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.

[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)))