find out more tomorrow.
The reason for what ever is wrong with her is still unknown. It's small talk (or at least I hope) that it could be a few things, like vestibular disease, a blood clot, a brain tumor, some sort of nerve disorder or the like. I am hoping that it's not any of those though. The suddent onset of this and some of the symptoms kind of point towards those. But some of the symptoms & test results make it seem like it may be something a little milder thank god.
She is a little perkier though after getting 2 bags of fluids & some drugs.

I hope my girl gets through this with no long term, ill effects.

[luvofallhorses]

I will be praying for Raustyk that everything turns out okay! (((HUGS)))

[K9soul]

I'm sorry to hear Raustyk is so sick :(. I will definitely keep her in my thoughts and prayers.

[Tollers-n-Dobes]

Poor Raustyk. :(

I'll be keeping you guys in my thoughts. I hope everything turns out ok!

[Daisy and Delilah]

I'm so sorry to hear this, Sue. I'll keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. {{{{{HUGS}}}}}

[chocolatepuppy]

I will keep Raustyk in my prayers.

[wolf_Q]

Poor sweet Raustyk. I hope its nothing serious and she will be ok!

[K9karen]

Huge prayers being sent that it's nothing serious and that Raustyk recovers quickly. Please kiss her for me.

[Karen]

She will be in our prayers!

[anna_66]

I'm very sorry to hear she's not feeling well Sue.
She'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

(((HUGS))) to you both.

[Daisy and Delilah]

How is Raustyk now Sue? Thoughts and prayers will continue to go up to you from me. Please give that sweet girl some gentle hugs and kisses from me. I miss hearing from you on the board. :)

[Jadapit]

I'm so sorry to hear this Sue. Both of you will be in my thoughts and prayers. (((Hugs)))

[Freedom]

Prayers for your sweet girl!

[ramanth]

Many prayers for you and Raustyk. *HUGS*

[lv4dogs]

Thanks for all your well wishes, they mean a lot to us.

She spent all day long at work with me again, getting more tests, more fluids, more meds. Her levels are even higher today which is quite unusual.
Her hind end is a tiny bit better, not much but at least it is a little better. (of course most of the say was spent at the ves though too where her adrenaline was going). Her levels on the other hand are worse, and some of the things that were ok yesterday are not today.
The actual diagnosis and cause is still unknown though, it makes it tough to treat.
The 2 things (bloodwork results & back end problems) are most likely unrelated, we just discovered the kidney, liver & other organ problems while we were trying to find out what was causing her hind end problem.
She can no longer be on any anti inflamitories so I am researching an all natural approach with fish oil and hopefully I can find other things too. Her glucosamine & chondrotin supplements will be increased too. Thank god she can at least have some pain meds though.
We go back tomorrow for more blood work & fluids. Hopefully I get an answer tomorrow, or at least more clues as to what is going on & how to cure/help it. I feel so bad for her, I wish I could do more.

[chocolatepuppy]

I hope you find out soon what is wrong with Raustyk. It must be so frustrating waiting to find out. It's good to hear she is feeling a little bit better. I will keep her in my prayers.

[Daisy and Delilah]

It has to be so hard for you , Sue. Not knowing what's going on. I hope you can get to the bottom of it tomorrow. More well wishes and prayers coming to you. {{{{{HUGS}}}}}

[anna_66]

I hate to hear this:( It's sooo frustrating not knowing exactly what's wrong with them so they can be treated accordingly.
I hope you can find out the problem soon.

Give that sweet girl lots and lots of hugs from me.

[lv4dogs]

She's not doing any better today, in fact she's doing a little worse, her appetite is even less now, to the point where she will barely eat anything. I'm going to cook her up some chicken & maybe some rice in a little bit and see if she'll eat that. She won't eat her usual raw diet, the evo, any dog treat and even most people food scraps. Her gait was a little better this morning but now it's back to what it was like on the second day that this all started.
There is no diagnosis yet. Her bloodwork is a little worse too, her bun & cre are even higher and a couple more things are off too. Thank god that those are not that far off at all though and are not as dangerous. Most likely she'll continue to get fluids for at least a few more days. Her gait was a little bit better this morning but now it is about the same it was on the second day that this all start.
We think vestibular disease is off the list though. She probably would of been showing other symptoms by now.
I could probably find out if it was a brain tumor or blood clot by an mri but I just don't have that much money to test for something that I probably won't be able to do anything about anyways. Don't get me wrong, I love her & will do anything if it will help us diagnosis AND correct her problem.
So for now, she's getting fluids, pain meds, pepcid to coat & calm her digestive tract (hopefully this will increase her appetite), lots of natural supplements for joint inflammation, care & pain, etc... If she doesn't get any better, or if she gets worse, then on Monday or Tuesday we'll most likely go & see a specialists(s).

