Guest suzye Posted September 3, 2008 Share Posted September 3, 2008 (edited) Jazz is 13 years and 5 months old and has lumbosacral stenosis. I have the Dr. Stack paper on this (LS). She is also in kidney failure (Deramaxx insult diagnosed Oct. 14, 2007). Jazz's mobility has been declining for sometime -- has trouble walking on wood floors and is slow to rise, go down, falls back on rear occasionally on #2, and knuckles rear feet over. Yesterday she was doing average. Today at the end of our walk she started stumbling. She went to lay down and a few minutes later started thrashing wildy. Finally she even started whimpering. The desperate thrashing went on for 30 minutes. I'd already made an appt to check on her kidneys (she was not eating so well last 2 days) but called the vet to say I was bringing her in. At this point she could not stand. Vet found her kidneys to be in pretty good shape, electrolytes fine (I will get copies later), but theonly weird thing was her phosphorus was low -- 2.2 I think. Previously she was mid-normal at around 4.5. I forgot to ask what that means. All she'd eaten today was 2 bites of chicken with her Benazepril. The vet gave her cortisone and valium. Tonight I mentioned the depo-medrol injections and he said it's a long lasting medicine where what he had given her is short lasting. Anyway he feels this is neuro and could be the LS or maybe it could be something else. ** Has anyone with LS dog seen this type of drastic overnight shift? ** Jazz is on 2 doses of Benazepril for her high blood pressure but I'm not sure it's even working. We were never able to check her BP at home so all we have are high readings at the vet even with the meds. Vet recommended seeing a neuro specialist for a specific diagnosis and (maybe) better treatment options. I'm not sure it's worth it. It means making hr suffer thorugh more exams and tests and likely there isn't much they can do. The only reason I consider it at all is that her kidneys are doing so well (I cook and give her subQs). If she still can't walk by tomorrow we might be making the dreaded decision to let her go. I don't want her to suffer. But I really didn't expect it to end this way at all. I forgot to add, I was giving her acupuncture with good results for seveal months prior to kidney failure. I stopped while we struggled to get the kidney stuff under control. Once we did, I stopped the acupuncture because it was so expensive ($65 for 15 minutes). On top of home cooking and all the other vet visits and subQs and prescriptions, it was too much. But if I can't do that then I guess I'm not being fair. Looking back I should have kept doing it since it might only be a monthly thing, or every 3 weeks, and if I started now, I have to start over with weekly visits. Edited September 3, 2008 by suzye Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest suzye Posted September 4, 2008 Share Posted September 4, 2008 I didn't get any responses, but our decision is virtually made now. I brought Jazz home this evening and she ate a lot, so it was nice to see her enjoy some food. We carried her to the grass and propped her up a bit so she could urinate, but when she was done she only stumbled a few steps before she laid down. Barring some miracle overnight, I'm taking her back to the vet in the morning for another assessment and cortisone shot and some fluids. We'll make our final decision then and I'll birng her home for some more quality time. The vet said he could come first thing Friday morning. This just kills me because she is eating, and alert, and acting normal, and if I just looked at her and didn't know she couldn't stand, I'd have no idea anything was wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest HeatherDemps Posted September 4, 2008 Share Posted September 4, 2008 I'm sorry, I wish I could give you sone information that would be helpful. You are in my thoughts and prayers right now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest suzye Posted September 4, 2008 Share Posted September 4, 2008 Thank you Heather. Jazz seems to be uncomfortable right now and has kept me awake all night but I fear leaving the room to sleep in case something major happens. She isn't crying so she might not be in pain, but rather maybe she needs to have a bowel movement. We tried to get her to go but she could hardly stand and only peed. When she goes back to the vet in the morning I will see if they can do something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MAXNAV Posted September 4, 2008 Share Posted September 4, 2008 Did she actually have a seizure when she was thrashing? I feel so bad for you. I know how it feels to see a 'best friend' start failing so quickly. Please give us an update after the vet appt. today. We're thinking of you and Jazz. Doreen & Navigator NH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest suzye Posted September 4, 2008 Share Posted September 4, 2008 I don't think it was a seizure, but I really don't know. She seemed coherent, but she wasn't responding to me, but I didn't get the feeling she was "not there". