Sparky's Saga/Update #74

OK - so here's the latest.

I had to run in town this a.m., and noticed a light on in the vet's office, so thought I'd stop in and make an appointment for Monday. When I told her what was going on, she said to bring him right in - today! Came back home to pick him up - and of course he wasn't limping again after being hardly able to walk all day yesterday and this morning! :eek:
The first thing I jokingly asked her was if they are capable of playing head games - and she gave me an emphatic "Oh yes!!!"
So we went in, and the first thing she suspected was Lyme's (typical symptoms) - vaccines are only 80% effective. She drew blood for a test and it came up negative. She doesn't feel it's arthritis since it came on so sudden, so it's probably looking like a sprain or jamming type injury. It might feel better for a while and then he somehow aggravates it by jumping up and down off the bed, or going up and down steps. She did say too, that she saw a hint of a limp, but it was nothing compared to what it has been.
So - I have to lift him up and down off the bed, and carry him up and down the steps for a couple of weeks - a baby aspirin 4 times a day - and if he hasn't drastically improved in that time, then she will do an x-ray to check for arthritis.
So at least that has relieved my mind somewhat. If it's just a sprain, then that's great - if it's arthritis, at least he can take meds for it and it isn't life threatening. He and I will just hobble along together.

Sparky and I both thank you all for the prayers and positive vibes. :love:

OMG Ellie!! What luck you got into the vet today!! Amazing. I've got to tell you, when Delilah hurt herself back several months ago, she was acting just like Sparky is. She is normally a very peppy dog for her age(she's 10 now). When she jurt herself after her bath the other day, she was right back to acting out of it, lethargic, uninterested in anything, etc.

I can't give her aspirin because it doesn't agree with her. She got sick with it. They gave me Duramaxx(I think that's it). Another time she got Rimadyl(I think). Both of those made her act completely different. Once she got over the pain, I think she was back to normal. This could be why Sparky is "coming and going" with the limping. Sometimes the aspirin may be kicking in and other times, not so much. This all sounds so familiar. I think Sparky is going to be ok from the sounds of it. I sure hope so.

Sorry I'm not sure about the medicine names. If I wasn't so lazy I would go look. If you want to know, PM me and I'll find out for you.

Feel better Sparky!!! I think I know how you feel, sweetheart!!!:)

Well - things aren't looking rosy and I'm still trying to figure out what the heck is going on. He was originally limping and favoring his left leg up until he went to the vet on Saturday. When we got home and I got him out of the car and set him down to walk, he was favoring the right leg. AARRGGGHHHH!!!! What's with this pup??? Ever since Saturday he has been hobbling around like an old man. Aspirin doesn't seem to be helping. Sometimes he's a little perkier and mobile than others - like yesterday he was really bad, yet today he seems a little better and is moving around more. But it's still the right leg. I don't want to call the vet just yet since she said to give it 2 weeks, but this whole thing is just so darned strange - good days/bad days - left leg/right leg...:confused: Maybe I'll call her on Friday if there's no change. Do you think I should, or just give it the full 2 weeks? I'm open to suggestions.

Ellie, call the vet. It'll make you feel better about Sparky's treatment - just to make sure. Let us know.

Ellie, sorry I am just checking this. Wow!! What is going on? It sure sounds like my arthritis. I hope you find out soon what's going on for sure. It's hard to call. If you think the vet can shed some light, call and see what can be done. {{{{{HUGS}}}}}

Just noticed more bad news for Sparky. If he was a younger dog I would suspect pano although I've never seen it in small dogs. But he isn't a growing pup so this is strange. I would probably have called the vet as soon as I noticed the change in the leg, but then I scare pretty easy when it comes to my dogs. Weird that arthritis would be coming on so suddenly and now in both legs....really has me wondering pomtzu. Your vet might decide to do x-rays when the time is up if he hasn't improved. I'll keep my fingers crossed that it disappears as fast as it came on.
Sorry about all the trouble and worry you're going through.

Well it's a little better news, so for now I'll hold off calling the vet back and give it the full 2 weeks that she said. I just hope it's not one step forward and two steps back tho. Of course if he gets worse again, then I'll take him in.

Yesterday he was really feeling his oats. He came running (in a hobbling sort of way) to the door to greet me when I came home from shopping. Then last night the little stinker jumped up on the bed before I had a chance to pick him up - and that's a no-no to be jumping. He also jumped up the steps before I could get to him - another no-no. He's still limping, but is moving around a lot better and not just laying around in one spot and not wanting to move, like he was. He's about the same today as he was yesterday.

So as long as he doesn't backslide again, I'm relieved somewhat, and hope that he will continue to make progress. I imagine that the vet will still take x-rays when he goes back, since it seems to affecting both legs. I just can't imagine what it could be, other than arthritis. Doesn't really sound like a sprain now that both legs are affected.

But then - what do I know :confused::rolleyes::p

How is Sparky doing, Ellie? I hope the little guy is back to normal.

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Originally Posted by Daisy and Delilah

How is Sparky doing, Ellie? I hope the little guy is back to normal.

