Sara's LEG- Doctor *STILL* Doesn't Know What's Wrong (update #15)

[zippy-kat]

For what it's worth, y'all have done all the right tests to sort her out; maybe you just need somebody to put it all together? Agree with your concern about DM...

I hope the clinic(s) we're going to can do just that. *fingers crossed*

Our regular clinic has prepared the xrays/labwork for us to take. From my understanding, they (the "new" vets) are going to be doing either a sonogram or an MRI. Our appointment is on the 16th.

Thank you everyone for your kind thoughts and suggestions. Please keep 'em coming.

[Nomilynn]

I'm afraid I can't offer advice, but for sure will offer my thoughts and prayers!

[ramanth]

Many many good thoughts and prayers for Sara.

[ChrisH]

Poor Sara. Prayers and healing thoughts on the way.

[zippy-kat]

17 hours later, we're home with not much more information than when we left. And I have a feeling there's a certain boxer that won't be asking for a car ride for QUITE sometime. lol

The GOOD news: (1)It's NOT DM! *whew* (2)She's not in much -if any- pain. (3)The problem is "localized" to her left hind leg - not anywhere else. (4)The vet said she really had to "nit-pick" to say she had hip-dysplasia. (5)All in all, she's a very healthy old girl!
The BAD news: They're not quite sure what it is. They *think* it could be a sheath tumor on the sciatic nerve but we need a neurologist to determine anything further. Her reflexes are good and she has feeling in her toes and leg, it's just that she can't spatial-ly tell where the foot is.
The MEDIOCRE news: (1)Depending on the severity of the tumor (if there is one), we might face amputation of the leg. (2)The state of NM doesn't have a neurologist. So it's off to Colorado or Texas. (3)We're looking at a pretty heft price tag for just the diagnosis.

So today pretty much ruled out "bone stuff" and confirmed our regular vet's suspicion that it's neurological in nature. Where we'll go from here, I honestly don't know. IF amputation is where we're headed, I would think our regular vet could do that here with less stress to our dog (and wallet). Whatever the case, it's something that doesn't need to be thought of with a tired mind. With that, thank you guys for your well wishes!

Oh! As a treat for being such a good girl, we took Sara to Three Dog Bakery.... our chowhound proceeded to snub every FREE tidbit and opt for the $$ ones. Murphy's law?!

[Karen]

Oh! As a treat for being such a good girl, we took Sara to Three Dog Bakery.... our chowhound proceeded to snub every FREE tidbit and opt for the $$ ones. Murphy's law?!

Nah - Sara's prerogative - after all that poking and prodding, she deserved the good stuff, mom!

[Cinder & Smoke]

So today pretty much ruled out "bone stuff" and confirmed our regular vet's
suspicion that it's neurological in nature.
Where we'll go from here, I honestly don't know.

And what's the 'penalty' for taking a wait-n-see posture?
With maybe a little pain medication to ease any discomfort.

Here's a Prayer for a solid diagnosis; and an non-drastic solution.

{{{Hugs}}} to the Patient and the 2-Leggers.

[zippy-kat]

And what's the 'penalty' for taking a wait-n-see posture? With maybe a little pain medication to ease any discomfort.

She's been on DGP for a little while now, "just in case" there's pain.

IF it is a sheath tumor, gradual worsening/atrophy of the leg and amputation. I believe the new vet said, depending on the extent of the tumor's feelers, it might be possible to save the limb.

But again, this is assuming that it is a sheath tumor. There are a couple of other (unlikely) things it could be; there's just no way to be certain without seeing a neurologist.

We have the new report to drop off to our regular vet, Monday. We'll talk to him and go from there.