I just wish that I could do more for her. I hate to see her like this. I just want to make her better.

She thanks you all for the prayers & comforting thoughts. She says to keep em' coming!

[lizbud]

I am so sorry Raustyk is still not doing much better. :( It must be so
frustrating to get to the bottom of this & get the right treatment for her.
I will keep you both in my prayers.

[Daisy and Delilah]

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, Sue. How old is that sweet girl? I hope it's just a fluke and she's going to get better soon. You have certainly had your share of hardship. I wish for better days ahead for you and the furkids. :(

[lv4dogs]

How old is that sweet girl?

She turned 9 this past January.


I got her to eat the cooked chicken last night & it looks like I'll have to do the same today as she won't eat again this morning, I've already tried a smorgasboard (sp?) of her usual foods & treats, she won't eat any of it.
Her gait is also worse. It's like her body, especially the rear end, is staggering drunk. She's falling over more this morning. I am hoping & praying that she just slept wrong and is especially sore. I hope that as her pain meds kick in & she's awake more she'll improve. I hope that it is not her actual problem that is getting worse.
It breaks my heart that I am not able to do more for her at this point.

I'd love to upload some new pics of her (and the rest of my gang) but I don't think I want to chance it because my computer is a piece of junk & I don't know if it can handle the program that I need to download my pics from my camera. I am not that computer savy & am not sure how or what I need to check to see if my computer can handle it. (yes I have the internet at home now!) Who knows, maybe I'll give it a try later today. No promises though.

[k9krazee]

Oh no, I'm just seeing this Sue. Sending many, many good thoughts and prayers to you and the Raustyk girlie!!

[kallisto4529]

I just saw this I am so sorry she is so sick, both of you will be my prayers and I will be thinking positive thoughts for you. Give her some love from all of us here.

[Daisy and Delilah]

More thoughts and prayers for you and Raustyk, Sue. Get Well Sweet Girl!! :(

[cyber-sibes]

Oh Sue, I just saw this. :(
Raustyk's in my prayers, I hope the dear girl improves soon. ((hugs)) to her.

[lv4dogs]

Sorry, I copied & pasted this from my lj. I have a lot to do & didn't have time to re-write it all.
We continue to thank each & every one of yous for your thoughts & prayers! :)

So more tests and consults were done today on Raustyk. We have not ruled out most of the other possible conditions that I have already listed before but have come to the conclusion that it is most likely something more along the lines of a degenerative myelopathy problem or even some sort of neuropathie problem. The whole kidney thing has been brewing for quite some time. Although it is worse now it is probably not related to her hind end problem.

We have also come to the conclusion that pretty much the only things at this time that would help diagnose the problem besides time & what we are already currently doing are things like an MRI, bone scan or the like. But even so, there really wouldn't be much of a cure for her if she were to have any of those problems detected by those means and the few things that might have a cure she would not be a good candidate for.

So we are monitoring her closely, giving her proper exercise & therapy, low protein foods, fluids, supplements & tramadol for pain.
I have quite a bit of research to do, mostly regarding some supplements & just about everything on how to feed a low protein all raw diet.

It stinks, her kidneys can not handle a lot of protein but her muscles really need it. It's a no win situation here.

[Ginger's Mom]

Just seeing this now, Sue. Not really sure what to say other than I will add my good thoughts and prayers to those that are undoubtedly already going for our dear Raustyk. Hope things improve for that big girl.

[luvofallhorses]

:( I will continue to keep Raustyk in my thoughts and prayers. (((HUGS))) to you both!

[Kater]

Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear about Raustyk. :( You will both be in my prayers! Hugs being sent to you both!

Maybe you could consider Chinese herbal pain medicine (is there a local alternative vet?) in light of her kidney function? At the clinic where I work we use a formulation called Body Sore (Chinese Name: Shen Tong Zhu Yu). We get it from Shen Xie, DVM PhD of the Chi Institute in Florida. Here is how he describes the Body Sore: Half of the ingredients are to resolve Qi-blood stagnation and relieve pain, and another half ingredients are to tonify Kidney and strengthen the bones and ligament/tendons.

Just another pain management idea. I have tried using it for my dog's pain, but he has a very sensitive stomach and the herbs depress his appetite too much. However, it works wonders for some dogs.

[lv4dogs]

Maybe you could consider Chinese herbal pain medicine (is there a local alternative vet?) in light of her kidney function? At the clinic where I work we use a formulation called Body Sore (Chinese Name: Shen Tong Zhu Yu). We get it from Shen Xie, DVM PhD of the Chi Institute in Florida. Here is how he describes the Body Sore: Half of the ingredients are to resolve Qi-blood stagnation and relieve pain, and another half ingredients are to tonify Kidney and strengthen the bones and ligament/tendons.