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgeofNE Posted September 4, 2008 Share Posted September 4, 2008 I'm sorry you're going through this--only you know what's best and what is kindest for the dog. Susan, Hamish, Mister Bigglesworth and Nikita Stanislav. Missing Ming, George, and Buck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP_the4pack Posted September 4, 2008 Share Posted September 4, 2008 My Pearl has heart disease and hypertension. She's on a plethura of pills to control it. But at no time did she have any problems like what you had. But my almost 13 yr old gave me a scare this past weekend. She's starting to get weak in the hind end and on saturday something happened. She was 3 legged, crying, and ended up spending the entire day laying down. I gave her pain pills and rest and watched her closely thinking that she wasn't going to make her BD in 3 weeks. She's up and about now. When she thrashed was she laying awkwardly? or on a slight slope that caused her to have trouble getting up? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest suzye Posted September 4, 2008 Share Posted September 4, 2008 Thank you everyone for your kind thoughts. I really appreciate it. When she thrashed was she laying awkwardly? or on a slight slope that caused her to have trouble getting up? I'm glad your girl is doing better now. Jazz was flat on her bed in a position that has always been comfortable in the past. She kept twisting and trying to get up. I had to sit on one side of her to keep her from twisting more into a position that looked bad (hind legs laying to one side and she was turning her front end the opposite way). At this point she has virtually no control over her hind legs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest SusanP Posted September 4, 2008 Share Posted September 4, 2008 Wish I could help. . No expertise here, but I'm sending healing and peaceful thoughts to you and Jazz. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MAXNAV Posted September 4, 2008 Share Posted September 4, 2008 I don't think it was a seizure, but I really don't know. She seemed coherent, but she wasn't responding to me, but I didn't get the feeling she was "not there". Ugh.... It's so frustrating that they can't tell us what's wrong. My friend's grey had seizures, and she says that he could still hear her as she spoke to him. He would thrash really awful sometimes, biting his tongue, hitting the wall, cutting himself up, etc. She would have to use pillows around him to protect him. He couldn't respond either, but she knew he was hearing her. I hope you can figure out what's going on. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3greys2cats Posted September 4, 2008 Share Posted September 4, 2008 How is Jazz doing, just saw this post. It does sound neurological, it is heartwrenching to watch loss of control, went through this w/my girl Sara las year but she had a different diagnosis(GME) which is an inflammatory brain disease. I will pray for Jazz, hope he is doing better today. Roberta & Michael with Furkids- Flower (Shasta Flowers 6/7/06) & Rascal the kitty - Missing our sweet angels - Max(M's Mad Max) 10/12/02 - 12/3/15, Sara (Sara Raves 6/30/01 - 4/13/12) Queenie & Pandora the kitties - gone but never forgotten Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest suzye Posted September 4, 2008 Share Posted September 4, 2008 (edited) The vet thinks she may have a slipped disc, and the best diagnostic test would be some sort of scan with the dye injection and we are not going to do that to her. Whatever it is has not improved today, and I doubt we can do much for her. I would never consider surgery on this girl. The vet is giving her more prednisone. Thank you for the kind thoughts. I'm pretty sure we will be saying goodbye to Jazz tomorrow around noon. All I can hope for now is that the rest of the time is uneventful (no thrashing) and I can feed her something she will really enjoy. At least she wanted to eat last night. In these past 10 months, nothing makes me happier than seeing her eat. Edited September 4, 2008 by suzye Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iluvgreys Posted September 4, 2008 Share Posted September 4, 2008 It's frustrating to see a senior hound go downhill and not be able to stop it. At least she's eating well for you and is calm right now. When Phoenix had rear leg weakness, Pred helped her during the first bout and she got back to almost "normal" for her. However, her second episode didn't respond and I couldn't put a 16 yr. old hound through more diagnostics, knowing we wouldn't do surgery. Holding your precious Jazz in my prayers and sending hugs to you. Jeanne with Remington & Scooter the cat....and Beloved Bridge Angels Sandee, Shari, Wells, Derby, Phoenix, Jerry Lee and Finnian.....If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heavenand bring you home again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest HeatherDemps Posted September 4, 2008 Share Posted September 4, 2008 I'm sorry to hear this. This may have been what was wrong with Dempsey last week and I felt as you do now- surgery was not an option. It's terrible to have to consider saying goodbye, even when knowing it's in their best interests. Know that you have given Jazz a wonderful life with you and enjoy whatever time you have left together. You both are in my thoughts today. Heather The vet thinks she may have a slipped disc, and the best diagnostic test would be some sort of scan with the