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Terry - normal he is not. :eek:

It's like he flips a switch - one minute he is limping and the next he is just fine. He's much more active than he was, but that limp is still there a lot - first in one leg and then in the other. And it appears at times he's favoring that back leg too, that has the bad knee. I'm trying to keep him from jumping on and off the bed, and the back steps too, but sometimes he beats me too it and it doesn't seem to bother him.

So yesterday we cut grass, and when he went outside this morning, had grass all on his feet since the grass was wet from dew, and I took a towel to clean them off before he came back in the house. When I picked up his front foot (the original problem one), he gave out a yelp, so something in that leg is still hurting him. I've had him on the baby aspirin which has helped some I guess, but now I'm back to square one. I have to call the vet a little later and get an appointment, since I just don't know what else to do at this point.

I'll keep you posted.....:eek::D

Been keeping my eye on this thread to see if we would finally know how Sparky was. Since there was nothing I assumed all was well, so sorry the little fluff ball is still limping Pomtzu.
So odd the way it jumps from leg to leg and seems to be spreading to all four. Hope the vet can figure out what it is. It sure came on suddenly if it is arthritis.

Thanks for the update, Ellie. Sorry it isn't so good.

This sounds exactly like Delilah when she had the sprain(sorry for being a broken record on this). Even with the meds, it was touch and go at times. I had to monitor her all the time.

I know how hard it is to keep them from jumping up and down. Best wishes to you for finding out what's going on asap!!

He's been running around, just happy as a clam, for the past couple of days and only a very slight limp.

But - He's going to the vet on Monday at 2:30 - no if's, and's, or but's!! We're going to get to the root of this problem yet.

He desperately needs to go to the groomer, but I don't want to stress him out before I find out what's going on. So today I got out the scissors and played groomer. He doesn't look too bad - actually a lot better than he did - and he probably feels better too. But a groomer I am not! :eek:

I'll update after his doctor visit. :) I'm hoping for a simple fix.

Glad he'll finally be seeing the vet, I'm getting so curious about the limping off and on. Hope it's just a passing thing.

So, you're into grooming now, maybe try to give yourself a haircut to see how that turns out since you were so successful with Sparky....dare you..lol.

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Originally Posted by Asiel

So, you're into grooming now, maybe try to give yourself a haircut to see how that turns out since you were so successful with Sparky....dare you..lol.

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Yup - I need a haircut, but it will wait..........:p

Call me chicken!:eek:

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Originally Posted by pomtzu

Yup - I need a haircut, but it will wait..........:p

Call me chicken!:eek:

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Bok bok! ;)

Okay ladies - I'll git ya' both when you least expect it.........:eek::p

cluck cluck:D

Well - Sparky-Doodle had his doctor appointment this afternoon.......

When I described to Dr Annie what's been going on the past 3 weeks since he was last in, her comment was: "This is not a textbook case!" Just what I needed to hear! :eek:

Of course he hasn't been limping hardly at all for the past few days, and he just had to show her there's no problem, and why am I here?? - by jumping up on the bench in the reception area! :rolleyes:

I told her of the back and forth of feeling good with almost no limp, to limping badly and not wanting to move, loss of appetite occasionally, the limp moving from leg to leg to leg, one day acting like his bouncy, blitzy self, and then going to being a lethargic lump...:(

She said that this is all classic symptoms of Lyme's. Yes - he tested negative, but there is a 2% chance of a false negative result. If it was a disc problem in his spine, it wouldn't be affecting both front and back legs and moving to different locations, and it's not likely arthritis in his legs since it came on so suddenly.

So - she took him off the baby aspirin unless I feel he absolutely needs it, and put him on Amoxicillin twice a day for 10 days, and if he continues to improve as he is doing now and at the end of the 10 days, she will continue him on it for the full 30 day treatment and assume it was a false negative test. If he gets worse, then the x-rays start and my bank account depletes in time for Christmas shopping. But I'll do what needs to be done for my little Lovebug!

Today she didn't even charge me for an office visit - just for the antibiotics. She's a peach! :D

So if I could ask for some good vibes to be sent Sparky's way - we will both be so grateful. Thanks friends! :love: You're all peachy too! ;)

I sure hope that this helps Sparky and that he gets back to feeling like himself all the time!

Sounds like you have a pretty cool vet, too, El. Sure hope that you get to the bottom of this soon. I'm glad that Sparky is feeling better, though, and I hope that this treatment works. :)

Ellie I was away and didn't catch up on this until now. I'm sorry there's no definite diagnosis, but it's good Sparky is feeling better! I hope that continues and the antibiotics help....good thoughts and prayers coming!

Been watching for the answer to Sparky's problems , glad I checked in and found this. Not the best news but it sounds like your vet might be unto something and at least something positive is being done. Glad he's on the antibiotics and I hope it does the trick for him. Will keep my fingers crossed for Sparky and hope he goes easy on the bank account. Gotta do what we gotta do for our fur pals.