Just another pain management idea. I have tried using it for my dog's pain, but he has a very sensitive stomach and the herbs depress his appetite too much. However, it works wonders for some dogs.

I am researching alternative methods now. Body Sore sounds like a wonderful product, thanks for mentioning it. I will keep it in mind that's for sure. At this point I don't want to chance using it right now though as her appetite is already close to nothing. If I can get that back up I'll be prepared! :)

[k9krazee]

Oh Raustyk :( I've been thinking of you guys all day. (((hugs)))

[Daisy and Delilah]

Oh Raustyk :( I've been thinking of you guys all day. (((hugs)))

Same here, Sue. I keep hoping and praying for better news. Get well sweetie!! :(

[K9karen]

Still thinking of you and Raustyk, Sue, and praying for the best. So sad and frustrating. Poor Baby.
My heart is breaking for you. *Sigh* Gentle kisses to Raustyk.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Poor baby girl - sending extra prayers for you sweetheart

[crow_noir]

Poor girl. *hugs*

The protein dilemma reminds me of some of the reading i was doing in King's last year. Whether or not the protein issue is real is actually a huge topic online. You might want to try looking into the difference between protein strands. I read something that dogs needing a diet of low protein supposedly actually did well on non-red meat proteins. I couldn't find any studies done using nuts as a substitute. (I can't imagine feeding a dog as a vegetarian, but if it would help a dog with these problems I'd be interested.)

[pitc9]

Thinking of you!
{hugs}

[lv4dogs]

Raustyk's appetite is starting to come back. I can get her to eat some of her regular diet (raw) and she'll even eat some EVO. So for now, no more cooking or "spicing" up her meals. She's also beginning to drink more, so no more broth added to the water to entice her to eat.
The bad news, her gait is not any better. We have an appointment with a specialist on Monday, 4/16. That's the soonest they could get me in. (Or at least with one of the doctors I preferred). She goes back to my work Friday to see a Dr that hasn't looked at her lameness problem yet, but she did do the ultrasound. Then she will come back again with me on Tuesday to see yet another Dr., one that hasn't even sen her yet.
I pray and hope they find something that is curable, if not curable at least something we can treat the symptoms for her to make her more comfortable & so she can enjoy a little more time here.

We think that her 3 main problems (lameness, kidney/liver/appetite) are most likely unrelated. Although we still need to keep all three in mind & try to treat them so they can all work together again to make her healthier overall.



Poor girl. *hugs*
The protein dilemma reminds me of some of the reading i was doing in King's last year. Whether or not the protein issue is real is actually a huge topic online. You might want to try looking into the difference between protein strands. I read something that dogs needing a diet of low protein supposedly actually did well on non-red meat proteins. I couldn't find any studies done using nuts as a substitute. (I can't imagine feeding a dog as a vegetarian, but if it would help a dog with these problems I'd be interested.)

Thank you for the well wishes (and everyone else too!). And thanks for the advice too! I have been researching my butt off, about everything that is going on with her. lol I've actually (re)discovered that it is not really the amount of protein they get, rather than the type of protein. Genreally speaking; useful protein (coming from meat rather than fillers), moist protein (fresh meats), etc... are examples of quality protein. Commercial diets are dry and are filled with filler (corn, etc..) like proteins because it is easier to mass produce and non meats offer lower protein levels, making those types of diets lower protein diets.

[crow_noir]

That's good news!

Wishing you continued success in the testing, the research, and Raustyk's returning health.


Raustyk's appetite is starting to come back. I can get her to eat some of her regular diet (raw) and she'll even eat some EVO.

[anna_66]

Some good news is better than none. I'll be saying a prayer that you get some good results from the upcoming vet visits.

More {{{HUGS}}} on the way.

[Daisy and Delilah]

Still hoping and praying for you and Raustyk, Sue. {{{{{HUGS}}}}}

[k9krazee]

It's good to hear she's eating better!! You'll still be in our thoughts and prayers!

[luvofallhorses]

I am glad her appetite is coming back. :) You will still be in my thoughts and prayers. (((HUGS))) please give her a gentle hug for me.

[lv4dogs]

Thanks a million for all the good thoughts. I don't have much time but I wanted to let yous know that she's not doing much better (besides her increased appetite) so I moved her appointment with the specialist to next thursday the 12th instead of the of the 16th. It's the very soonest they could get me in. She's still very unstable. It's so hard watching her be like this without being able to do more.
I love you guys, thanks again for all the good thoughts.

[chocolatepuppy]

Keeping Raustyk in my prayers. I hope the specialist can help.

