MRI's, seizures and possible neck issues...

[Naima]

My Sassy recently began yelping-- for no obvious reason that could be seen, but she was obviously in pain. And Sassy has never, ever been a whiner. I took her to the vet (not hers, as they were booked) and was told that she may have a slipped or misaligned disc in her neck. She was given a weeks worth of anti-flammatory meds and needed to have an x-ray, and see a specialist. Then she had two seizures, which the dr's didn't want to call 'seizures' b/c they could have been a result of the pain. So after having the x-ray and visiting the most pretentious neurologist this side of the Mississippi, neck issues were ruled out. However, he suggested that she have an MRI to the tune of $2k. With no job and no insurance I felt I was making life decisions: mortgage or MRI in this dr's office. So as I sit there in tears I ask him what to do is she has a 'seizure' in the meantime. He says, call me. So this week she had three in a 24hr period, and once I told him that he then prescribed Phenobarbitol. I have also scheduled her for the MRI on Wednesday. But when I took her for her regular walk this evening she seemed to be favoring one of her hind legs, but she kept wanting to run and run and run. And after doing some research the hind leg issue seems to be related to the neck and spine. What should I do in the meantime? Should I take her to her dr. before the MRI? Or should I just address all these issues with the neuron? Should I have another x-ray done?

[Tatiana]

On the plus side your dog is up and walking and you're saying that she wants to run, but the fact that you're noticing lack of mobility in one hind leg is another sign of concern... It's imperative that your dog REST most of the time... Rest, rest, and more rest... She really should be crated as much as possible and only handled very tenderly when relieving herself outdoors for very brief walks, and not up on the furniture or walking up and down any stairs... I've heard all kinds of prices for MRIs around this country... $2K is a lot of money but if it becomes a necessity you may want to check around and find out if there's a veterinary college anywhere in your area... Vet colleges do some of the pricier tests at lower prices sometimes - not cheap, by any means, but certainly less than what this vet is quoting (up to half perhaps?) so it's definitely worth doing some inquiry into the matter.

An X-ray really only shows the skeletal structure of the dogs (as in a breakage, spacing between vertebraes, calcification, etc.), but it won't necessarily show hemorrhaging or herniation which is why it sometimes becomes necessary to have MRIs done so they can detect and pinpoint the problem area(s).

Crate rest will be necessary for several weeks... The less your dog has to move around, the better... They need their medication and you should follow the vet's instructions to the nth degree. Sorry to hear of your woes, but you can google several charities that assist people with pets when they're in financial straits or try and negotiate a payment plan with your vet.

Best wishes to you and Sassy.

[Maria Casanova-Richards]

Hi, I just wanted to see whether you had taken Sassy to the vet yesterday. I hope everything is ok.

I went through the same ordeal a couple of months ago with Lexi - the yelping, the trembling, etc. (By the way, what looks like a seizure may be spasms and pain). The doctor said it was IVDD, gave her a shot of cortisone and some pain and anti-inflammatory meds to take for about two weeks. She also had to be crated for 10 days. Tatiana is right in that your dog should definitely should not be moving around for a while. Lexi has had no problems since (keeping fingers crossed).

Also, I would take her to her regular vet who has history on her. He/she might also be more willing to work out a payment schedule with you. Good luck. Let us know what's happening with Sassy.

[Marie Finnegan]

Naima, I am going through something very similar here with my girl. I should get a consult report tomorrow from the specialist. I have set up a blog with my Missys medical info: http://missyvideos.blogspot.com There are videos on there as well as pics of her x-rays. I will let you know what they say in my case and maybe it will be helpful in yours.

Don't feel bad. I can't afford the 4grand work up I was quoted at the specialist either so went the consult route. And I work for a vet. My own discount doesn't get me far.

(A friend found this post and sent me here thinking it might be helpful.)

[Marie Finnegan]

Just a follow up on Missy's case. I got the neurologists report today and she thinks it is a brain tumor based on the x-rays and video I sent. In my dogs case she believes the twitching, loss of muscle control and the like is actually focal seizures. There is a possibility it may also be an inflammatory issue. I have to talk to the Dr. riding point on her case tomorrow but we will probably try steriods. If it is a brain tumor we will likely only get a positive result short term. If it is an inflammatory issue it may help longer. I had myself convinced it was simply a disc or structural issue so I am abit stunned by the news. Wish us luck to find a hail mary miracle.

Good luck with your Sassy. I hope you have better news in your case.

[Trish]

Oh my goodness, Marie! How awful. :( Big hugs to you and Missy!! I'm sending some extra-special Frenchie healing vibes your way to work their wonders!! I truly hope it is not a brain tumor and is something less severe.

[Naima]

Hi all,

First I just want to thank you all for your support. It's been rough...

I did take Sas for the MRI, which showed inflammation and abnormalities on her brain. The doctor's diagnosis was encephalitis and he immediately started her on prednisone for the inflammation. She is still also on phenobar for the seizures. Sassy is doing a lot better; but its still a day to day thing. AGH!! Everytime she behaves differently, I get scared. I had to ask some tough questions, but was assured by the doc that the steroid was the best (and safest) route to go.

She did have one small seizure on Monday, and the doctor suggested changing her to something stronger at some point. The drug he wants to switch her to is one that is used as a chemo drug (I forget the name). I am very reluctant, and may even decline. Even though our Frenchies think they are larger than life, they really are very fragile. And prayerfully, she will only have the one seizure.

Anyway, Marie, I pray that its not a brain tumor. Like you, I was convinced that it was a disc or skeletal issue and I understand what you're going through. I wish you all the luck in the world and hope the Frenchie healing vibes rain down on you and Missy.

Talk to everyone-- the specialists, the vets, and the radiologists. They have all offered different pieces to the puzzle that one or the other may have forgotten or failed to address. For example, the radiologists told me the shakey hind leg was a (temporary) side effect of the phenobar. Maybe I was being naive, but I felt comfortable with that, esp. since it hasn't happened anymore.

I hope your news is better. We have you in our prayers. Please keep us posted.

[Marie Finnegan]

Naima,

Is her condition curable? Thank you so much for the update. I was wondering what was going on with you both.

The good news is that the prednisone we changed my Missy to is making her feel much better. She isn't cured and it may be only temporary but I am so happy to see her being more herself again.

Thanks for the thoughts and I am sending some your way as well. Hugs to you both!

Tail wags,
http://k-9solutionsdogtraininginc.blogspot.com

[Naima]

Hi Marie,

It's not curable, but it is treatable and manageable. The prednisone is working well. I actually bumped into Sassy's (primary) physician yesterday and was updating him (he works the late shift and lately when I've taken Sassy to the Dr. she's seen his partners in the office) and he said she'll probably be on these for the rest of her life (same as what the neurologist said). I'm not sure about the prednisone though, since that's a steroid, but I definitely appreciate the relief (even if temporary) that it's giving her. He also said it could be her food that's causing this, and I've been thinking about changing her diet anyway. Maybe this can offer some relief. Who knows?.....

Also, two side effects of the prednisone are: increased appetite and water intake. So if you notice this difference in Missy, tyou now know the cause. And Sassy is not shy about licking an empty bowl until she gets more water and/or food. And she usually just wants more water.

I'm happy to hear that Missy is doing better, and I hope it stays this way for you both.

Happy tails,
Naima and Sassy...