Wow, Ellie, this is just strange. You must be ready to lose it some more. At least some things have been eliminated. I'm surprised it isn't arthritis. I always marvel at how well dogs hide their pain. Do you suppose he's been hiding it and he could no longer keep it a secret. Meaning, it could be arthritis?? I'm not a doctor of course.
I'm glad he's on the antibiotics and I hope this does some good. This is exhausing isn't it? Poor little guy and poor Mom.

Your vet is awesome!! I have a fabulous vet team but they want their money no matter what.

I'll keep you both in my thoughts and prayers and look forward to hearing that Sparky is mending nicely. Did she suggest some Rimadyl or somthing else for pain?

He's Mr Bouncy-Blitzy this morning again. This is good! ;)

No Terry - he's not on any pain meds. She took him off the aspirin too, and wants to see what the antibiotic alone is going to do. She said if he appears to be distressed and in pain again, to put him back on the aspirin. But the way he's moving and jumping up and down off the bed and steps, he definitely doesn't appear to be in any pain.

Thanks again everybody for the well wishes. :love: I'll keep you posted on his progress. :D

My goodness, Ellie, I feel the confusion you must be going through. I hope he continues to act like a puppy and all of the other stuff will go away!! Still thinking of you and the pups. :)

He seems to be on the right track - hope it continues. Hardly a noticeable limp left - if any - and his energy level is coming back to where it was.

He went tearing across the back yard this morning in pursuit of a squirrel. He's fast - but not that fast. :p

The only thing I have noticed, is that he is hesitant about jumping down off the bed, but he will jump up on it without any hesitation. Maybe that's still uncomfortable for him, so I just pick him up and put him down on the floor. He'll go up and down steps without a problem, but from bed to floor is a greater distance than it is between steps.

I'm just happy that he's doing as good as he is, and feeling better. The last month or two has been a roller coaster ride with him! :eek: I guess it was Lyme's afterall, and hopefully a month on the antibiotics will get rid of it for good.

Great news Pomtzu. Hope Sparky keeps on feeling better each day. Jumping off the bed probably hurts him, like a dog jumping bars in obedience or sometimes horses taking jumps. They land on their forefront pretty hard so just continue lifting him and putting him down, that's what moms do for their fur friends. He's probably enjoying that extra butler service.

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Originally Posted by Asiel

He's probably enjoying that extra butler service.

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More like "slave service"..........:D

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Originally Posted by pomtzu

More like "slave service"..........:D

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Ain't that the truth!!:D These dogs are so clever. How can anybody think they're not smart? Those are people that have never been around them long enough, etc.

I am hoping and praying some more that he will continue to improve. Mom needs a break.:)

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Originally Posted by pomtzu

The only thing I have noticed, is that he is hesitant about jumping down off the bed, but he will jump up on it without any hesitation. Maybe that's still uncomfortable for him, so I just pick him up and put him down on the floor. He'll go up and down steps without a problem, but from bed to floor is a greater distance than it is between steps.

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Why don't you get one of those bed-stair things for him? Then he could get up and down from the bed by himself - and save your back :)

For example -

http://images2.orvis.com/orvis_assets/prodimg/34E0.jpg

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Originally Posted by Grace

Why don't you get one of those bed-stair things for him? Then he could get up and down from the bed by himself - and save your back :)

For example -

http://images2.orvis.com/orvis_assets/prodimg/34E0.jpg

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Gretchen - I hope you know that I didn't let him see that pic. He would never give me a minute's rest until I bought him one! :p

I had thought about one if it gets to the point where he really needs one, but right now, I think there might be some "drama king" effecting his issue with jumping off the bed. Thank goodness he only weighs about 12 lbs! :D

Never thought of that but it's a great idea. If you find it takes up too much romm you can get a ramp, my daughter has one for her aged dog who can't get up or down and it's the greatest thing yet. Nothing too good for a "drama king", maybe you could get it for Christmas, bet you could even make your own. Awww......pretty please mommy....:D

I have to have steps all over the house for Daisy so Delilah just uses them too. Delilah can fly through the air if she's feeling good so sometimes, she doesn't use them. :)

Thought I'd post an update today on Sparky's progress.

This morning he took the last of his 30 day antibiotic treatment for Lyme's, so I guess it's a wait and see what happens now vigil.

He's back to his normal self and there hasn't been any more limping or moping around either. He seems to be back to the way he was before all this started back in August. He's the silly, blitzy, fuzz ball of energy and goofiness that he was before.

I guess a little medicine and a lot of PT prayers and well wishes did the trick for him. We both thank you all! :D

He's back to his normal self

Atta boy, Sparky!!!

Great news to hear, Ellie!! I am thrilled to read this. I can't believe it but Delilah is limping again. She gets so excited, she can't slow down. After chasing through the house after cats yesterday, she is limping. I'm trying everything I can to keep her still. I think she defintely has arthritis and it's getting worse as she gets older.

I will keep praying for Sparky and you, of course. I hope he stays like he is now and it doesn't happen again.

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Originally Posted by Freedom

He's back to his normal self

Atta boy, Sparky!!!

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Ditto!