[dragondawg]

When you visit the Vets quiz them as to specific steps that can be taken for the chronic kidney failure. For example one of the contributing factors for poor appetite in kidney failure is the subsequent development of ulcers. Use of surfactants such as Sucralfate can protect the stomach from irritation, and also serve as a phosphorous binder. Not only is a low protein (hydrolyzed) diet important but also a low phosphorous diet. If it were my puppy, I'd have it on Hills k/d, until the BUN and Creatinine values were lowered. Then if you wanted to give a home cooked diet, consult a Vet nutritionist. You can give up on the idea of feeding raw and being able to control the protein/phosphorous levels. Fish oil is good, Flax oil is bad. You are wise in holding off on any other supplements. Also ask the Vets about an ACE inhibitor. Sometimes lowering blood pressure helps the kidneys function better.

The liver elevated enzymes could have been due to prolonged use of the NSAIDs for arthritis(?), and may go back down in time. Liver problems also will affect the appetite. This is assuming no other cause.

If the hind end turns out to be vestibular disease, then recovery would be slow over a few weeks of time. It doesn't take too long off feed for an older dog to become weak. So anorexia isn't helping the hind legs.

Probably if you can get the kidney disease stabilized, puppy eating, then the other two problems will lessen. Hopefully any additional ultrasounds or other tests will not reveal any other underlying causes.

[Kfamr]

I've been watching this thread, Sue, but hadn't posted until now. I just want to let you know that I'm thinking of you and your big girl.
{{HUGS}} to you both.

[shais_mom]

I saw your comment on myspace and came right here.
I will keep you and Raustyk in my thoughts and prayers.

{{hugs}}

[lv4dogs]

Well tomorrow is our big day, wish us luck. ;) Hopefully the specialists can shed some light on what ever is wrong with my baby girl.
As time goes by, you get a better outlook on the entire picture. I've noticed some things that I didn't at first. Some good, some bad. Sadly I have to admit that I honestly feel like this is going to be some sort of non-curable, horrible thing. I just hope & pray that it is at least treatable. To give her back a little bit of her old self & to give her the opportunity to stay here a little longer.

Her appetite did improve for a little while there, and at that time I really think she just did not feel good. Now her appetie is slowly decreasing a little bit. But this time I think it is mostly because she is so frustrated with herself. So lately I've been feeding her laying down in the living room. She still probably feels a little under the weather though, as she turns down some of her treats that she used to eat. (but she won't turn down the good treats lol). And some of it might just be because she likes the royal treatment. lol (although I try not to cater to her needs too too much, I don't want or need a picky dog at this point).

Her gait on the other hand has not improved at all. It never did. I think for a little while there I thought it too was improving slightly, but I think I was wrong. I think she just learned how to move around better. Like she walks along surfaces like walls, couches, tables, etc... to help balance her better. And that if she keeps her back legs far apart when standing/walking she has better balance. She has learned to even play with Kaige a little tiny bit (she mostly lays down but hey, she's at least enjoying herself a little more).

Raustyk gets her blood drawn again tomorrow to see if mainly her bun & cre levels have decresed.

I'm very nervous about tomorrow, or actually I am more scared I guess than anything. Scared that the outcome will not be good, scared that I will forget to ask important questions & give important information. I have a list going & believe me I am using it. I'm bringing a note pad so I write a lot of things done.

It's really scary because she has seen 3 different vets over the last few weeks many times each. She's had ultrasounds, x-rays, extensive blood work, tests, treatments, drugs, fluids, therapy & we were still unable to really pinpoint the problem or the treatment.

Hopefully it's just me being paranoid & nervous. I keep trying to tell myself that. lol

So Raustyk & I would like to politely ask yous to keep us in our thoughts tomorrow. Our appt. is at 11:30. We thank you (in advance), from the bottom of our hearts! :)

[wolf_Q]

Thinking of you and Raustyk, I hope you'll be able to figure out whats wrong and she'll be feeling better soon.

[Daisy and Delilah]

Waiting for some encouraging news, Sue. Please update as soon as you can.

[Vela]

Good luck today! I hope everything goes okay and you get some good information you can use to help her feel better!

[lv4dogs]

Well, we had our appointments today. I am absolutely drained & busy studying about the results from today, so I will say in advance that this is just a really brief summary of today.
jist
gist

First of all though I want to thank, and I am sure Raustyk does too, all of yous who have kept us in your thoughts & prayers. Sorry but I copied this from my lj post.