dye injection and we are not going to do that to her. Whatever it is has not improved today, and I doubt we can do much for her. I would never consider surgery on this girl. The vet is giving her more prednisone. Thank you for the kind thoughts. I'm pretty sure we will be saying goodbye to Jazz tomorrow around noon. All I can hope for now is that the rest of the time is uneventful (no thrashing) and I can feed her something she will really enjoy. At least she wanted to eat last night. In these past 10 months, nothing makes me happier than seeing her eat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ss556 Posted September 4, 2008 Share Posted September 4, 2008 I am sorry you are going through this. Alan has Norvasc in addition to the Benazepril. The cortisone can hurt the kidneys. I was going to suggest acupuncture but then continued reading your posts and I see you have made your decision. My prayers are with you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Winterwish Posted September 4, 2008 Share Posted September 4, 2008 Keeping you and your girl Jazz in my thoughts and prayers too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MAXNAV Posted September 4, 2008 Share Posted September 4, 2008 The vet thinks she may have a slipped disc, and the best diagnostic test would be some sort of scan with the dye injection and we are not going to do that to her. Whatever it is has not improved today, and I doubt we can do much for her. I would never consider surgery on this girl. The vet is giving her more prednisone. Thank you for the kind thoughts. I'm pretty sure we will be saying goodbye to Jazz tomorrow around noon. All I can hope for now is that the rest of the time is uneventful (no thrashing) and I can feed her something she will really enjoy. At least she wanted to eat last night. In these past 10 months, nothing makes me happier than seeing her eat. I'm so sorry she's not doing better. I know the feelings that you're going through. Give her whatever she wants to eat, and hug, hug, hug her. We're thinking of you. Doreen & Navigator NH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burpdog Posted September 4, 2008 Share Posted September 4, 2008 Sending lots of prayers! Diane & The Senior Gang Burpdog Biscuits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest suzye Posted September 4, 2008 Share Posted September 4, 2008 I am sorry you are going through this. Alan has Norvasc in addition to the Benazepril. The cortisone can hurt the kidneys. I was going to suggest acupuncture but then continued reading your posts and I see you have made your decision. My prayers are with you. Would a slipped disc, if that's what this is, respond to acupuncture? She has literally no control over her rear legs. I don't know if acupuncture could help with something so severe. Regardless, I think it's best to say goodbye. She can barely move and I don't want her to suffer. She is eating meatloaf, her favorite, and my husband just went out to buy a T-bone. I'm sure that will be her new favorite. At least she is eating for me and I can have that as a good memory. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted September 5, 2008 Share Posted September 5, 2008 Sending gentle hugs for you and your pupper. Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ss556 Posted September 5, 2008 Share Posted September 5, 2008 I wouldn't think the acupuncture would help a slipped disc, I was suggesting that before you mentioned that diagnosis. Again, I'm sorry, this is difficult. Hugs to all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest suzye Posted September 5, 2008 Share Posted September 5, 2008 I wouldn't think the acupuncture would help a slipped disc, I was suggesting that before you mentioned that diagnosis. Again, I'm sorry, this is difficult. Hugs to all. Oh, OK. Thank you everyone for the thoughts. Jazz has been somewhat restless, perhaps just frustrated that she can't move her back legs, so I gave her the Diazepam injection the vet prepared and now she is sleeping. I hope she will rest throughout the night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest suzye Posted September 5, 2008 Share Posted September 5, 2008 Jazz is now at the bridge. The vet came to the house to set her free. We stayed with her the whole time, something I had been dreading, because when we let my childhood pet go, no one could stand to be in the room. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but the worst is probably yet to come as I adjust to being without her. Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers. Greytalk is a great place and I really owe the last several months to those who posted about K9KidneyDiet. Without the things I learned there, Jazz wouldn't have made it nearly so far. She was diagnosed with kidney failure almost 1 year ago (Oct. 14, 2007). And her kidneys were going strong when this incident happened. While the last 2 days were extremely hard, we are fortunate that she didn't suffer too long. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ss556 Posted September 5, 2008 Share Posted September 5, 2008 I'm so sorry. Run free at the Bridge Jazz, I'm sure your legs will work fine there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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