Here's Where We Are With Polli

[RobinM]

Polli started limping pretty badly 3 weeks ago today. The very next day we brought her in for x-rays of her leg which did not reguire anethesia. Nothing showed up, not even arthritis.

We waited 5 days to see if there was any improvment, there was none and the limping was BAD. Reminded me of IGOR of Young Frankenstein.

 

We took her in the following Friday, 1 week since she started limping and her limping seemed to have gotten a bit better but we took her anyway. She had a series of x-rays of her neck, spine and shoulders and they had to twist and manipulate her to get these pictures. So, these were done under anethesia.

Nothing showed up, but when I got poor Polli back, she was crippled from all the manipulating. They send the results to Cornell for another set of eyes. The report came back clean.

 

She is now 2 weeks past the 2nd set of pictures. She is limping far less, but she is limping. Vet said let's give it several weeks to see if it clears up on it's own and treat it with rest, deramaxx, tramdol when necessary.

 

If after the next several weeks, she is STILL limping, we will have to have the MRI done and take it from there.

 

If it is a disk prolapse, he said it will either need surgery (and I dread that more than you can possibly imagine after seeing how she did with the anethesia for a simple x-ray) OR just rest and anti-imflammatories, depending on it's severity.

 

Not fair. I feel so badly for her although for the most part, she doesn't know she has a limp! She is loving, very playful and silly.

 

I just want her to get and feel better so she can finally enjoy the life she truly deserves.

[Guest ss556]

She does deserve a great life and I'm hoping for the best, as you know, as she is in a very loving family!

[winnie]

for Polli! She's a lucky broodie to have such a caring "mom."

[Guest SoulsMom]

Get well soon Polli!

[SPDoggie]

Ugh! This has been going on for SO long... you must be so frustrated in just wanting to help your girl feel better.

[grey14me]

I can't remember if you've actually taken her to an orthopedic specialist or not...if not, it might be worth it.

[RobinM]

The animal hospital we go to has their own orthopedic surgeon. He is the one who fixed Beau's leg back in May. (it was an injury that after 32 years of being a vet, they had never seen anything so severe). He checked the x-rays and everyone is on the same page.

So, yes, he has seen the pictures and he would be the surgeon if G*D forbid, it becomes necessary.

[Jackandgrey]

Have you tried chiro and acupuncture with her?

[Rickiesmom]

Man, I hope this clears up. If you haven't already, maybe consult a known-to-be-reliable vet who does acupuncture and possibly chiropractic. The vet I use for this is very good, very gentle with exams and with any adjustments. When I had issues with Rickie the neurologist said he was the only one she would trust to do this for Rickie. If you can find someone like that, it would definitely be worth it. (This guy will also say when he doesn't think he can help.)

[Guest greyhoundis]

Poor Polli! In my thoughts.

 

I have a 13 year old brood that started limping early this year - still does - Sometimes can't seem to use the leg at all. I ran all tests known to man and beast and NOTHING! She never acts as though she is in pain - some days are better than others and some days the leg vibrates a lot when she stands.

 

I even gave her a month long round of derm and rim and did not seem to hurt or help. So Millie just goes about her business. Never was silly - too much of a lady:)) - unless no one is looking and she is in a room by herself.

[Guest meakah]

I would vote for acupuncture at this stage as well. Koda and myself have improved tremendously from it. It may not 'cure' the problem with Polli but it will likely relieve her of some discomfort.

[RobinM]

I'm so afraid to have any manipulation done to her as she was in such bad shape after she had been the 1st time.

 

I realize that they wouldn't be twisting her into a pretzel to do acupunture.

 

I think there is a place not far from us who does this, I will at least inquire.

 

 

ETA: I called and asked to speak to the doc prior to coming in. I left a message on her voice mail.

Anyone hear of her?

 

http://vetspecialist.com/index.php?mainMen...ine%20at%20CSVC

Edited October 19, 2007 by RobinM

[Guest vahoundlover]

I would do acupuncture. It's made a huge difference in Boss, he went from no backend use ( bulged disc) to walking around the block.

 

 

[cowpantslady]

Robin

We used that group for saullie for his eyes and they are wonderful. Never used them for acupunture

did you contact dr cuoto?

sometimes they can see things in x rays that "regular" non grey vets don't see

[RobinM]

Yes, Iris, I did contact him. He says the same as Friedman and Cornell. Sigh. He scared me a bit saying that a soft tissue should clear up in 2-4 days.

When Chloe had her limp (an old racing injury) she was limping for 3 weeks and she is a lot younger.

 

I have a call into the place in Westbury.

 

It's very frustrating.

 

Thanks.

[Guest ss556]

Good luck Robin. Let us know what happens and if you do go to Dr. Donato.

[patricia]

Sending our many prayers...I know how worried you are.

[Bevd]

Sending best wishes

[Guest darlene]

Robin, I'm sending many prayers for your beautiful girl!

[Remolacha]

I just wanted to add my voice to the "do acupuncture" chorus! Sugar has had two treatments so far, and it has made a world of difference for her unexplained backend weakness and limp. Not a cure, but she clearly feels (and moves) much better! for sweet Polli

[robinw]

i also had great luck with acupuncture with my angel dog beansy.

[Guest PiagetsMom]

Sending good thoughts Polli's way. I think I"d try anything else that might help before surgery - you might get lucky with the acupuncture or the chiropractor.

[Chicocat]

Acupuncture is pretty non-invasive, which makes it worth a try. It was one of the things I did when Chico started losing his ability to stand. The vet told me it could take two or three treatments before it started to help. I agree about surgery being the final option I'd try, because the risks and outcome can be so unpredictable.

[feemandvm]

My vote is to get your x-rays and to see an orthopedic specialist at a veterinary teaching hospital or at a referral facility. A lot of regular hospitals have a vet that does orthopedics but before I would go to the extent of an MRI... or even probably for a full course of acupuncture... I'd get a 2nd opinion from a specialist. I have no problem with pursuing acupuncture and am a big fan... I'd get the 2nd opinion to make sure something isn't missed. In Ohio I'd highly recommend Jon Dyce. I know there is another orthopod that does a lot of Greys but I am blanking on his name... I think he is in Pennsylvania and a lot of GTers rave about him. he would be another option. I don't know any orthopods in NY though.

 

 

[RobinM]

Thanks, Doc Bill. I will get a copy of the x-rays and Cornell report and have them sent to Dr. Dyce.

 

I will also find out who the orthopod is in PA.

 

Thanks, again.