The Dr's think that she most likely has a compressed disk(s). Which I believe is otherwise known as disc disease (will ask the docs tomorrow). Although there is still a possibility that it could be a few other things. No definite diagnosis can be done without an MRI (which is $2000). There is talk of surgery (if the mri is done) which could help her with a couple of the possible problems. If I decide not to go with the mri then I will have to at least try physical therapy with her, mostly heat & massage with a small bit of water therapy. On top of that she needs to be on quite a few supplements, especially so with her elevated bun & cre.

edited to add that we did either diagnose "part" of the problem or diagnose "a" problem (she could have more than one things going wrong with her). We found out that a nerve in each of her legs, that controls her inner 2 toes on each of her back legs, is either dead, pinched, something, it is pretty much denying her brain the information it needs to tell her where her feet actually are and/or tells her brain that those 2 toes are not even really there. We won't know unless we do an mri (or if time catches up with us first).

Which we found out that her kidney & appetite problems are probably related to each other but we think her "movement" problem is a separate problem all it's own. We drew some more blood from my girl today (gosh she's like a pin cushion lately, we also biopsied 2 new lumps on her today :( ) and i'll have the results by tomorrow afternoon. She's been on a mostly home cooked meal the last 3 weeks, no antinflamitories, tons of fluids, etc.. etc.. so we are hoping & praying that some of her levels will be decreased some.
There's a lot to learn about what it is & how to treat possibly cure it. (most likely what ever she has is not curable though, I am heartbroken, but at least we have a chance at treating some things.
There are not a whole lot of drugs we can use so she's on a lot of supplements and special diet. Hopefully they really start to kick in soon and hopefully physical therapy will help. Its so hard because unfortunately my finances are limiting some of my possibilities. I'm making it work so far though thank god. The outlook still isn't all that great though. This is tough.
I'll write in more detail later if yous want it but I'm just not up to it.

[Daisy and Delilah]

{{{{{{{More Hugs}}}}}}} :(

[Vela]

I'm so sorry it's not conclusive and she's having such difficulties. Hugs to you and her. I hope she improves soon on her supplements and meds!

[chocolatepuppy]

I will continue to keep sweet Raustyk in my prayers. I hope the therapy helps her to feel better. I also hope she is with you for a long time to come.{hugs}

[luvofallhorses]

:( I will continue to keep lovely Raustyk in my thoughts and prayers. (((HUGS)))

[Jakesmom]

Hi. I didn't read the entire thread, so don't know all Raustyk's symptoms, but my dog Jake has thoracic and lumbar disc disease. We did not do the MRI because we had decided that we would probably not do surgery (surgery in the thoracic area is more risky, with a possibility of paralysis, and he was still functional. Lumbar surgery is not as risky because the spinal cord is not usually involved). In any case, we have used many modalities to treat him, and almost 3 years later, he is doing pretty well (running some, walks, loves to ride in cars, etc). The thing that has worked absolutely the BEST, has been acupuncture. Jake has pain/weakness and proprioceptive defect (doesn't feel where his feet are in space) and both are helped by the acupuncture. He has been doing acupuncture for almost a year now, and goes every 2-4 weeks (weekly for the first 4-5 to see if it would help). He does well during the treatment, and it clearly makes him feel better (though you sometimes don't see the effect for a couple days. I also had acupunture for a cervical disc, and can verify that it helps the pain tremendously. He is also on glucosamine and metacam (with famotadine so his stomach doesn't get upset).

Good luck.

Jake's mom

[angelchampy]

These decisions are so hard to make. When my Sherry had back/leg problems at 10 years old, I was told she had spondylosis. That's where there is a (sort of) bone spur or extra piece of bone that grows into a claw-like shape off of one of the vertebrae and eventually, it pinches the nerve. It doesn't always get to that point, but it can. It wasn't that bad yet and they told me not to do anything at this point. At 12, it started to get worse. They wanted to operate. I was not going to let them operate on a 12 year old. The recovery time would be terrible for her and there's no telling if she would make it. I didn't want to put her through it. They said if I did operate, I would need an MRI. THE $$$ were going up, up, up. I would spend anything on my pets, and believe me, I have, but I could not put her through the pain. So, I opted for holistic methods. I got her supplements like Cosequin and at 13, started bringing her to acupuncture every week. I drove over an hour every week and had to take off work one day a week to do it, but I did it. My baby was worth it. She was like a puppy when we first started going. You wouldn't believe the energy and she would run through the rooms. I was so happy, I cried. After a while, it wasn't working as well, but it was stable. At 14 1/2, she died of liver cancer. I believe the reason it appeared not to be working so well after awhile was b/c she had cancer, but I didn't know that yet. Whatever you choose to do, see what you can do naturally. See if there is an acupuncturist in your area that specializes in animals - don't go to one that just does humans. My Sherry was a different girl - just like a puppy. I didn't use any prescription arthritic meds b/c most either destroy the liver or make the stomach bleed. Try to stay away from meds like that and do research on the meds before you give them. In the meantime, I will keep you both in my prayers. I feel for everyone that has to go through decision-making times like these. It brings back sad memories. :( Good luck and look into that. ;)

[K9karen]

Hugs and Prayers still heading your way

[lv4dogs]

my dog Jake has thoracic and lumbar disc disease. We did not do the MRI

Thanks for the well wishes! I was just wondering, how did you diagnose the problem without doing an MRI? Or is it just a probable diagnosis? Did they do a spinal tap or myelogram at least? My understanding is that disc disease is nearly impossible to diagnose (a definate diagnosis anyways) without an MRI &/or myelogram. I'm just curious is all, if there is another way to diagnose her problem I'd love to hear about it.

