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

[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.

[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.

[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.