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

**Vela** · 04-12-2007, 08:46 PM

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** · 04-12-2007, 08:55 PM

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** · 04-12-2007, 09:22 PM

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

**Jakesmom** · 04-12-2007, 09:49 PM

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

**lv4dogs** · 04-15-2007, 09:34 AM

Originally Posted by Jakesmom

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.

**Jakesmom** · 04-17-2007, 12:33 AM

Originally Posted by lv4dogs

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** · 04-17-2007, 04:38 AM

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** · 05-12-2007, 10:30 AM

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.

Originally Posted by elizabethann

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** · 05-12-2007, 11:31 AM

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

**angelchampy** · 04-12-2007, 09:52 PM

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.