[Kfamr]

Still thinking of you two, Sue. {{HUGS}}

[Jakesmom]

Thanks for the well wishes! I was just wondering, how did you diagnose the problem without doing an MRI? Or is it just a probable diagnosis? Did they do a spinal tap or myelogram at least? My understanding is that disc disease is nearly impossible to diagnose (a definate diagnosis anyways) without an MRI &/or myelogram. I'm just curious is all, if there is another way to diagnose her problem I'd love to hear about it.

Physical exam. A trained neurologist (or regular vet who is really good) can generally localize the lesion to the spinal cord (and location along the cord, ie, thoracic, lumbar, etc), the nerve root, the muscle, etc. Imaging is done if surgery would be considered, or if the type of lesion would matter (ie, if you are considering an infection), or if there is uncertainty based on physical exam.

Jake's mom

[sandragonfly]

hi, dear --

you and all have been in my thoughts, as always. I am sorry about your little girl and her difficulties. :( you know, I am not far away from you.

remember to take care of our dear (((sue))) too. :)

we should get together sometimes soon - I almost saw you couple of weeks ago!

[lv4dogs]

Well I've had the chance to really sit down with a few vets to get more info and Raustyk has had more tests. What she has pretty much boils down to one or more of the following three problems, cancer, compressed disk &/or DM. (that's as far as her one problem goes, she still has the other problems too just we know what they are & what to do about them).

My only choice right now to dignose the problem is an MRI. Which is $2,000. I don't have that, I realy don't. There is some good news I guess, if you want to look at it that way. It's that most likely she is not a good candidate for surgeries or radiation therapy. BUT there is still bad news, there is also a chance that she could be (like if it was a mild, localized cancer or if her back problems are in an easier to fix area) cured. It's smaller chance than her not being able to be cured but I won't know for sure until/if I get the MRI done.

Without doing the MRI I am STRONGLY advised to start accupuncture & heat/massage therepy ASAP. The accupuncture treatments (which would be twice weekly for the first few weeks) are about $100 (anywhere from 68-168 each session depending on what she needs) each session, the heat/massage therapy treatments are about $60 each, once weekly, the first appointment is $100. I made an appt with an accupuncturist for next week (soonest they had) and see how one treatment does. I can't afford both, not even sure if I can afford the accupunture one alone.

I have her on a ton of meds, special diet, supplements & MANY vet visits. She's already killed my pocket book. lol I will find a way to make this work though. I am here for her. We could really use your prayers though. Thanks a million!

[chocolatepuppy]

Raustyk is in my prayers.

[Karen]

Of course Raustyk will be in our prayers. Plant a kiss right on that square ol' head for me, okay? That's why their heads are so broad, you know - so there's sufficient landing zone for kisses!

[dukedogsmom]

I'm so sorry. I'd be willing to donate a little to help, if you'd like. Give her some lovin' from me, too. I hate it when our PT animals are sick and hurting.

[K9soul]

Sue, your sweet girl remains in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry you and she are going through this :(. I know you are doing everything in your power and she is certainly blessed to have you as a "mom." ((hugs)) to you and kisses to dear Raustyk.

[angelchampy]

I really think the acupuncture and/or heat therapy will do Raven wonders. It really helped Sherry. Within 24 hours, she was acting like a puppy again. Let us know how she is after the appointment and I'll send some positives vibes and prayers. :)

[Jakesmom]

If you have to choose between the treatments, I'd really reccomend getting the acupuncture, and asking the therapist to suggest some massage that you can do at home, or maybe take her to one professional massage therapy and ask the therapist to show you some techniques.

I my experience (personal and with my dog), and from what 3 different acupuncture vets have told me, most dogs will get relief after about 4-6 weeks of weekly treatments and sort of stabilize out, and then do best on an every 3 week or so regimen of acupuncture treatments. Each dog is a little bit different, but you'll know when she needs another treatment.

Good luck!

jake's mom

[sandragonfly]

how's she doing today??

(((still thinking of you all))) hugs.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

[QUOTE=dukedogsmom] I'd be willing to donate a little to help, if you'd like. QUOTE]


Me too. Hugs from me and mine

[lv4dogs]

Sorry for being so sparse, things have been awful hectic here on the homefront. I thought I'd give a really brief update while I ask for more prayers & thoughts please. She needs them. I try to read some posts when I can and although I don't post I certainly think about yous all the time.

