Jane's @ Home, Recovering (probable Stroke)

[Guest VelvetEars]

When I left for work at 11a yesterday, Janey was fine. When I got home at 6, she was having major trouble walking, keeping her balance, and seeing. By the time we got to the vet at 7:30, she was getting rigid, her front legs were crossing, and her temp was pretty high. She continued to get worse while we were in the exam room. She was admitted and they were working to lower her fever and figure out what was wrong. They did give her some valium to help relax her a little. The vet wasn't sure she'd make it through the night. Her Xrays and bloodwork didn't show anything. It's not vestibular disease, which was my first thought (and initial hope, because she could get better).

 

All I know about the time between 11-6 is that at 3:30 or so, she wouldn't go outside for my DH (not unusual). He called me at the office at 4 to say she'd vomited yellow stuff (not unusual, given her preference for grazing and trash diving), but said she was acting fine. (He's not terribly observant, but did say that she was just in her usual spot on the living room couch waiting for me to come home.)

 

She didn't get into the trash, because it was empty yesterday. There isn't anything around that she could have gotten into, or did --- no chocolate, no houseplants, etc. Her biggest obsession is bread, and we don't have that around right now, and that wouldn't make her this sick anyway.

 

I checked with the vet this morning - she made it through the night, and the vet on now was just getting ready to run some more tests. She's about the same as last night - still rigid, still unable to stand, etc. I did ask them to check her over to see if maybe she had a bite somewhere - spider or snake, maybe? We live in the city, but I suppose that doesn't make us immune to critters. We don't have a doggie door, so she doesn't have unsupervised access to the outside, but of course I can't monitor the access of critters to the yard.

 

I'm just stymied, and I'm terribly terribly afraid she's not going to make it, or at the very least, not get any better. If you've seen this in a greyhound -or other dog- before, please let me know. We are looking for any and all possibilities.

Edited July 8, 2007 by VelvetEars

[Guest loveagrey]

No thoughts, but tons of white light on it's way from Janey!

[Rickiesmom]

Likewise - prayers and white light to Jane - hope they find the cause and treatment for this soon

[Guest ss556]

I don't know, but am sending lots of prayers. I'm so sorry this is happening. Please keep us posted. Someone here must have some ideas.

[Guest greybookends]

Is it some sort of seizure?

:hope :hope :hope

[Guest VelvetEars]

Seizures don't last this long, though. That's just it. And the valium should have helped if it was.

[Guest Winterwish]

Sending prayers for Janey's recovery from whatever is happening. I'm sorry I have no advice to offer.

Please get well soon Janey.

[Madeara]

Well I have to post this, make sure they check for TBD's

 

Once a human or animal is stricken with ehrlichiosis, white cells die off faster than the bone marrow can replace them. These dead cells migrate primarily to the spleen which enlarges as a result. Frantically, the bone marrow works to form new, healthy cells. In its haste, it sends out immature cells which do not work efficiently. Quite often these immature cells are almost indistinguishable from those seen in leukemic patients. Advanced Ehrlichiosis is, in fact, often misdiagnosed as leukemia or lymphosarcoma.

 

To complicate things further, ongoing research suggests that chronic ehrlichiosis may lead to various cancers, especially leukemia and lymphosarcoma. There is speculation that it may predispose animals to other forms of cancer as well. Because of its effect on the nervous system, ehrlichiosis is also sometimes misdiagnosed as brain cancer. It does, in fact, affect many dogs neurologically and can cause seizures, problems with coordination, changes in temperament, or obsessive-compulsive behavior (such as repeated licking or other repetitive behaviors.)

 

Causes of death by ehrlichia are usually due to internal hemorrhage including hemorrhage into the brain, severe autoimmune disease, multiple secondary infections due to a compromised immune system or complete failure of one or more internal organs such as heart, liver, spleen, etc.

 

 

I don't know.... but check anyway. I hope she comes out of this

 

[Guest KennelMom]

I'd test for TBD's. Their symptoms can be wide ranging. Sending prayers

Edited June 22, 2007 by KennelMom

[Guest greytful4]

I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers...please keep us posted!

[iluvgreys]

When Summer was so sick a couple of months ago, she had some of those same symptoms... loss of balance, loss of vision, mild fever, lethargy, etc. Her problem turned out to be fungal enchephalitis from toxic mold in the adopter's home. A MRI confirmed the brain problem and she was put on Pred and antibiotics and I think an antifugal med and is still recovering. Sending tons of prayers and light to your Janey.

[Jiffer]

Oh no, many prayers and healing thoughts to Jane!

[Guest VelvetEars]

My sister suggested it might be Coonhound Syndrome. I suppose it's possible that a racoon left pee/poop in the yard and she came in contact with it. And if that's it, she could get better - but it could take months, extensive home care, and physical therapy.

[Burpdog]

I would lean towards a TBD, bite either spider or snake or the fungal suggestion. Any chance she got a mushroom in the yard? If you say no, are you SURE there are not any small ones out there?

 

I'd see if a shot of doxy will hurt anything and I'd do it rather than wait.

 

Sending prayers.

[Guest VelvetEars]

I've talked to Jane's current vet, who said that her right pupil is enlarged, and her left is constricted. he doesn't think she's seeing out of her right eye at all. It could be a brain tumor, it could be a stroke - he's just not sure, but he thinks whatever it is is in her head. We're going to talk again this afternoon and see what we want to do. He thinks if she's not improving in a few days, she won't get better. Really the only way to know for sure is a CT or MRI and CSS at VSS, which is going to be a whole lot of money that I just don't think we can spend right now. I'm thinking about bringing her home to care for her this weekend - provided I can keep her hydrated and turned regularly and get her meds in her (pred and an antibiotic), he said that would be fine.

Edited June 22, 2007 by VelvetEars

[Guest hamiesmom]

Sending lots of hugs, prayers and white light for you and "Janey".

[Guest SillyDog]

Aside from the regular tick-borne diseases, there's also something called tick paralysis:

 

http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.js...m/bc/102600.htm

 

I hope Jane gets better soon!

[Guest vahoundlover]

Sending many many prayers!

[Burpdog]

If it is a stroke, there is a chance she can recover! Trying to remember the stroke greys.

 

Sending lots of prayers.

 

[Guest argolola]

Sending prayers.

[DustysMom]

Prayers and hugs.

[Guest hannahmom]

Sending prayers and caring

 

[Guest grey_dreams]

Poor Jane! Just wanted to add one idea - you might check for signs of a spider bite. Brown recluse spiders are common in St. Louis, and even black widow spiders do occur there. Both of them can induce reactions including vomiting and neurological symptoms. I hope she gets better soon!

[Batmom]

Sending many prayers.

[Guest sweetgsmom]

I know what you are going through, and am sending tons of prayers.