Raustyk hasn't been doing too well. All of her previous problems are still here. Her mobility issues/neurological problems are a little worse than they were before. Her kidney & liver levels are better though... due to many supplements, medications & clsely regulated diet.
The main reason for my update is to share a little bit of new news, although it is not good news. She is now having breathing issues & tires easily. There is talk of heart disease or failure, cancers of the lungs &/or heart, etc... She goes back to work again with me tomorrow for an EKG, more chest x-rays, bloodwork and possibly another ultrasound.
Things are not looking good for her. SHe most likely has either just by chance has a bunch of different all serious & life threatening diseases or she has just one really weird & rare disease. If ALL of the doctors are consulting like they are & ebing so blunt in telling me about all the possible bad diseases she could have it can't be good. I've worked in this profession for many years I know how it goes. I am just devestated. There is still a chance for a miracle though & I'll never forget that. We are sure hoping for one.
If anyone can keep us in your thoughts & prayers we would appreciate it more than words can tell. Thanks for taking the time to at least read all this.

[Roxyluvsme13]

Sue, I've been following this thread. And now I think is the right time for me to reply..

I'm so sorry. I hope they can find out what is wrong with Raustyk and there is something they can do for her. I am keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers.

(((HUGS)))

[luvofallhorses]

Poor Raustyk and poor you! :( She is one of my favorite dogs here. you guys will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers. ((((HUGS)))) Hugs and kisses to that sweet beautiful girl of yours.

[chocolatepuppy]

I'm sorry to hear Raustyk isn't doing any better. :( I will keep her in my prayers.

[k9krazee]

Sue, you and Miss Raustyk are still in my thoughts and prayers ((((((hugs))))))

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Mine too - poor girl

[cloverfdx]

Ohh Sue i am sorry there has been no huge improvement for your girl :(. Good thoughts on the way for you and Raustyk {{Hugs}}.

[Jadapit]

Sue, I'm so sorry to hear this. Poor Raustyk girl. You both will be in my thoughts and prayers. (((Hugs)))

[dukedogsmom]

I'm so very sorry to read your sad update. I'll be thinking of you and hoping for a PT miracle.

[Daisy and Delilah]

I'm so sorry Sue and Raustyk :( Poor baby has been through alot. So has his Mom. I had so hoped for good news about her and I'm devastated that it couldn't have been better. I'll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Please give that sweet girl some gentle kisses from me and some for her brother too. {{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}

[Ginger's Mom]

Oh Sue, I am so sorry. This really is heartbreaking. But we will not give up. We are PT. I will redouble my prayers for Raustyk's miraculous recovery.

[lv4dogs]

I thank each & every one of you from the bottom of my heart for the thoughts & prayers. I wish I could provide a better update. Todays tests & x-rays did not have very good results. Well her heart seems great so that is a plus. But her breathing problems are most likely laryngeal paralysis. We have some more tests & see yet another specialist to see if she is a good candidate for surgery... I & I think others fear that she will not be. :( I wish I could be more social & detailed on here tonight but I am so drained from today. I'm going to go relax and hang out with my trusty rusty! thanks again you guys, pt is the best!

[K9karen]

So heartbreaking. I'm sorry beyond words, Sue. Raustyk (and you) are always in my thoughts and prayers.

[pitc9]

Oh Sue, I'm so sorry.... I don't know what to say other than you 2 are in my thoughts and prayers!!

{{hugs}}

[Karen]

You'll be in our prayers, give Raustyk a kiss on that big ol' head for me, okay?

[chocolatepuppy]

Keeping Raustyk in my prayers. {{{hugs}}} to you.

[lv4dogs]

I have a couple minutes so I wanted to let yous know that we did not forget about yous. We thank you all for your prayers & thoughts. They are helping her get by! ;)

There really isn't anything too awful new to say about her problems. We've seen another vet & did more tests and another x-ray. I found out some new problems with one of the x-rays though. Her shoulders are not the greatest and we can see some problems with some of her disks in her back. The only good thing I can say about the shoulders at least is that they are old problems, just ones that we have not discovered yet because they never bother her & still don't appear to. (we discovered them because they just showed up on part of the chest x-rays).
There is some bad news though. Because she has so many problems that are worse than her results show that they should be, she probably has something bad. Something like cancer(s) or the like. Sure she has a lot of problems we can diagnose but she still has many that we can not.
I could do an MRI and it would probably help us diagnose more of her problems but it costs $2000.00 and the things it can diagnose we most likely would not be able to do anything more for her than what we are doing now.
She started a new supplement today, or should I say upgraded. lol She's on dasuquin (a souped up cosequin with MSM). It's the "only" supplement with GUARANTEED amounts of glucosamine, chondrotin & msm. Hopefully we will see some results in a couple weeks, month at the most. (fingers crossed).
I am proud to say that as long as I continue with her therapy, supplements, meds & diet as well as monitor her closely she remains to be overly happy!!!!! I hate to say it though, but her time here with us is becoming shorter & shorter... hopefully it is at a really slow rate from here on out though. I can see it in her that she doesl not have the same zest for life as Nook did. Not that I am looking at the glass falf empty, no way it's half full baby! lol It's just that she's never had the same spirit, ever and it's just different. It's hard to explain but even harder to deal with. She's just a different dog with a different personality. She's not the type who is happy with restricted exercise. Nook would of called it "just chillin", Raustyk calls it "this absolutely stinks". She doesn't like to be fussed over while Nook took in all the attention that he could. She's always had a nervous personality while Nook was never stressed. I just feel those types of things have an impact on how you live your life. It's not just health that keeps you alive it's that zest for life that does. I know it's not pleasant to hear so I am sorry I just had to get it out. Not a lot of people understand that she is my kid and there are so many feelings & thoughts going through me lately. Anyways, she's still here & enjoying life for now and that is what matters! We thank yous again for being you! :)

[cyber-sibes]

(((hugs))) to you & Raustyk, Sue. I'm so sorry to hear how poorly she's doing. You will be in my prayers. I know you are already treasuring each day with her. Maybe tomorrow will bring some better news. Hugs to your goofy boy too, I miss seeing pics of you guys.

[chocolatepuppy]

I'm sorry things aren't looking good for Raustyk. :( Enjoy every moment with her and please give her a big ole hug from me. I will keep you both in my prayers.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Adding my prayers along with all the others - poor baby girl

[anna_66]

Sue I'm glad to hear she's still enjoying life.

I'm adding my prayers to the long list here.

(((HUGS)))

[Vela]

I haven't posted often in this thread, but I have been reading all the time. I am so sorry that she has not improved. I know you love her like crazy. She has had a WONDERFUL life with you. Make the best of whatever time there is left and live every day with her lke it's the best one yet. I will send prayers for her that she is happy and comfortable for whatever there is to come and that you can have a long time still to go with her by your side. Give her a big old hug from me, and yourself one too.

[elizabethann]

Sorry to hear about Raustyk. I hope she is doing better today. Are you seeing a Holistic Vet for her problems? Just curious.

[ramanth]

Many hugs and prayers for you and Raustyk.

[kallisto4529]

Many prayers and hugs to the both of you.

[sabies]

Lots of good thoughts heading your way.

[lv4dogs]

Well she's not really improving any. In fact last night when she was sleeping her breathing was a little rapid. I am hoping that she was just dreaming though.
She's still happy & her attitude is still all Raustyk though and that's the most important part I guess.



Are you seeing a Holistic Vet for her problems? Just curious.

Yes, we have seen a holistic vet to help us figure out what supplements would be ebst for her.
We have not however been to the accupuncturist. She started to have the breathing problems and we needed to at least try to diagnose that before she had the accupuncture done. So I had to cancel the appointment. Now she is able to try it but now I don't have the money for it. :( I'm hoping I can come up with it soon.


We still think about yous daily & are very grateful for your thoughts & prayers.

[beeniesmom]

Hugs to you and Rausyk.
I hope she gets better.

[cloverfdx]

Continued good thoughts on the way for you and your big girl Sue {{Hugs}}.

[Ginger's Mom]

More prayers going out for Raustyk.

[K9soul]

Sue, this breaks my heart so much. You and Raustyk are in my daily prayers. I wish so much you could give us news that she is improving, I know you are doing everything humanly possible for her. I will keep you both in my prayers.

[Taz_Zoee]

I am just getting caught up with this thread.
Please know you and Raustyk are in my thoughts.

[angelchampy]

I am so sorry of the news. When my Sherry was diagnosed with liver cancer, I knew there was nothing I could do except make her happy and comfortable. It was killing me inside, but I put on a happy face for her and catered to her and pampered her more than ever (yeah, as if that were possible ;) ) Sherry was a princess and she had me trained. I did everything for her - I cooked for her, walked her with the sling, and stayed up countless nights with her. I never regretted a minute of it b/c I would have given my life for her. Now that she's gone, I don't regret anything. We always have some kind of guilt when they're gone, but I can honestly say I did everything - and she knew it. ;) I miss her terribly, but I know she knew how much I loved her.

[dukedogsmom]

I know it hurts so much. I wish there was something I could do to make it better. Please stay strong and give Raustyk some lovin' from me, ok? I hope things improve.